NITP to new FCT Directors: Protect, implement Abuja Master Plan with seriousness and commitment

By Johnson Arua

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has charged newly appointed Acting Directors in key Federal Capital Territory (FCT) planning departments to uphold strict adherence to the Abuja Master Plan, warning that any compromise could undermine the city’s order, character, and long-term sustainability.

The call was made by the NITP National President, Tpl. Dr. Ogbonna Chime during a leadership breakfast meeting held in Abuja following recent leadership transitions in the FCT Departments of Parks and Recreation and Development Control.

Recall that the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, had last month appointed Tpl. Dr. Bashir Magaji Sunusi as Acting Director, Department of Development Control, and Tpl. Joseph Dhis as Acting Director, Department of Parks and Recreation.

Speaking at the meeting, NITP National President emphasized the centrality of the Abuja Master Plan to the city’s growth, warning that deviation from it could plunge the capital into disarray.

“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 in the city. There will be disorder when there is no roadmap to guide Abuja’s development, and it is only the Master Plan that provides that direction.”

Dr. Chime stressed that implementation must be taken as “serious business,” noting that even the best plans are meaningless without rigorous and faithful execution.

“As Directors of these critical departments, you should approach implementation with seriousness and commitment. Without this, our beautiful master plan will be abused and compromised,” he cautioned.

The NITP President also reiterated the Institute’s long-standing demand for the domestication of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 (CAP N138 LFN 2004), saying it is necessary for “a robust legal framework” to guide urban governance across the country.

Beyond adherence, he called for a comprehensive review of the Abuja Master Plan, first developed in 1979, to reflect modern urban realities.

“There have been land-use changes, massive urbanization in regional areas, and population upsurge,” he explained.

“Contemporary ideas such as the 15-minute walk city, smart-city, compact city, and green-city models all demand a review of the Master Plan. We appeal to the Hon. Minister to see to this comprehensive review. Mr. Minister is Mr. Project, and we have no doubt in his ability to steer this process.”

Responding, the new Acting Director of Development Control, Tpl. Dr. Bashir Madaki Sunusi, pledged commitment to transparent, people-centered urban management.

“Cities are for people, and we will ensure stakeholders play critical roles in Abuja’s development. We will rid Abuja of illegal activities, make it orderly and functional, and above all, make it the jewel of the nation and the world as envisioned by the Master Plan," he said.

On his part, the Acting Director of Parks and Recreation, Tpl. Joseph Dhis, highlighted the department’s role in preserving Abuja’s identity as a “Garden City.”

He noted that "The Master Plan earmarks not less than 30% of the city’s land-use budget for green development. We will continue planting trees across all districts, integrate nature with urban design, explore the city’s blue heritage for economic development, and strengthen the relationship between green areas and climate resilience.”

NITP National Public Relations Secretary, Tpl. Dr. Chiahemba Nor, stated that the engagement was timely given the ongoing infrastructural boom across the city and area councils.

“Exchange of ideas is important for leaders, and that is why the Institute found it imperative to organize this breakfast meeting,” he explained.

Closing the meeting, Dr. Ogbonna urged the new directors to work collaboratively across departments and offer sound technical advice to the Minister.

“Working in synergy is important. Always relate with sister departments to move Abuja forward. It is also imperative to offer the Hon. Minister robust ideas because he entrusted you with these responsibilities,” he said.