The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate removal of car dealerships operating on green areas, parks and gardens across Abuja.
The directive followed concerns over the conversion of spaces originally reserved for recreation and environmental purposes, including parts of the Millennium Park, into vehicle sales and display lots.
Wike, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, directed relevant authorities to intensify monitoring and stop all unauthorised activities on designated green spaces.
The FCT Administration said the move is also aimed at addressing flooding in parts of the Federal Capital City, as the indiscriminate conversion of green areas can affect natural drainage and water absorption.
To ensure strict enforcement, the minister has approved the establishment of a special task force to identify and halt illegal use of parks, gardens and other designated green spaces.
Wike also ordered an investigation into civil servants accused of approving the conversion of protected green areas into car dealership lots.
Among those summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, are the Directors responsible for Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs.
The administration is expected to take further action against unauthorised developments following the outcome of the investigation.
