The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has raised concerns over repeated violations of the Abuja Master Plan, warning that unapproved developments and political interference are destroying the capital’s green spaces.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual Town Planners Day in Abuja, the FCT Chapter Chairman of the institute, Queen Phillips, called for stricter enforcement and heavier financial penalties for developers who bypass urban planning regulations.
Key Concerns and Proposed Measures
- Political and Regulatory Interference: The institute noted that political influence and property developers’ disregard for professional advice remain major drivers of the city’s distorted spatial layout.
- Cost-of-Demolition Penalties: NITP is proposing regulations that would force illegal developers to pay the full cost of demolishing non-compliant structures alongside paying statutory fines.
- Regulatory Oversight: Infractions will continue to be formally reported to the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) to sanction complicit professionals.
- Loss of Green Infrastructure: Guest speaker Laraba Riko, from the University of Jos, warned that converting designated green belts into residential estates risks transforming the planned “Garden City” into a concrete jungle.
- Professional Accountability: Academic experts at the event urged town planners to safeguard their official stamps and seals, warning against signing off on unapproved or environmentally harmful building plans.
Stakeholders at the conference resolved to submit a formal position paper and actionable framework to Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) agencies to curb further infractions and preserve the capital’s urban design standards.
The institute’s call comes just days after Abuja suffered major flash floods, prompting FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to launch an aggressive demolition drive targeting structures built on drainage channels and waterways across the federal capital.
Add Comment