FCTA revokes all park allocations, orders fresh screening
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revoked all park allocations in Abuja, citing widespread violations of policies guiding their use.
Sequel to this, all park operators have now been directed to resubmit their documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation.
Speaking during an interview in Abuja, the Director, Department of Development Control, Murktar Galadima, disclosed that the decision followed a memo jointly submitted by the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands, which exposed multiple inadequacies and breaches in the management of parks across the territory.
As part of the directive, he said that operators are required to return their documentation to the Department of Parks and Recreation for review, adding that only those who meet the stipulated conditions will be considered for reallocation under the new system.
According to Muktar, the revocation is aimed at restoring order and ensuring strict compliance with existing regulations rather than targeting individuals or businesses.
“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.
Galadima 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 All park allocations have been withdrawn following a series of violations, and the Minister is at liberty to do whatever he wants to do with land in the FCT, parks inclusive,” he stated.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 in Maitama, Galadima explained that the management of the park had long violated the terms of its allocation and was found to be operating outside the approved recreational policy.
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.
He 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,” Galadima warned.
Galadima 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.
