A few weeks ago, in March, demolitions and the subsequent erection of fences began at the park, forcing many businesses to leave, while others who do not have alternatives continue to hang around, waiting for the government to provide clarity.
For many residents and users, the ongoing demolition and renovation at Jabi Lake in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has triggered confusion and panic, particularly among business owners, who fear losing sources of their livelihoods.
One of them is Bola Adeosun, a tennis entrepreneur, who was told to vacate the premises two weeks ago when demolition began.
What started like a renovation now seems like a total takeover to him and many others.
This uncertainty has made him defiant, as he simply relocated to the next available spot within the park.
“I was only told by one of my customers that they announced on the radio that they want to use this place. We didn’t get any quit notice,” Mr Adeosun told PREMIUM TIMES.
The table tennis business owner now moves from one spot to another as the demolition continues to expand inside the park.
For decades, Jabi Lake has been a hot-spot for natural attractions and recreational activities in the nation’s capital city. Tennis, boating, cycling, and other sporting activities are prominent among the park’s visitors.
Since its commissioning in 2007, it has become a significant commercial hub, providing a means of livelihood for many.
Many of these businesses pay annually to maintain their stands there.
They said it attracts over 3,000 visitors weekly and has the potential for greater revenue generation.
However, this potential remains untapped due to inadequate maintenance.
This is what many felt the authorities intended to address. However, the tone shifted when vendors, some of whom had operated there for over 10 years, were ordered to evacuate the premises, and their shops were subsequently demolished.
In February, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited for the transformation of Jabi Lake into a major recreational centre in Abuja.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the initiative would reposition the area as a destination for recreation, such as the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
In March, demolitions and the subsequent erection of fences began at the park, forcing many businesses to leave. Others who do not have alternatives continue to hang around, waiting for the government for clarity.
“There are rumours that the park was given to some private companies, and we are to leave here permanently,” Mr Adeosun said.
On March 28, some residents business owners protested against the action of the FCTA, demanding clarity on the issue.
Many said they were not informed officially before the operation commenced, and that the government proposal was not transparent and clear enough.
A group also wrote an FOI request regarding this action, demanding to know the purpose of the development and the plan for the vendors being forced to evacuate.
Their demands include a full agreement and legal framework of the project, comprising a copy of the MOU, Certificate of Occupancy, or contractual schedules defining the obligations and rights and land use of the companies.
They further requested the scope and design of the project, public access, and use of space in the park. They asked the authority to provide clear information on whether access to the park will remain free, partially restricted, ticketed, or commercially controlled.
“We protested twice, first on Wednesday, and the second one on Saturday. We also sent a letter to the FCTA, and currently, we are writing another letter.” Rahama Yelwa, one of the leaders of the protesters, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone conversation.
FCTA has not responded to the letter or released any further information concerning the issue.
Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the FCT minister, could not be reached for comments. He did not respond to messages and calls from this newspaper.
