By Ade Iyamoye
Nigeria’s capital is grappling with chaotic urban development, as town planners raise the alarm over widespread violations of the Abuja master plan and poor enforcement of urban planning laws.
At her inauguration as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), FCT Chapter, Queen Phillips condemned the indiscriminate construction of illegal structures and the persistent neglect of urban planning regulations, warning that these infractions threaten the capital’s future.
Phillips emphasized that Abuja’s rapidly deteriorating urban landscape is a direct consequence of weak enforcement, calling for stricter implementation of planning laws and massive public sensitization to restore order to the city.
“The reckless disregard for physical planning regulations will continue to haunt us unless we embrace urban discipline,” she declared.
She also announced that her administration would prioritize capacity building, professional training, and collaboration with the FCT Administration to ensure compliance with approved master plans.
On the controversial demolition of illegal structures, Phillips argued that the practice will persist until the elite change their mindset and embrace responsible urban development.
Echoing her concerns, NITP National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, decried the rising attacks on town planners, urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to protect professionals enforcing urban laws.
A former FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusegun Adekunle, also weighed in, stressing that orderly urban development is crucial to attracting foreign investment and transforming Abuja into a world-class city.
With Abuja’s planning laws under siege, town planners are now demanding an urgent overhaul of enforcement strategies to prevent the capital from slipping into uncontrolled urban decay.
