The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has urged newly appointed directors in the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) key planning agencies to strengthen processes guiding the implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, emphasizing its role in sustainable city growth.
The call followed recent leadership changes approved by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, appointing Dr. Bashir Magaji Sunusi as Acting Director of the Department of Development Control and Joseph Dhis as Acting Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
According to a statement signed by Dr. C. J. Nor, NITP’s National Public Relations Secretary, the Institute held a one-day leadership engagement with the new directors and senior staff of both departments. The session focused on strengthening administrative and technical processes for plan implementation and advancing sustainable development across Abuja and its surrounding regions.
Speaking at the event, NITP National President, Dr. Chime Ogbonna, underscored that the Abuja Master Plan remains the guiding blueprint for orderly development.
“You must uphold the sanctity of the Abuja Master Plan at all times. Without it, the city risks chaos and disharmony. The Master Plan is the roadmap for Abuja’s comprehensive development, and its implementation procedures must be strictly followed if the capital is to remain a global model,” Ogbonna said.
He highlighted that implementation—not just planning—is critical, and stressed the need to domesticate the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 to strengthen legal backing for planning practice and urban governance.
Ogbonna also called for a comprehensive review of the 1979 Master Plan to address contemporary realities, including rapid urbanisation, new land-use patterns, and modern city concepts such as smart cities, 15-minute cities, compact development, and green-city principles.
Acting Director of Development Control, Dr. Bashir Magaji Sunusi, pledged strict enforcement of the Master Plan while promoting a people-centred approach:
“Cities are for people. We will ensure that citizens and stakeholders play active roles in shaping Abuja. We will curb illegal development, restore order, and ensure the capital functions as intended, a jewel for the nation and the world.”
Joseph Dhis, Acting Director of Parks and Recreation, reaffirmed his department’s commitment to enhancing Abuja’s green infrastructure:
“The Abuja Master Plan designates the city as a garden city, with at least 30% of land for green development. We are committed to expanding tree planting, integrating nature into urban design, and making Abuja Africa’s premier green city.”
Dr. Nor noted that the engagement was timely, given rapid infrastructure expansion across the city and area councils. The session concluded with a call for greater collaboration among FCT departments to ensure professional guidance and sustainable urban growth.
“Work closely with sister agencies and provide sound professional guidance to the Hon. Minister. The responsibility entrusted to you is significant, and your combined expertise will shape the future of the capital,” Ogbonna said.
