The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the withdrawal of all park licences in Abuja, directing operators to resubmit their documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation.
The Director of Development Control, Mr. Murktar Galadima, disclosed this at a press conference on Wednesday.
He said the decision was taken by the FCT Minister following a joint memo from the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands, which revealed several inadequacies and violations in park management across the city.
“The new directive gives park operators the chance to resubmit their documents for review. If they meet the terms and conditions, they can be reallocated. Owners should respond to the call, submit their papers, and once they meet requirements, they will return to their parks,” Galadima added.
He emphasized that the decision was not a witch-hunt but a move to restore order and ensure compliance with Abuja’s planning laws.
“There’s nothing like witch-hunting. All park allocations have been withdrawn due to serial violations, and the Minister is at liberty to take such decisions with land in the FCT, parks inclusive,” he said.
Speaking on the recent demolition of Boulevard Park, Maitama, Galadima clarified that operators were duly notified before enforcement. He noted that the park had strayed from its original recreational allocation, operating in contravention of park policy.
“Boulevard Park was allocated for recreation, but its activities completely violated the policy. It breached all terms and conditions,” he stated.
He added that monitoring of parks primarily lies with the Department of Parks and Recreation, which requires operators to submit conceptual designs for approval before operations. However, lapses in oversight had led to widespread abuse of allocations.
“The FCT is a creation of law, and lawlessness will not be tolerated. The city’s development is guided by law, and every operator must comply with the terms of their allocation,” Galadima warned.
