FCTA Revokes All Park Licenses in Abuja Over Policy Violations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has withdrawn all park licenses in Abuja, directing operators to resubmit their documents for fresh screening and possible reallocation. The decision follows reports of widespread policy breaches and land-use violations in park operations across the city.

Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control at the FCTA, confirmed the development on Wednesday in Abuja, citing a joint memo from the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands. He explained that the move is part of efforts to restore order and ensure full compliance with urban planning regulations.

“This is not about witch-hunting. All park allocations were revoked due to repeated violations. The Minister has the authority to regulate land use in the FCT, including public parks. Operators who meet the required terms and conditions will be reconsidered for reallocation,” Galadima said.

Context and Enforcement

The announcement comes in the wake of the demolition of Boulevard Park in Maitama, which authorities said violated its approved recreational terms. According to Galadima, the operators were duly notified, and enforcement was carried out in line with existing legal processes.

• Boulevard Park was originally approved for recreation but allegedly breached every guideline of its license.
• Going forward, all parks in Abuja must submit approved conceptual designs before operations can commence.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation will oversee compliance to ensure parks function strictly within their designated purpose.

A ministerial committee has also been set up to review allocations and align them with recreational objectives.

Wider Urban Planning Efforts

The revocation is part of broader enforcement measures by the FCTA to tackle illegal developments and restore order in the capital city. In August, over 1,000 unauthorized structures were cleared in Karsana, Gwarinpa, to open a road corridor, though indigenous homes were spared. Similar operations have also been carried out in Cashew Garden, Apo, to eliminate illegal settlements linked to insecurity.

Alongside enforcement, the administration is pursuing large-scale urban renewal projects. Recently, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MAG International Links Ltd to develop City Walk Abuja, a 200-hectare mixed-use development modeled after Dubai’s City Walk. The project aims to attract investment, create jobs, and integrate global standards into Abuja’s urban landscape.

What This Means

The review and resubmission process is expected to create a more transparent and accountable system for managing parks in the FCT. Officials say the ultimate goal is to ensure that public parks serve their intended recreational purpose while contributing to safety, order, and sustainable urban development.