A coalition of rights groups, civil society organisations, and the Federation of Informal Workers’ Organisation of Nigeria staged a peaceful demonstration at Abuja’s premier recreational center on Tuesday. Protesters gathered to demand immediate government action regarding the Jabi Lake Park redevelopment scheme. While the demonstrators clarified that they do not oppose upgrading the facility, they urged the authorities to establish a transparent framework, consult with local stakeholders, and ensure social safety nets for displaced traders.

The public demonstration follows an agreement finalized in February 2026 under Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who partnered with Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Ltd. to upgrade the location under a broader urban renewal scheme. FCT officials maintain the initiative will transition the area into a premier tourist and leisure hub, attracting foreign investments and creating fresh employment channels. However, advocacy networks have raised critical alarms regarding the opacity of the concession process, a distinct lack of community input, and the severe financial blow dealt to hundreds of small business owners.

During the demonstration, Accountability Lab Nigeria Country Director Friday Odeh emphasized that the current framework completely ignores the vulnerability of vulnerable laborers. He noted that the coalition is demanding an immediate release of the signed partnership documentation to allow public scrutiny and informed civic dialogue. Furthermore, Odeh questioned the validity of the procurement process, stating that anti-corruption agencies have been petitioned to investigate how the project was awarded, especially after multiple Freedom of Information requests filed to the FCT administration were ignored.

Echoing these demands, FIWON representative Blessing Yusuf called for a temporary freeze on all structural demolition and fencing operations until comprehensive community town halls and independent environmental audits are executed. She underscored that upcoming developments must guarantee affordable entry for ordinary citizens while offering fair compensation packages to merchants whose livelihoods have already been paralyzed. Established in 2007 under the Abuja Master Plan, the park serves as one of the very few accessible green spaces left for local residents, athletes, and informal workers.

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Structures at Boulevard Park in Maitama were demolished on Tuesday after authorities ruled that the facility violated park regulations and contravened the Abuja Master Plan.

The enforcement, carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), was led by officials of the Department of Development Control. Director Mukhtar Galadima, represented by Assistant Director Dr. Sherif Razak, said the park, originally designated as a recreational facility, had been grossly misused and illegally overbuilt.

According to Razak, Boulevard Park had strayed far from its approved purpose. Instead of serving as a leisure space, it had become a hub for unauthorized activities.

He alleged that individuals of “questionable character” frequented the premises, raising security and environmental concerns in the upscale neighborhood.

“There is evidence that people were even residing in the park, which is a clear violation of the policy guiding recreational spaces,” he said. “This contravenes both the Abuja Master Plan and park regulations.”

The FCTA insisted that due process was observed before the demolition. Officials explained that statutory notices were served on the operators, followed by a grace period to allow them to remove personal belongings.

“We are not here to destroy property. Enough time was given for occupants to salvage their goods before enforcement commenced,” Razak stressed, as workers were seen removing mattresses and other personal items from the grounds.

He also hinted at possible drug-related activities and unlawful gatherings within the facility, given the nature of individuals reportedly operating there.

Galadima disclosed that the administration has launched a broader initiative to reclaim and redesign parks across the territory.

“Previously, parks were thematic in nature some active, some passive. The administration has resolved to take them back and reassign them with appropriate themes, in line with global best practices,” he said.

According to him, the objective is to restore Abuja’s parks to their intended purpose, ensuring residents have safe and proper recreational spaces.

Galadima confirmed that the allocation of Boulevard Park’s former operators has been revoked. He added that the FCTA may recover the costs of the demolition and enforcement exercise in line with urban and regional planning regulations.

“Abuja has a master plan and regulations guiding development. The spirit of that plan is to create a city where people can live, work, and recreate. We will continue to enforce compliance in the interest of environmental sanity and public safety,” he stated.

The action at Boulevard Park is part of a larger clean-up exercise across the FCT. In August, the administration demolished more than 1,000 shacks and illegal structures in Karsana, near Gwarinpa, to open a major road corridor.

Earlier this year, FCTA also cleared shanties and unauthorized buildings at “Cashew Garden” in Apo Cadastral Zone E27, targeting criminal hideouts while sparing indigenous homes.

Officials say these measures are aimed at curbing insecurity, restoring order, and preserving the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.

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