By Ismaeel Aleem
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revoked all park licences in Abuja, citing widespread policy violations and mismanagement.
The decision, announced by Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, followed a memo from the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands, which highlighted significant breaches in park operations across the territory.
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Operators have been instructed to resubmit documents for fresh screening, with the possibility of reallocation for those who meet regulatory standards.
The announcement coincided with the recent demolition of Boulevard Park in Maitama, Abuja, which Galadima described as a prime example of non-compliance.
He explained that the park, originally designated for recreational use, had strayed significantly from its approved purpose.
“Boulevard Park was approved for recreation, but its operations violated every aspect of the policy,” Galadima told journalists.
He stressed that the demolition followed due notification and adherence to legal requirements, dismissing claims of arbitrariness.
Galadima clarified that the licence withdrawal was not a witch-hunt but a necessary measure to enforce compliance with urban policies governing park operations in the FCT.
“There’s nothing like witch-hunting. All park allocations were withdrawn over consistent violations,” he stated, underscoring the FCT Minister’s authority to regulate land use, including public parks.
Operators are now required to submit their documents to the Department of Parks and Recreation for review. “If they meet the terms and conditions, they’ll be reallocated,” Galadima assured.
The FCTA’s action addresses long-standing gaps in oversight, which Galadima said had allowed widespread abuse.
He revealed that parks were expected to submit conceptual designs for approval before operating, but lapses in monitoring enabled violations to persist.
To address this, a ministerial committee has been set up to review all park allocations and ensure they align with their original recreational purposes.
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Galadima reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to upholding the law, stating, “The FCT is governed by law, and lawlessness will not be tolerated.”
The Department of Parks and Recreation will continue to monitor park activities to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
