By Peter Omopo
September 3, 2025
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has withdrawn all park licences in Abuja, directing operators to undergo a fresh screening exercise before reallocation.
The Director of Development Control, Murktar Galadima, announced the decision on Wednesday while addressing journalists on the demolition of Boulevard Park, Maitama, which was pulled down a day earlier for violating park policies and distorting the Abuja Master Plan.
According to Galadima, the withdrawal followed a joint memo from the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands to the FCT Minister, citing widespread abuses and irregularities in park operations across the capital.
“Owners of parks should respond to the call, submit their documents, and if they meet the requirements, they will return to their parks,” he said, stressing that the move was not meant to witch-hunt operators but to restore order and ensure compliance.
During Tuesday’s enforcement, Sherif Razak, Assistant Director in charge of Maitama and Wuse, explained that Boulevard Park had been grossly overbuilt and converted into worship centres, revival grounds, and restaurants, often operating under unhygienic conditions.
Galadima clarified that operators of the demolished park had been duly notified, noting that their activities were in total violation of the terms of allocation.
“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,” he stated.
He added that a ministerial committee has been set up to review all park allocations to ensure they serve their original purpose as recreational spaces.
