Wike Bans Car Dealerships on FCT Green Areas

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate end to the use of green areas, parks and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots and for other unauthorised activities.

The directive was issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as the FCT Administration steps up efforts to protect open spaces and reduce the risk of flooding across the Federal Capital City.

Wike raised concern over the conversion of areas meant for recreation and environmental purposes into commercial spaces. Some of the affected locations include green areas and parks within the city, including spaces around the Millennium Park.

Under the new directive, the use of such locations for car sales and other activities without proper approval will no longer be allowed. The administration is also expected to monitor the affected areas to ensure that the order is followed.

The FCT Administration has created a task force to enforce the directive and prevent further encroachment on green areas, parks and gardens across the capital.

The move is also linked to the administration’s wider response to flooding in parts of Abuja. Officials are concerned that the loss of open spaces and other areas meant to support proper drainage and water flow could worsen flooding in the city.

Wike has further ordered an investigation into civil servants suspected of approving the illegal conversion of green areas into car dealership lots.

The officials being investigated include directors in the Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs departments.

The affected directors have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, to answer questions over their roles in the approval and management of the affected spaces.

The FCT Administration said the enforcement action is aimed at restoring the proper use of designated green areas and ensuring that public spaces in Abuja are preserved for their intended purposes.

The directive is expected to affect operators who have turned public green spaces and recreational areas into commercial locations without valid authorisation.