Despite outcry, Jabi lake park development set to commence

Despite public outcry by stakeholders and Nigerians, development is taking shape at the popular Jabi lake park, findings by Daily Trust has shown Checks show that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is currently pushing a major redevelopment and concession plan for the Jabi Lake area in Abuja. According to recent reports, […]

Despite public outcry by stakeholders and Nigerians, development is taking shape at the popular Jabi lake park, findings by Daily Trust has shown

Checks show that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is currently pushing a major redevelopment and concession plan for the Jabi Lake area in Abuja.

According to recent reports, the FCT Administration has signed agreements with private companies, including Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited, to transform the Jabi Lake waterfront into  a recreational and tourism hub.

Despite the public uproar against the take over of the park, the minister has inisted that there will be no going back. A visit to the area by our reporter showed that it has been baricaded and a fence has been installed. There are also some equipment inside to indicate commencement of construction.

 

Background of the project

Further findings show that the project is expected to include waterfront commercial development, tourism and leisure facilities, modern recreational infrastructure, urban renewal around the lake environment and cleanup and removal of shanties or abandoned structures

Others are beautification aimed at making Abuja more globally competitive to boost tourism and increase investment.

Wike has defended the plan, saying the government will not reverse the concession despite public criticism or emotional appeals.

However, the project has become controversial as residents and religious groups fear public access to the lake may reduce while others have questioned the way and manner the concession was carried out.

Last month, a viral video revealed Pastor Sarah Omakwu of Family Worship Centre publicly appealing to Wike not to concession the lake area. Wike responded that Abuja development decisions must follow planning regulations and not emotions, adding that there was no going back on the planned concessioning.

The FCTA has also reportedly ordered a crackdown on illegal settlements and poorly developed areas around Jabi Lake as part of enforcing the Abuja Master Plan.

 

About Jabi lake park

Jabi Lake Park, located on Alex Ekwueme way, covers approximately 1,300 hectares within the Jabi district of Abuja.

Over the years, one of the most exciting things about the Jabi Lake Recreational Park is that fact entry is completely free. During festivities like Christmas and Salla, the park is filled with people who visit to enjoy different games and relax over the holiday. However, some activities, such as scooter or horse riding and table tennis, require a small fee

Other fun activities at park include boat rides on the calm lake waters with other options like jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. These sports come with full safety gear, and rentals are available on-site.

 

Back story

In February this year, the Federal Capital Territory Administration signed development agreements with Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited for the transformation of Jabi Lake into a major recreational hub in Abuja.

The agreements were formalised at a brief ceremony held in the conference room of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who described Abuja as a rapidly growing city with vast potential for leisure and tourism, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press at the Office of the Minister, Rabiu Umar.

Wike said the initiative would reposition the nation’s capital as a prime destination for recreation, while also addressing longstanding concerns about land speculation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the representative of Suburban Broadband Limited, Pankaj Khandelwal, described the agreement as a significant milestone for the company.

Also, the representative of Akida Hills Limited, Bamisile Olukayode, assured that the project would transform Abuja into a destination city.

 

Why Jabi Lake Park should remain– HDAN

Commenting on the issue, the Executive Director at the Housing Development Advocacy Network, Barr, Festus Adebayo said that Jabi Lake is one of the few natural and recreational assets that give Abuja its identity as a modern and livable capital city.

He argued that while development and urban renewal are important, completely scrapping, over-commercialising, or restricting public access to the lake could create long-term environmental, social, economic, and urban planning problems.

“The idea that any official would prioritize luxury housing over a public asset that provides water, food, and mental well-being to the populace is heartbreaking. Preserving Jabi Lake isn’t just about protecting a body of water; it’s about protecting the soul and the future of Abuja.

“Abuja already suffers from limited accessible public recreational spaces. Turning the lake fully into a private commercial zone may deny ordinary residents access to one of the city’s most important relaxation centres.

“The government spent $1.5 billion to create this reservoir. Scrapping a billion-dollar infrastructure project for short-term residential gains is the height of fiscal irresponsibility.

“Beyond its 1,300 hectares of beauty, it serves as a critical man-made reservoir. Turning a water source into a concrete jungle ignores the fundamental needs of a growing city,” he added.