Wike bans Abuja green-space car lots to curb flooding

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate ban on the conversion of green spaces, parks, and gardens into commercial car dealership lots across Abuja. The directive, announced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, is aimed at curbing worsening flood incidents in the capital city, where the loss of these areas has disrupted urban drainage systems. Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister, Lere Olayinka, disclosed the order in a statement, noting that iconic sites like the Millennium Park have recently been co-opted for unauthorized vehicle displays.

To enforce the ban, the FCT Administration has established a dedicated Task Force tasked with monitoring affected areas and ensuring the immediate clearance of illegal car lots. In addition to the operational measure, Minister Wike has initiated an administrative probe into officials suspected of granting illegal approvals for the commercial use of these protected zones. The FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has summoned several key officials, including directors from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management,...