FCT Town Planners Allege ‘Distortion’ Of Abuja Master Plan

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has warned against what it described as the ongoing and indiscriminate distortion of the Abuja Master Plan.

It cited illegal conversions of green areas, hospital lands and road medians into incompatible uses.

In a press statement signed by the chairman of the NITP FCT Chapter, Queen I. Phillips, the institute expressed concern that these encroachments pose serious threats to the sustainable growth, environmental balance, and overall liveability of the Federal Capital City (FCC).

According to the NITP, critical urban infrastructure, including green buffers, lands reserved for health facilities and road medians, were being systematically encroached upon, undermining the original vision of Abuja as a well-structured, functional and resilient capital.

In response to the trend, the FCT Chapter formally lodged a complaint with the National Body of the Institute.

The chapter has urged the national leadership to engage with relevant authorities in the FCT Administration and other key institutions responsible for urban development and environmental management in Nigeria.

“The objective of this engagement is to prevail upon the FCT Administration to reconsider these actions, ensure strict adherence to the Abuja Master Plan, and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the city,” the statement reads.

The NITP FCT Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the government and other stakeholders to promote responsible planning practices and protect the integrity of Abuja’s urban development framework.