By Abbas Nazil
Green areas across Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are rapidly disappearing due to illegal and questionable developments, defying the city’s original master plan designed to maintain environmental balance and urban aesthetics.
Recent findings by Weekend Trust reveal that several green spaces, particularly in highbrow districts such as Guzape, Maitama, Wuse, Katampe, Kado, and the Central Business District (CBD), have been converted into residential and commercial properties, in stark violation of the Abuja Master Plan established in 1979.
These green spaces—areas intended for recreation, conservation, and beautification—have not only been reallocated but also developed upon, despite their designation as parks, water channels, and power line pathways.
Residents and urban planning experts have described the trend as a “disaster in waiting,” warning that the loss of these critical spaces could result in increased flooding, aesthetic degradation, and safety hazards.
In Guzape District alone, around 70 hectares of green areas and high-tension corridors have been lost to unapproved residential structures.
One such example is a 3.4-hectare park on Abdulrahman Okene Street, originally designated as Park No. 1803, which has been contested between two parties due to double allocation—first in 2007 and then in 2015.
The dispute halted full development, but the area is already partially built up. A nearby recreation park has been developed, but questions remain about the integrity of the planning process.
In several districts, developments are occurring under or near high-tension electricity lines, breaching safety regulations.
For example, construction was observed under a 330kV transmission line along Bala Mohammed Street in Guzape, violating the 2015 Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards which mandate specific setback distances from power lines. Similar infractions were also observed in Katampe.
The problem extends to the Central Business District, where parks and water channels have been repurposed for institutional buildings like courts and fenced plots ready for private development.
In Kado, development on a waterway has continued despite a “stop work” order from the Development Control Department.
Former and current town planning professionals, including Lami Ayuba, former chairperson of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (FCT Chapter), have condemned the conversions.
A letter from the Nigerian Association of Town Planners in February 2025 warned of the potential for disasters, similar to annual floods in areas like Trademore Estate in Lugbe.
Despite these concerns, the FCT Administration maintains it has the authority to reallocate green spaces if deemed necessary.
The minister’s aide, Lere Olayinka, defended reallocation on the grounds of underutilization or misuse, such as when gardens are turned into religious venues.
However, he acknowledged the need for caution to prevent abuse of this discretion by FCT officials.
Urban planning advocates and property experts argue that green spaces are essential for public recreation, urban cooling, and flood control.
They urge the FCT Administration to halt further reallocation and restore already encroached green areas to preserve Abuja’s environmental integrity and livability.