The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered the demolition of Boulevard Park in Maitama, Abuja, citing violations of park policy and the Abuja Master Plan.
Mukhtar Galadima, the FCT Director of Development Control, announced the action during an enforcement exercise on Tuesday.
He said the park, which was designated as a recreational space, had been “grossly misused and overbuilt.”
“What is happening here is an enforcement exercise to clean up infractions observed within this park. Specifically, Boulevard Park has violated the park policy.
“When you look around, you cannot pinpoint a single recreational facility, even though it is designated as a recreational park. Instead, the park is simply overbuilt,” he said.
According to Galadima, the space has been converted into worship centres, revival grounds, and restaurants operating under unhygienic conditions.
He alleged that the park harboured people of questionable character, raising both security and environmental concerns for the surrounding residential neighborhood.
The Director said 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.”
Galadima 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,” he said.
Galadima said he did not rule out the possibility of drug-related activities and other unlawful gatherings within the park, given the calibre of individuals found on the premises.
He revealed that FCTA planed 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.
He stated that the allocation of the park’s former operators has been technically revoked.
He hinted that the administration might also seek to recover the cost of the enforcement exercise, in line with urban and regional planning regulations.
Galadima warned all residents and developers to adhere to land use specifications to maintain 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.
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