The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on newly appointed Directors in the Federal Capital Territory’s key planning agencies to strengthen the processes guiding the implementation of the Abuja Master Plan.
The institute said that adherence to the blueprint is crucial for the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s capital city.
The charge followed recent leadership changes approved by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, which saw the appointment of Dr. Bashir Magaji Sunusi as Acting Director of the Department of Development Control and Joseph Dhis as Acting Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
According to a statement signed by Dr. C. J. Nor, National Public Relations Secretary of the NITP, the Institute held a one-day leadership engagement with the new directors and senior staff of both departments.
The session focused on strengthening administrative and technical processes for plan implementation and advancing sustainable development across Abuja and its surrounding regional areas.
Speaking at the meeting, NITP National President, Dr. Chime Ogbonna, emphasised that the Abuja Master Plan remains the fundamental guide for the city’s orderly development.
“You must uphold the sanctity of the Abuja Master Plan at all times. Without it, the city risks chaos and disharmony. The Master Plan is the roadmap for Abuja’s comprehensive development, and its implementation procedures must be strictly followed if the capital is to remain a global model,” Ogbonna said.
He further stressed that implementation, not just planning, determines the success of urban development:
“Implementation is serious business. Without diligent execution, even the best plans become compromised.”
Ogbonna also emphasised the urgent need for the domestication of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 (CAP N138 LFN 2004) across the Federation, including the FCT, to strengthen legal backing for planning practice and urban governance.
The NITP President noted that the Abuja Master Plan prepared in 1979 must now be reviewed to reflect contemporary realities such as new land-use patterns, rapid urbanisation, population growth, and global best practices in city development, including 15-minute cities, smart-city concepts, compact development, and green-city principles.
“We appeal to the Hon. Minister of the FCT to prioritise a comprehensive review of the Abuja Master Plan, just as he has championed flagship infrastructure projects across the territory,” he said, adding that Wike’s track record in development projects strengthens confidence in his ability to lead the review process.
In his response, Acting Director of Development Control Dr. Bashir Magaji Sunusi pledged strict enforcement of the Master Plan while promoting a people-centred development process.
“Cities are for people. We will ensure that citizens and stakeholders play active roles in shaping Abuja. We will curb illegal development, restore order, and ensure the capital functions as intended, a jewel for the nation and the world,” he said.
Acting Director of Parks and Recreation Joseph Dhis reaffirmed his department’s commitment to building a greener and more environmentally resilient Abuja.
“The Abuja Master Plan designates the city as a garden city, with at least 30% of its land use allocated to green development. We are committed to expanding tree planting, integrating nature into urban design, and enhancing Abuja’s blue economy. Our goal is to make Abuja Africa’s premier green city,” Dhis said.
NITP spokesperson Dr. Nor noted that the leadership engagement came at a critical moment, as Abuja experiences rapid infrastructure expansion across the city and area councils.
He said the meeting was organised to strengthen collaboration, exchange ideas, and reinforce the principles of sustainable urban development.
The session concluded with a call from the NITP President for greater synergy among all FCT departments.
“Work closely with sister agencies and provide sound professional guidance to the Hon. Minister. The responsibility entrusted to you is significant, and your combined expertise will shape the future of the capital,” Ogbonna said.