The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of about 30 buildings blocking the Right of Way of Abuja’s Ring Road 3.

Wike gave the order on Thursday during an inspection of road projects linking Karsana District, Gwarinpa and the Kubwa axis.

The affected buildings sit within the corridor reserved for Ring Road 3 and its planned interchange. The area forms part of the infrastructure network covered by the Abuja Master Plan.

Wike Orders Immediate Action

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, drew Wike’s attention to the structures during the inspection.

Dauda told the minister that the buildings occupy land reserved for the Ring Road 3 project. Wike then called officials of the Department of Development Control to the site.

The minister ordered the officials to remove the structures without delay. He also questioned how developers had managed to build within a major road and interchange corridor.

Wike said the government could not allow private buildings to obstruct important public infrastructure.

Ring Road 3 Project Links Major Areas

The Ring Road 3 project forms part of Abuja’s wider road network. The route will connect Karsana District with the Kubwa Road corridor, also known as the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

According to Dauda, the road will also extend towards Airport Road. A planned flyover will connect with the Ring Road 3 alignment as part of the project.

Dauda said construction of the second bridge on the corridor has also moved forward. He noted that workers had started the foundation despite the rocky terrain at the site.

The project team expects bridge construction to continue while work progresses on the wider road corridor.

Development Control Concerns

The discovery of buildings along the road corridor has raised fresh concerns about development control in the Federal Capital Territory.

Abuja relies on planned land use to protect space for roads, public facilities and other infrastructure. When private developments enter these areas, they can create problems for transport projects and urban planning.

The situation also carries risks for property buyers and developers. Investors who purchase or develop land without checking approved land use may face disputes, demolition or financial losses.

For this reason, property developers need to confirm land titles, planning approvals and Right of Way restrictions before starting construction.

Protecting the Abuja Master Plan

The FCT Administration has continued to stress the importance of enforcing the Abuja Master Plan. The plan provides a framework for land use and infrastructure development across the capital.

Wike’s directive shows that the administration intends to prevent buildings from blocking planned road projects. It also places renewed attention on the role of development control officials in monitoring construction.

The immediate removal of the affected buildings will clear the Ring Road 3 corridor for ongoing construction and interchange works.

The development highlights a wider issue facing fast-growing cities: the need to balance private property development with long-term infrastructure planning. Stronger land checks and effective development control can help reduce conflicts between property owners and major public projects.

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Wike Orders Investigation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an investigation into FCT officials linked to illegal approvals for car dealerships in Abuja.

The officials include Directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs.

The FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has summoned the affected officials. The investigation will examine their role in approving the use of green areas, parks and gardens for car lots.

Wike also ordered the immediate end of car dealership activities on green areas and other spaces meant for public recreation.

The FCT Administration announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday. Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, signed the statement.

Task Force to Enforce Ban

The minister has also ordered the creation of a task force to enforce the directive.

The team will monitor the affected areas and stop further unauthorised commercial activities. It will also check that businesses do not return to spaces reserved for parks, gardens and other public uses.

Wike raised concerns about the use of recreational areas for commercial purposes. Parts of Millennium Park and other green spaces have also come under attention.

The development has renewed questions about land use in Abuja. Green spaces form an important part of the city’s planning system. They also provide areas for recreation and help support better urban management.

Flooding Raises Planning Concerns

The FCT government’s latest action also links to recent flooding in Abuja.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the capital last Saturday. Wike later inspected Maitama and other affected areas.

Following the inspections, the minister ordered the removal of illegal structures blocking drainage channels. He also warned against activities that could prevent the free movement of stormwater.

READ ALSO :Wike Targets Buildings Obstructing Waterways After Abuja Flooding

The use of green areas for commercial purposes has therefore become part of a wider discussion about Abuja’s drainage and urban planning.

Poor land-use control can put pressure on infrastructure. It can also reduce the space available for recreation and environmental management.

Abuja Master Plan Under Review

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has also announced plans to review the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The review will consider the city’s growing population and changing climate conditions. It will also look at whether existing infrastructure can meet the needs of the capital.

The Abuja Master Plan provides the basis for the city’s planned development. Its implementation affects housing, roads, drainage, public spaces and commercial development.

