By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has revoked all park licences in Abuja and directed operators to resubmit their documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation.
Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, confirmed this on Wednesday while addressing newsmen on the demolition of Boulevard Park, Maitama, which authorities said had grossly violated the terms of its allocation.
Galadima explained that the decision followed a memo jointly submitted by the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands, which detailed widespread violations in park operations across the territory.
“This is not about witch-hunting. All park allocations have been withdrawn following a series of violations. Owners of parks should resubmit their documents, and if they meet the requirements, they will be reallocated.
“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.
He added that the FCT Minister had constituted a committee to review all park allocations and restore their original recreational purpose, warning that the city’s development would not be compromised by lawlessness.
On Boulevard Park, Galadima said operators were duly notified before the enforcement, stressing that the facility had “violated all the terms and conditions” of its allocation by operating outside approved recreational use.
Turning to security concerns, Galadima disclosed that the FCTA was also set to demolish the Durumi shanties, which he described as a notorious black spot where hoodlums hide under the guise of Internally Displaced Persons.
“Durumi has been observed and noted as one of the black spots, problem areas where people have fear and challenges with regards to safety and security.
“Definitely, we are going to clear that place. All those criminal elements hiding under the name of IDP will be profiled before enforcement. There have been several reports of attacks, harassment and molestation around that axis, and the Minister is determined to improve security so residents can move freely.”
He noted that the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Refugee Commission, Police and other security agencies were working with Development Control to design a coordinated response for the area.
