The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun demolition at Boulevard Park, Maitama, citing violations of park policy and infractions against the Abuja Master Plan.
Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who was represented by Assistant Director Dr. Sherif Razak during the enforcement on Tuesday, said the park, which was originally designated as a recreational space, had been grossly misused and overbuilt.
He explained that the enforcement exercise was aimed at addressing the infractions observed within the facility, stressing that Boulevard Park had clearly violated the park policy.
“When you look around, you cannot identify a single recreational facility, even though it is designated as a recreational park. Instead, the park is simply overbuilt,” he said.
Galadima noted that the space has been converted into worship centres, revival grounds, and restaurants operating under unhygienic conditions.
He alleged that the park harbored people of questionable character, raising both security and environmental concerns for the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Due process before demolition
He emphasized that due process was followed before the demolition, adding that notices were served, and a grace period was granted for occupants to remove their belongings.
“We are not here to destroy property. Enough time was given for them to salvage their goods before the enforcement exercise,” he added.
He confirmed that some individuals were living within the premises, which in itself was a violation of the park’s regulations.
“As you can see, people are salvaging mattresses. We have documented evidence that the park was being used as a place of abode.
“This is a gross violation of the park policy and the Abuja Master Plan.”
Galadima did not rule out the possibility of drug-related activities and other unlawful gatherings within the park, given the caliber of individuals found on the premises.
He revealed that FCTA planned on redefining and reassigning parks in the city to serve their intended purpose.
“Previously, all parks were thematic in nature, some active, some passive. The administration has resolved to take them back and reassign them with appropriate themes, to be developed in line with global best practices.
“This will ensure residents of the city have proper recreational spaces,” Galadima said.
Allocation revoked and costs may be recovered
Galadima said that the allocation of the park’s former operators has technically been revoked.
He hinted that the administration may also recover the cost of the enforcement exercise in accordance with urban and regional planning regulations.
He therefore warned all residents and developers to stick with the land use specifications towards maintaining environmental sanity in the territory.
“Abuja has a master plan and regulations guiding development. The spirit of the master plan is to create a city where people can live, work, and recreate,” he said.
What You Should Know
Nairametrics reported that in August, the FCTA demolished more than 1,000 shacks and illegal structures in Karsana, near Bunkoro District in Gwarinpa, to open a major road corridor.
The operation, led by Galadima, targeted illegal squatters and individuals of “questionable character,” while sparing indigenous homes.
The FCTA also cleared illegal structures and shanties at “Cashew Garden” in Apo Cadastral Zone E27, as part of an ongoing citywide sanitation and security operation to remove criminal hideouts.
