Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has declared an immediate ban across the territory on the unauthorised transformation of public recreational areas and green spaces into commercial car dealership.

The prohibition encompasses parks and carports located near Millennium Park.

He stated that the measure is part of an initiative to address flooding issues currently affecting certain areas of the Federal Capital City.

Wike made the announcement on Wednesday during an inspection of various projects across the nation’s capital, emphasising that individuals interested in engaging in the car trade should acquire land to conduct their businesses legally.

The minister also revealed the formation of a specialised task force aimed at ensuring compliance and removing all unauthorised auto dealers from green zones.

Wike said, “You can imagine, everywhere you have green areas, you have carports now. So, I’ve already stopped it, and I’ve set up a task force to make sure that every car dealer is moved out of the green areas.

“If you want to sell your car, you go and purchase somewhere and then develop it.

“Not where you see green, you just go and start selling cars where a recreational park is supposed to be. We will not accept it again.”