By Jumoke Olaitan/ Angela Atabo

‎Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter has called for urgent action to halt the loss of green spaces in the FCT and enforce strict adherence to the Abuja Master Plan.

NITP Chairman in the FCT, Ms Queen Phillips, raised the alarm in Abuja on Wednesday, during the 2026 Town Planners Day, with the theme, “From Garden City to Concrete Jungle: Planning Livable Communities”.

Philips explained that the theme responds to growing public outrage over non-adherence to planning standards and the steady disappearance of green areas.

She noted that the event offered a platform for stakeholders to examine challenges confronting sustainable development in the FCT and craft practical solutions to preserve its environmental assets.

”The theme is therefore both timely and compelling, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the challenges confronting the sustainable development of the FCT.”

“It will also help to collectively examine practical solutions for preserving its environmental assets and ensuring the creation of livable communities.

”The FCT Chapter of the institute has, at various times, demonstrated its commitment to addressing these concerns,” she said.

Phillips said that the chapter routinely sets up committees to investigate planning challenges triggered by intense development pressure.

She added that reports from the committees were forwarded to the national body for action, while observed infractions are reported to the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC).

She stressed that professional standards, ethical practice, and regulatory compliance remain non-negotiable for orderly development.

‎Ms Zaliha’u Ahmed, who chaired the event, reminded participants that the Abuja Master Plan was originally designed around a “garden city” concept, where nature and infrastructure coexist through sound land use and high quality of life.

However, she expressed deep concern over the conversion of public and institutional lands into private developments.

Ahmed cited specific violations, including the widespread felling of mature trees, the redesign of lands surrounding Jabi Lake Park, the conversion of a district hospital site for residential use, and illegal commercial activities taking over walkways and buffer zones.

She warned that these departures threaten the city’s identity and core plan, urging professional bodies to publish evidence-based positions on major violations, protect whistleblowers who refuse improper directives, and sanction members who facilitate illegal approvals.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Laraba Rikko of the University of Jos described Abuja’s shift toward a “concrete jungle” as an experiential crisis in urban planning.

Rikko acknowledged public skepticism regarding whether town planners even exist in the city, attributing this perception to a lack of visible planning impacts and urged professionals to demonstrate greater integrity and diligence.

”The theme reflects the tension between visionary planning and uncontrolled urban expansion, institutional intentions and implementation realities, as well as sustainable development and political, economic and demographic pressures,” she said.

Rikko reiterated that Abuja was explicitly conceived as a planned capital to prevent the chaotic growth seen in organic cities, with green belts, parks, and natural landscapes.

This, she said, serves as vital ecological infrastructure to absorb rainfall, regulate temperature, and mitigate climate risks.

Lamenting that these features were continually fragmented, degraded, or reallocated, Rikko pointed to unapproved building plans, weak enforcement, political interference, corruption, and a breakdown of professional ethics as core drivers of the decay.

She challenged built-environment professionals to take full accountability, emphasising that every official signature and approval either protects or undermines the capital city. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai ‎