The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has withdrawn all park licenses in Abuja, citing major policy violations. According to Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, the decision follows a memo from the directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands, which highlighted serious violations and inadequacies in park management.
The FCT minister’s directive allows park operators to resubmit their documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation. Galadima explained that operators who meet the terms and conditions will be reallocated, provided they respond and submit their documents for approval. This move, he emphasized, is not a witch-hunt but a necessary step to restore order and compliance with urban policies guiding park operations in the Federal Capital Territory.
The recent demolition of Boulevard Park in Maitama, Abuja, was a result of the park’s violation of its original terms of use. Despite being approved for recreational purposes, the park operated activities that contravened recreational policies and deviated from the approved land use allocation. Galadima noted that the park operators were properly notified beforehand, and enforcement followed after all legal requirements had been satisfied.
The Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for monitoring park activities and ensuring that parks operate within approved regulatory guidelines. However, a lack of monitoring led to widespread abuse and policy breaches. Galadima stated that all parks are expected to submit conceptual designs for approval before opening, and every park operator must comply with all terms and conditions attached to their allocation.
A ministerial committee has been established to review all park allocations and ensure that their usage aligns strictly with the original recreational purposes. The FCTA’s decision to withdraw park licenses and resubmit documents for fresh screening aims to restore order and legality in the management of parks across the territory. The move is seen as a significant step towards regulating land use in the Federal Capital Territory and promoting compliance with urban policies.
