By Umar Shuaib
Street naming in the Federal Capital City (FCC) is primarily guided by the provision of Section 4 of the FCT Act, which created the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1976, with the responsibilities of planning, development and administration of the FCC and the FCT as a whole.
It is very important to know that the whole of the FCT is an urban area vested on the President as the De-factor Governor, whose responsibility is delegated to the FCT Minister. Thus by the provision of the Land Use Act of 1977 and the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 the responsibilities in the FCT is under the jurisdiction of the FCT Minister.
According to the provisions, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), was established in 2005 to manage the infrastructure developed by the FCDA. The Street Naming Advisory Committee was established since 1983 by the FCDA to handle all street naming and house numbering. It was domiciled with the Development Control Department prior to the AMMC creation. The Committee recommends to the Honourable Minister for consideration and approval for the Street Naming in line with the already established guidelines which has been the practice over the years.
The aims of the Guidelines were first, the promotion of unity of the country, ensuring that Abuja is a city for all Nigerians and the need to maintain peace. Secondly, to uphold street naming standards comparable to those of any world class capital city.
Accordingly, in the Phase I, the highest road hierarchies, which are Expressways and Arterials, were named only after the country’s founding fathers, Presidents, past and present, and Former Military Head of States. But in the subsequent Phases the Vice Presidents were considered. Other deserving persons were considered for the Collectors and Local Service Roads.
Not only the Nigerian leaders but leaders of other countries both in Africa and beyond have streets after their names in Abuja.
Some streets are named in recognition of Nigerian states and towns. Others were named after countries and some renowned cities, not only in Africa but also around the world. Specifically, streets in Wuse Zone 6 were named after African Cities. Others like Tunisia, Ethiopia, Congo, New York, London, Milan, Ottawa and the rest could be found in Gwarinpa District.
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Some streets were named after Hills, like Udi and Mambilla. These could be found in Maitama District, the Aso Drive. The Aso Hill itself, being the dominant landmark that forms the foundation for planning the City. Streets named after rivers like the Nile, Mississippi Ganges, Thames, Amazon, Niagara and others are found radiating from Alvan Ikoku Way in Maitama District.
The Street Naming Committee names only streets and number houses in areas where infrastructure is completed. The Authority discourages naming streets after those who own properties on such streets. This is to ensure that such approvals are not converted or claimed as personal belongings to individuals. Otherwise, it may contradict existing policies which are centered on the promotion of peace and unity of Nigerian Nation, where everyone co-habit freely.
Due to its technical nature and sensitivity. It is ensured that the exercise involve the custodians of the Abuja Master Plan with the relevant professionals and agencies. It is coordinated by the Urban Affairs Department in the AMMC. But the committee membership are drawn from the Development Control, Facilities Maintenance and Management, Engineering Services, Economic Planning Research and Statistics, Abuja Geographical Information System, the Transport Secretariat and the representatives of the Area Councils and the FCT Office of the Chieftaincy Affairs.
Because the Streets bear names of nationally and internationally renowned personalities, it is imperative that the names must be protected by efficient management of the Streets. They include provisions of standard drainages, streetlights and other street furniture. Apart from the FCDA and the AMMC statutorily vested with the functions, no Area Council has the amount of budget for the provision and management of these services.
It is imperative to note that, due to the prominence of the names involved, any abuse of these established protocol will not only compromise the integrity of the FCT Administration but also have the tendency to tarnishing the image of the Nation. They also have wide ranging implications on the security and information system across the City. It should be very clear to all discerning minds that the Street Naming activities can never be commercialized and never to be compromised.
The above emphasis must be made because of a past attempt to commercialize the naming of streets by the Area Council.
Names of internationally renowned personalities were insensibly replaced overnight for people that paid specified amount as charged, but was checkmated by the FCT Administration. The FCTA must be vigilant in case of any future recurrence.
Thus, any cartel that have the tendency of operating for personal aggrandizement, which would cast aspersion on the FCTA or the Nation, using any Area Council or any Agency must be identified and sanctioned.
