Owners and operators of recreational facilities in Abuja have lamented the loss of revenues following the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) decision to enforce Park Policy mandating all nightlife fun seekers to leave parks at 7 pm.
The enforcement which commenced at the popular Eden Garden, Jabi at about 8: 14 pm, moved to Par Excellence Waterfalls and Park, Unity Global Garden, Grillzhut Garden all in Wuse Zone 5, Deli Restaurant and Garden, Wuse zone 4 and ended at City Park, Wuse II.
Most of the places visited still had nightlife lovers and patrons seated around their pleasure tables in different clusters, but unwillingly rushed out when the enforcement team stormed and interrupted their groove.
Madam Winners Wokoma who runs a sit-out restaurant at the Eden Garden said her losses due to the policy would be enough to send someone to the grave but will comply with the orders.
A Manager at the elites City Park, Wuse II, Micheal Akogwu said he opted to close exactly at 7 pm in compliance with the directives to avoid troubles from the government.
He said the revenue losses in the Park are very colossal, considering different segments that offer unique services with attractive selling points.
The Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement to FCT Minister, Ikharo Attah said enforcing the policy was not meant to kill people’s businesses, but to instil a sense of sanity in the parks and recreation sector.
While regretting that the good intention of the administration in allocating parks and gardens has been abused, he called for understanding and compliance.
He however assured that the administration will continue to dialogue with owners and operators of parks, to fine-tune the processes and ensure seamless implementation.
”We came out this night for advocacy enforcement, we have gone around some gardens to ensure compliance to FCTA Park policy 2005 that states that parks should close by 7 pm, that is why we appear to be very soft.
“Everyone is concerned about park operators, we want them to make money, but we still need orderliness. Parks are not lounges, nightclubs and hotels. They have specific guidelines on how they should operate. I think with time, everyone will begin to adjust”.
Dominica Nwabufo
