Political interference hindering town planning – Experts
Town planning experts have expressed concern over increasing political interference in urban development and physical planning decisions across Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. They warned that if unchecked, such interference could erode the city’s original master plan and worsen environmental and infrastructural challenges. Speaking at the inauguration of the Abuja branch […]
Town planning experts have expressed concern over increasing political interference in urban development and physical planning decisions across Nigeria, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
They warned that if unchecked, such interference could erode the city’s original master plan and worsen environmental and infrastructural challenges.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Abuja branch of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), professionals in the built environment urged strict enforcement of planning laws, professional autonomy, and the adoption of modern technology to sustain orderly urban growth.
Tpl. Barnabas Atiyaye, Managing Director of Enviconsteam Consultants Ltd., said political influence continues to distort Abuja’s vision as a planned green city.
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He noted that many political officeholders make decisions without understanding urban planning principles.
“A functional city plan allocates land based on compatibility and environmental suitability, but politicians often override professional advice, leading to disorderly developments,” he said.
Atiyaye lamented that Abuja’s green areas have drastically declined—from 32–34 percent of total land to less than 16 percent—due to illegal conversions and political encroachment. He warned that mistaking these zones for available land could endanger the city’s environmental balance.
He, however, commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for reviving abandoned projects and improving road infrastructure, but cautioned against converting green areas for development.
“True restoration of Abuja’s master plan goes beyond roads; it includes protecting natural buffers, open spaces, and planned land uses,” he said.
Atiyaye also linked rising slums to unaffordable housing, noting that many low-income earners working in the city are forced into informal settlements.
Tpl. Emmanuel Agbator, Chairman of ATOPCON FCT Branch, emphasised collaboration between professionals, residents, and government agencies to ensure sustainable urban management. He outlined the association’s vision around the “four Cs”—collaboration, cooperation, co-production, and coordination.
He urged states to domesticate the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 to strengthen development control and professional accountability.
Architect Agatha Christie-Rabot, Vice Chair of the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, warned that poor planning contributes to traffic congestion, flooding, and building collapses. She said mixing incompatible land uses and weak enforcement of building codes endanger lives.
“If those responsible for structural failures are consistently prosecuted, 80 percent of building collapses will stop,” she said.