The review could therefore have wider implications for property developers and investors in the FCT.

Impact on Real Estate

The investigation also highlights the need for proper land-use approval in Abuja.

Property developers, investors and businesses must follow approved planning rules before using land for commercial purposes. Unauthorised changes can create legal and financial risks for property owners and investors.

The case also shows why strong urban planning matters to the housing and real estate sector. Abuja needs clear land-use rules to support orderly development as the city expands.

For residents, green areas and parks also provide important public spaces. Protecting these areas can support better urban planning and help maintain the city’s environmental balance.

The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any officials breached established procedures when they approved car dealership activities on land reserved for parks and recreation.

The wider issue remains the effective enforcement of Abuja’s land-use rules. Stronger enforcement could help the FCT protect public spaces, improve infrastructure planning and support more orderly property development.

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Flooding in parts of Abuja has renewed concerns about construction around waterways, green areas and drainage corridors in the Federal Capital Territory.

Several properties in Maitama Extension were affected after heavy rainfall over the weekend. Residents linked the flooding to blocked drainage channels and construction around natural water routes.

Properties affected reportedly included residences linked to Kano State Deputy Governor, Murtala Garo, and former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase.

The flooding followed heavy rainfall that also disrupted movement across several parts of Abuja. Wuse 1, Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu were among the areas affected.

Motorists became stranded on flooded roads, while some vehicles reportedly developed faults after remaining in standing water for hours. Some businesses and residential properties also experienced disruption.

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Maitama Extension residents raise concerns

Residents in Maitama Extension said flooding was particularly severe around some lower-lying properties.

One estate in the area reportedly brought in engineers to help remove floodwater. By the following evening, much of the water had gone down, but signs of the flooding remained.

Residents also raised concerns about construction close to waterways. They said blocked drainage channels, waste and changes to natural water routes may have worsened the impact of the rainfall.

A bridge near the estate was also reportedly submerged during the downpour. The water later receded towards a nearby pond and gully.

Another resident, Shamsudeen Karaye, said some streets in downtown Maitama became difficult to use during the rainfall. He said residents switched from smaller cars to SUVs to reduce the risk of getting trapped.

Concerns have also emerged over a large building under construction near Golfview Estate. Residents alleged that the development sits close to a waterway.

Another source alleged that about 20 duplexes are under construction on a designated green area in Maitama Extension. The source also claimed that developers were seeking to convert part of a canal into an access road.

The allegations have raised questions about development control and compliance with Abuja’s planning framework. The source questioned how such developments could receive approval if they affect green areas or natural drainage routes.

HDAN calls for development audit

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called for a review of developments around waterways and green areas across Abuja.

Its Executive Director, Barr. Festus Adebayo, said the recent flooding should prompt authorities to examine how rapid development affects drainage and stormwater management.

Adebayo said some affected properties in Maitama and Wuse are high-value homes and commercial properties. He argued that the flooding shows the risks that can arise when urban development does not keep pace with drainage and environmental planning.

He said Abuja’s original planning framework includes waterways, floodplains, drainage corridors and green areas as important parts of the city’s infrastructure.

HDAN wants the Federal Capital Territory Administration to conduct a comprehensive audit of developments around flood-prone areas, drainage routes and designated green spaces.

The group also wants authorities to examine approvals for projects that may have blocked natural water channels or changed existing drainage patterns.

Flooding creates wider housing risks

The debate has implications for Abuja’s housing and real estate market. Properties built in areas with poor drainage or altered water channels may face higher exposure to flood damage.

Flooding can also disrupt roads and access routes. This affects residents, businesses, emergency services and property values.

HDAN said Abuja also needs a wider stormwater management plan. Such a plan should combine drainage maintenance, stronger development control, environmental protection and better urban planning.

The organisation called for stronger protection of waterways and floodplains. It also urged authorities to preserve green areas, maintain drainage systems and investigate questionable approvals.

HDAN further called for tougher enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal, which can block drainage channels.

The flooding has therefore placed renewed attention on how Abuja manages land, construction and infrastructure as the city expands. Effective development control, protection of natural drainage routes and adequate stormwater infrastructure will remain important to protecting homes, businesses and long-term investment in the capital.

