By ANGELA ATABO

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has withdrawn all park licences in Abuja, asking operators to resubmit documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation, following major policy violations.

Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, disclosed this during an interview with journalists while explaining the recent demolition of Boulevard Park located in Maitama, Abuja.

He said the FCT Minister acted on a memo from the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands, highlighting serious violations and inadequacies in the management of parks across the territory.

Galadima noted that the directive allowed park operators to resubmit their documents to the Parks and Recreation Department for a fresh review, after which qualified parks might be reallocated.

“If they meet the terms and conditions, they’ll be reallocated. Operators must respond, submit their documents, and if approved, they can regain access to their parks,” Galadima explained.

He emphasised that the move is not a witch-hunt but a necessary step to restore order, legality, and compliance with urban policies guiding park operations in the Federal Capital Territory.

“There’s nothing like witch-hunting. All park allocations were withdrawn over consistent violations. The Minister holds authority to regulate land use in the FCT, including public parks,” he stated.

Regarding Boulevard Park’s demolition, Galadima clarified that the park operators were properly notified beforehand and enforcement only followed after all legal requirements had been satisfied.

He said the park had violated its original terms of use, operating activities that directly contravened recreational policies and deviated from the approved land use allocation.

“Boulevard Park was approved for recreation, but its operations violated every part of the policy. What’s happening there is a complete departure from the park’s Intended use,” he said.

Galadima added that the Department of Parks and Recreation was mainly responsible for monitoring park activities and ensuring that parks operated within approved regulatory guidelines.

He revealed that all parks were expected to submit conceptual designs for approval before opening, but failure in monitoring had led to widespread abuse and policy breaches.

“The FCT is governed by law, and lawlessness won’t be tolerated. Every park operator must comply with all terms and conditions attached to their allocation,” Galadima stated firmly.

He assured the public that a ministerial committee had been established to review all park allocations and ensured that their usage aligned strictly with the original recreational purposes. (NAN)