Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate redesign and upgrade of the long-abandoned Life Camp Recreation Park into a modern leisure and sporting facility, declaring that the project will be executed under emergency conditions to rapidly enhance the liveability and well-being of residents across the nation’s capital.
​Wike announced the decision on Monday, August 3, 2026, following an inspection tour of the neglected park located near the Life Camp Roundabout in Abuja.
​The minister’s directive came shortly after he received a Certificate of Commendation at the State House from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge. The recognition followed the FCT Administration’s (FCTA) recent successful transformation of the Abuja City Gate into a prominent recreational and environmental landmark.
​”Today, by the grace of God, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, gave the FCTA an award and commendation over our contribution to the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Green Nigeria Challenge,” Wike stated. “This award will spur us and motivate us to continue implementing the ideals of the Renewed Hope Initiative across the territory.”
​Lamenting years of official inaction that left the prime site unutilized, Wike emphasized that the FCTA is determined to reverse the trend. He revealed plans to fast-track the project by bypassing standard bureaucratic delays and setting a completion target of within one year.
Highlight of the project will include the Life Camp Recreation Park, near the Life Camp Roundabout. The Fitness and sporting areas, green relaxation gardens, scenic spots for photography, and modern leisure amenities.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has been instructed to engage top construction firms, including Julius Berger, to submit competitive design concepts leveraging the natural topography of the site.
The project will be executed as an emergency project to ensure completion within 12 months. The redevelopment of the Life Camp facility aligns with the broader infrastructure renewal vision of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Wike noted that expanding public green spaces directly responds to citizens’ demands for a higher quality of life.
​In addition to the park upgrade, Wike disclosed that the FCTA will introduce an annual New Year fireworks countdown at the newly remodelled Abuja City Gate later this year, bringing Nigeria’s capital in line with major international cities.
