By Angela Atabo
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on government agencies, developers, and urban stakeholders to return to Abuja’s original Master Plan to address rising urban challenges.
FCT NITP Chairperson, Mrs Queen Philips, in her message marking World Habitat Day and World Cities Day in Abuja, said restoring the plan would help eliminate irregularities in the Federal Capital Territory.
Philips attributed Abuja’s worsening urban crisis to illegal constructions, blocked drainages, and land allocations done without professional input, stressing the need for expert-guided urban management and planning decisions.
She explained that Abuja faced growing pressure from population increase, poor infrastructure, informal settlements, climate-related threats, and land-use conflicts, which continued to erode the capital’s planned urban structure.
Philips identified flood-prone zones like parts of Asokoro, Guzape, and Trademore as examples where disregard for professional planning layouts had led to increased vulnerability and environmental hazards.
According to her, professional planning bodies are often sidelined by elite interests in Abuja, which contributes to chaotic development and increasing environmental and social risk across the FCT.
She revealed that the institute was currently seeking an audience with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to offer expert guidance on restoring the Abuja Master Plan and preventing further urban decline.
Philips commended Wike’s infrastructure and road development efforts, adding that professional planning input would complement those achievements and reduce risks like flooding and forced displacement.
She emphasised that truly smart cities must serve the people.
“Technology should serve people, not drive exclusion,” Philips said, urging inclusive, sustainable planning approaches across all sectors of development.
She confirmed that the NITP had sent a formal letter to Wike requesting a meeting, expressing hope that both parties shared a common vision to restore the original Master Plan.
Immediate past NITP National President, Nathaniel Atebije, warned that continued neglect of urban planning would cripple national growth.
Atebije stressed that Nigeria must urgently address its urban planning failures to create liveable, sustainable cities, saying the current crisis could be reversed with proper planning and stakeholder cooperation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
