By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Former Southeast spokesperson to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Josef Onoh, has raised concerns over the conversion of designated green areas in Abuja into residential and commercial developments, urging the Federal Government to review such land allocations and enforce the Abuja Master Plan.
In a statement, Onoh called on President Tinubu to order a comprehensive audit of land allocations affecting green zones in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that continued encroachment poses serious environmental and social risks.
He recalled that the 1979 Abuja Master Plan deliberately reserved about one-third of the FCT’s landmass for green belts, parks and open spaces to ensure environmental balance and sustain Abuja’s vision as a “garden city.”
Onoh noted that developments are increasingly springing up in areas originally designated as green zones in districts such as Guzape, Maitama, Wuse, Katampe and Kado, stressing the need for strict compliance with the master plan and environmental regulations.
He warned that the loss of green spaces could result in higher temperatures, increased flooding, poor air quality and a decline in residents’ quality of life, citing the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least nine square metres of green space per person.
Drawing from his experience as former Commissioner and Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Onoh said firm enforcement of master plans can yield positive environmental outcomes.
He called on relevant authorities, lawmakers and stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding Abuja’s green heritage for present and future generations.
