By Kingsley Adegboye

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has cautioned banks, mortgage institutions, private equity investors, and other financial organisations against providing funding for major development projects around Jabi Lake, Abuja, until all public interest, environmental, and urban planning concerns are adequately addressed.

In a statement, the advocacy group said while it supports responsible urban renewal and investment in the Federal Capital Territory, any attempt to commercialise or significantly alter Jabi Lake without proper stakeholder consultation could lead to long-term environmental, legal, and social problems.

HDAN described Jabi Lake as a vital public asset that serves as a major environmental resource, recreational centre, tourist attraction, and key green waterfront zone under the Abuja Master Plan.

The group warned financial institutions to avoid exposing depositors’ funds to potential risks such as public resistance, litigation, or future policy reversals.

It emphasised that best practices in urban development demand thorough environmental impact assessments, transparent public consultations, and sustainable planning principles that protect public access to waterfront areas.

HDAN urged that future development around the lake should prioritise environmental preservation, controlled tourism, beautification, recreation, and sustainable investment rather than excessive privatisation that excludes the public.

The organisation called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to make all agreements relating to Jabi Lake publicly available for the sake of transparency and accountability.

As Abuja continues to grow rapidly, HDAN stressed the need to protect public spaces and environmental assets, warning that short-term commercial gains should not compromise the city’s long-term sustainability.

The group appealed to civil society organisations, urban planners, environmental experts, residents, and lawmakers to actively engage in discussions on the future of Jabi Lake to ensure any redevelopment serves the broader public interest.