Environmental experts have called on Nigeria’s policymakers to prioritise the creation of urban green spaces to restore ecological balance and improve public well-being.

Biologist Lucky Atabo, in a statement to The PUNCH, urged authorities to integrate native vegetation and green zones into city planning. His 10-month study of a 50×50m biological garden revealed 42 bird species, over 100 butterflies and moths, and several reptiles thriving within urban areas — proving that cities can sustain rich biodiversity.

Atabo’s research, alongside ecologist Abdulsalam Abdullahi, showed that vegetation and climate conditions strongly influence urban wildlife diversity, suggesting that birds and butterflies can serve as indicators of ecosystem health.

He stressed that green spaces are vital for regulating microclimates, supporting pollination, and enhancing recreation, warning that neglecting them could worsen urban living conditions.

“Urban biodiversity isn’t just about nature; it’s about people,” Atabo said, urging governments to protect and expand green areas for sustainable, liveable Nigerian cities.

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According to town planning experts and officials within the FCTA, these encroachments are contributing to the continued distortion of the capital city’s original master plan. The green areas—intended for recreation, ecological balance, and urban aesthetics—are reportedly being taken over by construction projects in violation of planning regulations.

These green zones, which include parks, gardens, and community green belts, serve not only as recreational spaces but also as crucial environmental buffers. However, recent developments show a growing trend of land misuse, with reports pointing to construction on lands reserved for drainage systems, sewage routes, and high-voltage power lines.

The Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, confirmed during a recent inspection tour of Guzape District that internal investigations would be launched to identify officials who may have facilitated or ignored these infractions. He assured that anyone found guilty would be sanctioned in line with civil service rules.

While Chief Obuah stopped short of naming specific individuals, he stressed that accountability would be enforced to preserve the integrity of the city’s planning framework.

An earlier investigation by The Weekend Trust revealed how protected green areas have increasingly come under threat, with some developers reportedly erecting buildings on them without proper authorization. Several sources within the FCTA believe such illegal reallocations and sales of land to private interests could not have occurred without the complicity of certain government personnel.

Observers say the scale of abuse appears to have intensified under the current administration, with allegations that some green plots have been quietly reassigned to politically connected individuals and speculators.

Stakeholders are now calling for urgent reforms and stricter enforcement of Abuja’s master plan to safeguard its green heritage and maintain the city’s environmental sustainability.

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As the Federal Capital Territory continues to urbanize rapidly, residents are voicing growing concerns over the diminishing availability of public green spaces in Abuja.

In a recent interview conducted by our correspondent, many Nigerians urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to prioritize the development and maintenance of parks, gardens, and natural recreational areas within the city.

Theophilus Usman, a town planner, emphasized that green spaces help moderate the climate and create micro-environments that improve air quality. “They purify our air and help in moderating extreme weather conditions. This is not something to joke about,” he said.

Mr. Ngozi Anyogu, Managing Director of AG Mortgage Bank, noted that the bank recognizes the importance of green spaces and, as a matter of policy, refuses to fund developers who do not promote environmentally friendly projects.

Ageni Yusuf also appealed to the government to create more parks and gardens, stressing that they should be properly managed and not merely used as drinking spots.

Studies have shown that green spaces offer numerous social, environmental, and economic benefits. Trees and plants improve air quality by filtering pollutants and releasing oxygen, which helps combat the smog and emissions from the growing number of vehicles and industries.

Green areas also promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles. They provide safe play spaces for children and areas for relaxation and exercise for the elderly.

Environmentally, green spaces act as natural cooling systems. In cities like Abuja, where temperatures can be extreme, trees provide shade and reduce urban heat. They also absorb carbon dioxide and help control surface runoff during heavy rains.

Urban parks can serve as sanctuaries for birds, insects, and native plants that might otherwise be lost to development.

A greener Abuja promises a healthier, more inclusive, and resilient future. The time to act is now.

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