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Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, has accused the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of worsening Abuja’s flooding problems through developments she says have encroached on green areas, flood channels and flood plains.

Kingibe made the allegations while discussing the recent flooding recorded across parts of Abuja, arguing that some planning and development decisions have reduced the city’s capacity to manage heavy rainfall.

According to the senator, Abuja’s flooding problem predates the current FCT administration, but she believes the situation has become significantly worse over the past three to four years.

She said she had previously raised concerns with relevant FCT agencies about development around green areas and waterways.

Green areas and waterways under scrutiny

Kingibe said construction on areas that previously provided routes for stormwater has restricted the movement of water during heavy rainfall.

She specifically pointed to developments around parts of Asokoro, Jabi and Wuse, arguing that some gullies, flood channels and green areas have been built on or restricted.

The senator said the city’s original planning framework was designed to preserve certain areas for environmental and drainage purposes and warned that continued development in such locations could increase flood risks.

She also cited concerns around sewage and drainage infrastructure, saying some facilities require urgent attention.

Flooding exposes Abuja’s infrastructure challenge

The recent flooding affected several parts of the capital, renewing concerns about the city’s drainage capacity and the pace of urban expansion.

The problem is not limited to rainfall itself. Drainage capacity, waste disposal, development patterns and enforcement of planning regulations all influence how effectively stormwater moves through an urban area.

Kingibe called for rubbish to be cleared from streets and drainage channels, noting that waste can quickly be carried into drains during heavy rainfall and worsen blockages.

She also called for a broader review of Abuja’s sewage and drainage infrastructure.

FCT Administration says flooding predates Wike

The FCT Administration has rejected attempts to attribute Abuja’s flooding solely to the current minister.

Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, said Abuja experienced serious flooding before Wike assumed office, citing incidents recorded in areas including Wuse, Jabi and Lokogoma in previous years.

He argued that the latest flooding reflects the challenges created by the rapid expansion of the capital, including inadequate drainage infrastructure, waste management problems and pressure on existing systems.

The FCT Administration also said it is reviewing Abuja’s 1979 Master Plan to reflect the city’s current population and development realities.

Planning decisions face renewed scrutiny

The disagreement has brought Abuja’s land-use planning system back into focus.

Kingibe has argued that the authorities must explain how developments affecting green areas, flood channels and flood plains are being approved.

The FCT Administration, meanwhile, maintains that flooding is a longstanding challenge and says it is taking steps to improve drainage and address the city’s changing infrastructure needs.

The debate highlights a wider challenge facing Abuja: how to accommodate rapid urban growth without sacrificing the environmental corridors and infrastructure needed to manage extreme rainfall.

For residents, the immediate concern is reducing the risk of further flooding. For planners and authorities, the longer-term challenge is ensuring that new development does not create additional pressure on drainage systems.

As the debate continues, greater transparency around land approvals, master-plan compliance, drainage capacity and development in environmentally sensitive areas could help establish what is driving Abuja’s worsening flood risk.

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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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Construction work is progressing on a residential estate being developed on land originally designated for a public hospital in Abuja’s Wuye District, despite sustained opposition from residents, urban planning experts and civil society groups.

A visit to the site on Monday revealed intense construction activity, with more than 20 structures already at different stages of completion within the fenced property.

Workers were observed carrying out building operations across the estate, while trucks delivered construction materials to the site.

The development is taking place on Plot 546, Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, a 3.171-hectare parcel of land originally reserved in the Abuja Master Plan for a district hospital intended to serve residents of Wuye and surrounding communities.

The land, located opposite the Wuye Ultra-Modern Market and adjacent to the Wuye Police Station, was later redesignated for residential use and allocated to Full Moon Estate Developers Limited following approval by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Residents Express Disappointment

Residents have continued to condemn the conversion, arguing that the district urgently requires a public healthcare facility rather than another private housing estate.

A resident, Ahmed Usman, said many stakeholders had expected the authorities to reconsider the decision after widespread public criticism.

