…Institute demands robust implementation

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has charged newly appointed Directors in key Federal Capital Territory (FCT) planning agencies to uphold a rigorous, transparent and future-focused process in the implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, warning that any deviation could jeopardize the city’s order, identity, and long-term sustainability.

The National President of NITP, Dr. Ogbonna Chime made the call during a leadership breakfast meeting with the new appointees which included the FCT Acting Director of Development Control, Tpl. Dr. Bashir Sunusi and the Acting Director of Parks and Recreation, Tpl. Joseph Dhis.

The National Public Relations Secretary of the NITP, Dr. Chiahemba Nor, in a statement recalled that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike had in November appointed the duo into the strategic positions to help drive the development of the FCT.

Speaking at the interactive session, NITP National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime stressed that strict adherence to the Abuja Master Plan remains non-negotiable.

“You should at all times uphold the sanctity of the Abuja Master Plan as the critical instrument guiding the development of the city. Without this, there will be chaos and disharmony. There will be disorder when there is no roadmap for the city’s growth, and only the Master Plan provides that direction,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of implementing the Master Plan, the National President said “Implementation is serious business. It is through implementation that our beautiful plans and policies become reality. As Directors of these critical agencies, you must approach the Abuja Master Plan with seriousness and commitment. Without this, the plan will be abused and compromised,” he noted.

Dr. Chime also renewed the Institute’s push for the domestication of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 (CAP N138 LFN 2004) across all states, including the FCT, describing it as essential for effective urban governance.

Highlighting the need for modernisation, he called for a comprehensive review of the 1979 Abuja Master Plan and the preparation of regional master plans for the Area Councils.

“The city has evolved. There are new land-use trends, population growth, massive urbanisation, and emerging global concepts such as the 15-minute walkable city, smart-city design and green-city planning. These realities demand a review of the Master Plan. We appeal to the Hon. Minister, Mr. Project himself,  to steer this vital process,” he urged.

Responding, Acting Director of Development Control, assured the Institute of stronger enforcement and public-inclusive planning.

Dr. Sanusi said “Cities are for people. We will ensure stakeholders play central roles in shaping Abuja.

“We will rid the city of illegal activities, ensure order, and make Abuja the jewel of the nation and the world as envisioned in the Master Plan.”

On his part, Acting Director of Parks and Recreation, Tpl. Dhis reaffirmed the FCT’s commitment to developing Abuja as the Garden City of Africa, in alignment with the original master plan’s requirement that at least 30 percent of the city’s land use be reserved for green development.

“Green areas were conceived as a building block of Abuja’s identity from the very beginning. We will continue planting trees across all districts, integrating nature into urban design, and promoting Abuja’s blue heritage as part of the emerging blue economy,” he assured

Dhis added that climate resilience and environmental sustainability would remain central to the department’s priorities.

NITP National Public Relations Secretary, Tpl. Dr. Nor described the meeting as timely, given the rapid infrastructural expansion across the city and the area councils.

“Exchange of ideas is vital for leadership,” he noted. “This engagement helps shape sustainable urban development across the FCT.”

The meeting ended with a renewed call for stronger collaboration across all planning-related departments.

“Working in synergy is essential. Always relate with sister departments and offer sound technical advice to the Minister. You were entrusted with these roles to protect the future of Abuja,” Dr. Chime urged.