The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has suspended all park licenses in Abuja, instructing operators to resubmit their paperwork for a new round of scrutiny and possible reapproval.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of Development Control disclosed the details in a chat with journalists, stating that the decision originated from a memo by the Parks and Recreation and Lands Directors. He pointed out that many operators were caught flouting the rules, forcing the FCTA to step in to clean up the mess and enforce the city’s land-use policies.
Just recently the FCTA tore down Boulevard Park in Maitama for straying from its designated recreational purpose. Galadima was quick to say this wasn’t about targeting anyone but fixing what’s broken.
“All operators need to send their documents back to the Parks and Recreation Department. Only those who play by the rules will get their licenses back,” he stated.
He explained that park developers were supposed to submit design plans for approval before starting work, but spotty oversight led to rampant violations. To tackle this, the FCTA has set up a ministerial committee to double-check all allocations and make sure parks stick to their approved recreational roles.