“We expected that after the concerns raised by residents and professionals, the authorities would review the decision. Unfortunately, construction is moving ahead as if our concerns do not matter,” he said.

According to him, the rapid population growth in Wuye has increased the need for accessible healthcare services.

“We need a hospital more than another private estate. The district continues to expand, and access to public healthcare remains a challenge for many residents,” he added.

Another resident, Mrs. Ngozi Okonkwo, lamented that appeals by residents appeared to have been ignored.

“It appears our voices were not heard. The land was meant for a public hospital that would benefit the entire community. Today, we are watching residential buildings replace a critical public facility,” she said.

She urged the FCTA to prioritise public welfare and social infrastructure when making decisions on land use changes.

Stakeholders Raise Planning Concerns

A community stakeholder, Musa Ibrahim, described the pace of development on the site as worrying, noting that many residents initially believed the project would be suspended pending a review.

“When the issue became public, people expected the authorities to halt construction and investigate the circumstances surrounding the conversion. Instead, construction has accelerated and more structures have emerged,” he said.

He warned that frequent alterations to designated land uses could undermine the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan and threaten the orderly development of the Federal Capital Territory.

Development Control Earlier Queried Project

Earlier reports revealed that Plot 546 was originally designated for a district health facility under the Abuja Master Plan.

Following public criticism, the Acting Director of the FCT Development Control Department, TPL Bashir Madaki Sanusi, confirmed that the plot was initially reserved for a health centre.

He, however, explained that approval for the residential estate was granted after his department received official communication from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning indicating that the land had been redesignated for residential purposes and allocated to a private developer with ministerial approval.

Sanusi disclosed that he had initially queried the development proposal after discovering that the submitted building design did not align with the original land use designation.

He further stated that Development Control subsequently ordered a temporary halt to construction and requested fresh verification of the land use status from the Urban and Regional Planning Department.

According to him, the outcome of the verification process would determine the future of the project.

Construction Continues Amid Uncertainty

Despite the earlier directive and ongoing public concerns, construction activities were observed continuing across the site during Monday’s visit, with multiple structures already erected.

Efforts to obtain an update from the FCT Development Control Department on the status of the verification process and the legality of ongoing construction were unsuccessful as of press time.

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Stakeholders in Nigeria’s built environment sector have called on the Federal Government to actively engage indigenous physical planners in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, warning that development efforts without proper planning could lead to fragmented and unsustainable outcomes.

The call was made during the maiden annual lecture organised by the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy in Abuja, where professionals, policymakers, academics, politicians, and development experts gathered to discuss the future of urban planning and sustainable development in Nigeria.

The event featured a keynote lecture delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the convener of NAFPA, Nathaniel Atebije, and the Chairman of the Maiden Lecture Planning Committee, Barnabas Atiyaye, participants stressed that planning must serve as the foundation for all development initiatives under the Federal Government’s economic and infrastructure programmes.

According to the stakeholders, Nigeria’s rapid urban growth remains largely unstructured, resulting in worsening congestion, flooding, environmental degradation, and the spread of informal settlements across cities.

They warned that many ongoing projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including housing and infrastructure developments, are being executed without proper spatial integration.

“Cities are expanding without structure, leading to severe economic and social consequences. Development without coordinated planning creates unsustainable urban systems,” the communiqué stated.

The participants further argued that physical development should not be mistaken for physical planning, noting that infrastructure projects implemented without coordinated master plans often create long-term urban management challenges.

They also expressed concern that housing initiatives may fail to deliver lasting value if they are not properly connected to transportation systems, drainage infrastructure, utilities, and environmental frameworks.

As part of their recommendations, the stakeholders urged the Federal Government to accelerate the completion of the long-delayed National Physical Development Plan, which has remained pending for over 15 years.

According to them, the national framework is necessary to guide balanced regional growth, urban expansion, and coordinated infrastructure development across Nigeria.

The participants further called for strict compliance with approved master plans and structure plans in all cities and urban centres.

They insisted that planning regulations should be treated as legally binding instruments rather than optional guidelines, warning that weak enforcement continues to fuel illegal developments and chaotic urbanisation.

The stakeholders also proposed that Federal Government projects should only be approved in states and local government areas with up-to-date master plans.

