Abuja Master Plan Under Threat, Town Planners Raise Alarm

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has expressed concern over the flagrant violation of the Abuja Master Plan and the gradual loss of the city’s green character.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chairman of the Institute, Comrade Queen Phillips, stated this at the 2026 Annual Town Planners Day in Abuja.
Comrade Queen Phillips said the Institute brought stakeholders together to reflect on the challenges confronting sustainable development in the FCT and examine practical solutions for preserving its environmental assets while ensuring the creation of a livable city.
She attributed the distortion of the Abuja Master Plan to interference by authorities, noting that many property owners and developers often ignore professional advice from town planners, thereby worsening the situation.
She maintained that the chapter had reported and would continue to report and observe infractions of town planning laws and regulations to the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria.
According to her, the Institute is proposing stringent penalties, including requiring offenders to bear the cost of demolishing illegal structures, emphasizing that government agencies should ensure that defaulters pay heavily for their violations.
Comrade Queen Phillips maintained that the Institute remains committed to promoting orderly, sustainable and inclusive development, and would continue to leverage its professional expertise, institutional platform and advocacy role to protect Abuja’s planning legacy.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Laraba Riko, identified corruption, political interference and non-adherence to the Master Plan as some of the factors responsible for the ongoing erosion of planning standards in the Federal Capital Territory.
She criticized the proliferation of unapproved building plans, urging professionals to exercise greater caution in the use of their signatures and official seals.
“Professionals who approve inappropriate developments contribute to reducing the integrity and sustainability of Abuja.”
Dr. Laraba Riko, who is from the University of Jos, argued that the conversion of green areas into residential developments poses a serious threat to the sustainable growth of the FCT if not urgently addressed.
She described the theme of this year’s Town Planners Day, “From Garden City to Concrete Jungle: Planning Livable Communities,” as timely and relevant.
Dr. Laraba Riko also appealed to residents to ensure proper waste disposal and maintain drainage channels to allow the free flow of water within their environments.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that the outcomes and resolutions reached should be presented to the relevant FCT agencies to avert further consequences and safeguard the city’s future development.