FCTA withdraws park licences, orders fresh screening of operators

Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has withdrawn all park licences in Abuja, directing operators to resubmit their documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation.
It was gathered that the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike took the decision following a memo jointly submitted by the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands, which highlighted several inadequacies and violations associated with the management of parks in the territory.
Making this disclosure, the Director of the Department of Development Control, Mr. Murkhtar Galadima, in an interview with newsmen while explaining the reasons for the demolition of Boulevard Park, Maitama, Abuja.
Galadima noted that the new directive offers park operators an opportunity to resubmit their documents to the Department of Parks and Recreation for review.
“If they meet the terms and conditions, they can be reallocated. Owners of parks should respond to the call, submit their documents, and if they meet the requirements, they will return to their parks”, he explained.
He however, stressed that the decision was not an act of witch-hunting but part of efforts to restore order and compliance with existing policies.
“There’s nothing like witch-hunting. All park allocations have been withdrawn following a series of violations, and the Minister is at liberty to do whatever he wants to do with land in the FCT, parks inclusive”, he stated.
On the recent demolition of Boulevard Park, Galadima clarified that the operators were duly notified before enforcement.
He pointed out that the park had long violated the terms of its allocation, operating in direct contravention of recreational policy.
“Boulevard Park was allocated for recreational purposes, but the activities taking place there are a total violation of the park policy in terms of operation. Boulevard has violated all the terms and conditions”, he said.
e further explained that the monitoring of parks is primarily the responsibility of the Department of Parks and Recreation, adding that parks are expected to submit their conceptual designs for approval before operations commence. However, lapses in monitoring had led to widespread abuse.
“The FCT is a creation of law, and lawlessness will not be tolerated. The development of the city is guided by law, and every operator must comply with the terms and conditions of their allocation”, the director warned.
Galadima therefore, assured that a ministerial committee has been set up to review all allocations and uses of parks, with a view to restoring their original recreational purpose.