According to them, such a policy would compel sub-national governments to prioritise physical planning before embarking on major infrastructure and housing projects.

The communiqué additionally raised alarm over increasing encroachment on green areas, wetlands, and environmentally sensitive zones, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.

Participants lamented that green coverage in Abuja has reportedly declined to about 17 percent, far below the 33 percent allocation contained in the Abuja Master Plan.

They warned that continued violations of designated green and open spaces could gradually transform Abuja from the “green city” envisioned in the original master plan into what they described as a “brown city.”

The stakeholders further condemned what they described as illegal and unprofessional changes of land use in Abuja, accusing political actors and developers of disregarding planning regulations with impunity.

According to them, unauthorised developments, weak zoning enforcement, and uncontrolled urban expansion continue to undermine the original vision of Abuja as a planned and environmentally sustainable capital city.

They called on relevant authorities to immediately halt further encroachment on green spaces and reverse existing violations to restore order and environmental balance within urban centres.

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The continued violation of the Abuja Master Plan has been described as a major threat to sustainable urban development, environmental protection, and investment security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to planning experts, the Abuja Master Plan remains a legally binding document established under the provisions of the FCT Act, meaning that all land allocations and developments within the territory must strictly comply with approved land use regulations.

They warned that any land allocation or development carried out outside the approved framework constitutes a direct violation of the law and exposes investors to significant risks.

“The Abuja Master Plan is not a hidden document. It is a public document that has even been commercialised by the authority to create awareness and prevent violations,” the statement noted.

The experts stressed that developers who embark on projects contrary to approved land use plans cannot claim ignorance, especially where there have been public concerns and objections regarding such developments.

“Ignorance of the law is never an excuse,” the statement added.

They explained that Sections 3 and 4 of the FCT Act clearly establish the responsibilities of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), including the preparation and implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, land use coordination, provision of infrastructure, and overall physical planning within the territory.

According to the statement, the Master Plan was developed after extensive consultations involving Nigerian professionals, technical experts, and international planning consultants to ensure compliance with global urban planning standards while reflecting Nigeria’s cultural and developmental realities.

The Urban and Regional Planning Department was specifically assigned the responsibility of safeguarding the Master Plan and ensuring that all allocations align with approved land use requirements.

The statement further noted that any allocation carried out without the input and approval of the Urban and Regional Planning Department violates established procedures and often results in land use infractions.

Experts argued that many of the current planning challenges in Abuja stem from the disregard for these checks and balances.

They warned that several aspects of the original city vision, particularly environmental protection and green infrastructure, are gradually being eroded by unchecked developments.

“The Garden City Concept was to be achieved with 33 per cent of land allocated for greening, but many buffer zones and ecological corridors are now being encroached upon,” the statement said.

The experts expressed concern that waterways and green areas originally designed to absorb runoff and reduce flooding have been drastically reduced due to illegal developments.

They also noted that environmental sustainability formed a major part of the philosophy behind the Abuja Master Plan, with provisions aimed at preserving natural landscapes and ensuring long-term urban resilience for future generations.

According to them, enforcement actions can still be taken against projects found to contravene approved land use regulations, regardless of whether such developments have been completed or are still under construction.

The statement also cautioned public officials against using their positions to facilitate land use violations for personal or political interests.

“The appointment of an FCT Minister is a trust to supervise implementation of the Master Plan, not a licence for indiscriminate land acquisition or violations,” the experts stated.

They dismissed claims that ongoing violations could be justified under the guise of “readjustment” or “review” of the Master Plan, insisting that no review process permits illegal developments that deprive the public of planned infrastructure and environmental benefits.

The experts further warned that future administrations could revisit and reverse many controversial allocations and developments, noting that several investors had previously lost properties due to non-compliance with planning regulations.

“History has shown that unlawful developments eventually face enforcement actions. Developers involved in land use violations should take note,” the statement concluded.

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The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy (NAFPA) has called for urgent national attention to the growing crisis in urban and regional planning across Nigeria, warning that continued neglect could undermine sustainability, safety, and human dignity.

