FCTA Revokes All Park Licenses in Abuja, Orders Fresh Resubmission Amid Policy Violations
Abuja, September 3, 2025 — The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revoked all park licenses across Abuja, directing operators to resubmit documents for fresh screening and potential reallocation due to widespread policy violations. The announcement follows the demolition of Boulevard Park in Maitama, which highlighted significant breaches of the Abuja Master Plan and park management regulations.
Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, revealed the decision during an interview with journalists, citing a memo from the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands that outlined serious infractions in park operations. “The FCT Minister acted on evidence of major violations and inadequacies in park management across the territory,” Galadima stated. He emphasized that operators must resubmit documents to the Parks and Recreation Department for review, with only those meeting strict terms and conditions eligible for reallocation. “If approved, operators can regain access to their parks,” he added.
The revocation stems from ongoing issues, including unauthorized structural extensions, overbuilding, and activities deviating from parks’ designated recreational purposes. Boulevard Park, for instance, was found to lack recreational facilities and was “grossly overbuilt,” violating its intended use as a green space. Galadima also hinted at concerns over unlawful gatherings and potential drug-related activities at some parks, underscoring the need to realign operations with global best practices.
This move is part of a broader FCTA initiative to sanitize Abuja’s urban landscape and enforce compliance with the city’s Master Plan. Previous enforcement actions, such as the 2022 demolition of Spotlight Garden Events and Recreation in Wuye District, reflect the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violations like operating beyond the mandated 7 PM closing time, which has been linked to security risks.
Park operators have expressed mixed reactions. Some, facing revenue losses, argue that strict regulations, including the 7 PM closure and alcohol bans, threaten their businesses. Others see the resubmission process as an opportunity to align with updated standards, though concerns remain about the clarity and fairness of the screening criteria.
The FCTA’s actions align with its broader city sanitation and security efforts, including recent demolitions of illegal shanties and structures along road corridors. The administration is also reintroducing policies like the “park and pay” scheme to enhance orderliness, with plans to generate significant revenue over the next decade.
Operators are urged to act swiftly to comply with the resubmission directive to avoid permanent revocation of their allocations. The FCTA has signaled that enforcement will continue rigorously to ensure parks serve their intended purpose as recreational and green spaces for Abuja’s residents.
For further details, contact the FCTA Department of Parks and Recreation at Plot 903, Tafawa Balewa Way, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.