The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revoked all existing park licences in Abuja, directing operators to resubmit their documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation.
The move, authorities said, followed widespread violations of policy guidelines and abuse of approved land use across the territory.
Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing journalists on the recent demolition of Boulevard Park in Maitama.
According to him, the directive stemmed from a memo jointly presented to the FCT Minister by the directors of Parks and Recreation as well as Lands, citing “serious infractions” in the management of public parks.
“All allocations have been withdrawn. Operators must reapply through the Parks and Recreation Department. Only those who meet the stipulated conditions will be considered for reallocation,” Galadima said.
He stressed that the action was not a witch-hunt but a deliberate step to restore order, legality and compliance with the territory’s urban policies.
“There’s nothing like witch-hunting. The minister has the statutory power to regulate land use in the FCT, including parks,” he explained.
On the demolition of Boulevard Park, Galadima clarified that operators were duly notified before enforcement began. He accused them of grossly violating their original approval, running activities that contradicted recreational policies.
“Boulevard Park was approved for recreation, but what was happening there was a complete departure from its intended use,” he noted.
The Development Control boss also disclosed that park operators were originally expected to submit conceptual designs for approval before opening, but regulatory lapses had encouraged widespread abuses.
“The FCT is governed by law, and lawlessness will not be tolerated. Every park operator must abide by the terms and conditions of their allocation,” he warned.
He further revealed that a ministerial committee had been inaugurated to review all park allocations and ensure their usage strictly aligns with recreational purposes.