The foundation’s founder, Nathaniel Atebije, made the call during a news conference ahead of its maiden annual lecture held on Tuesday in Abuja.

‘Planning Is Not a Luxury’

Atebije stressed that urban and physical planning is essential for sustainable growth, cautioning that its neglect has already led to disorder in many Nigerian cities.

“When planning is ignored, cities become disordered, unsafe, inefficient and unjust. Unfortunately, this trajectory is the experience across many parts of Nigeria today,” he said.

Key Challenges Identified

He listed major challenges affecting urban development, including weak enforcement of planning regulations, widespread land-use violations, and the marginalisation of indigenous planning professionals.

Other concerns include the destruction of green areas in Abuja and inadequate infrastructure across urban centres.

According to him, many settlements continue to expand without approved layouts, resulting in chaotic growth patterns that are costly and difficult to correct.

He added that even in cities with master plans, implementation remains weak due to poor funding, limited manpower, and lack of political will.

Rising Threat to Abuja Master Plan

Atebije warned of increasing development on restricted lands such as floodplains and designated green areas, often driven by profit motives and political interference.

He noted that this trend is gradually eroding the Abuja Master Plan, which was originally designed to balance development with environmental sustainability.

“The destruction of designated green spaces in the capital city is particularly alarming, raising serious concerns about environmental sustainability and urban livability,” he said.

Implications for Urban Living

He said the consequences of poor planning are already visible, including declining living standards, rising environmental risks, housing shortages, and reduced economic productivity.

Call for Immediate Reforms

The foundation called for decisive action from government and stakeholders, including strict enforcement of planning laws and restoration of violated green areas.

Atebije urged authorities to prioritise planning as a prerequisite for development and to make physical development plans legally binding.

He also recommended strengthening development control through recruitment and training of qualified personnel, alongside adequate funding for enforcement agencies.

“Planning authorities must be protected from political interference, with enforcement of sanctions against violations,” he said.

Push for Institutional Strengthening

The foundation further called for better coordination among planning institutions and the promotion of indigenous professionals in line with existing policy frameworks.

It also advocated the establishment of a National Urban and Regional Planning Commission and the Office of the Town Planner General of the Federation to improve oversight and ensure compliance with planning standards.

Outlook

Atebije emphasised that Nigeria stands at a critical point in its urban development journey, warning that failure to act could deepen existing challenges.

He called on government, private developers, and stakeholders to collaborate in restoring order, sustainability, and dignity in the country’s built environment.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike, has announced a strategic partnership with the government of Japan to review and modernise the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The move is aimed at aligning the capital city’s development with present realities and future demands up to the year 2050.

Japan to support Abuja redesign

The announcement followed a courtesy visit by a high-level Japanese delegation to the FCT Ministry in Abuja.

The delegation was led by Suzuki Hideo and Ishigame Keiji of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The engagement underscores renewed collaboration between Nigeria and Japan in urban planning and infrastructure development.

Wike acknowledged Japan’s role in Abuja’s original design, noting that the country played a critical role in shaping the city’s foundational layout.

“On behalf of the FCT Administration, I appreciate the relationship between Nigeria and Japan. I am fully aware of the projects through JICA. The design of Abuja was done by Japan, and now they need to look at it again in order to carry out further structural development,” Wike said.

Aligning Abuja with modern realities

The proposed review of the Abuja Master Plan is expected to address rapid urban expansion, infrastructure gaps and emerging development challenges in the capital city.

By updating the plan, the government aims to ensure more sustainable urban growth, improved infrastructure planning and better service delivery for residents.

The initiative will also focus on long-term planning strategies to accommodate population growth and evolving economic activities within the FCT.

Strengthening Nigeria-Japan cooperation

Wike commended the Japanese government for its continued support in Nigeria’s development, particularly in key sectors such as education, health and nutrition.

He specifically highlighted Japan’s contributions to capacity building, including the training of Nigerian teachers in Tokyo.

The partnership with Japan, facilitated through JICA, is expected to bring technical expertise, global best practices and advanced urban planning strategies into the redevelopment of Abuja.

Experts say the review of the master plan could significantly reshape the capital’s development trajectory, ensuring it meets international standards as a modern city.

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