Stakeholders call for inclusive urban planning, indigenous participation

Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for an inclusive urban planning, indigenous community participation and stronger integration of climate resilience in the ongoing development of the territory. They made the call during a World Environment Day (WED) lecture organised by the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), FCT-Nasarawa chapter. During the event, […]

Stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for an inclusive urban planning, indigenous community participation and stronger integration of climate resilience in the ongoing development of the territory.
They made the call during a World Environment Day (WED) lecture organised by the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), FCT-Nasarawa chapter.
During the event, which was attended by the Ona of Abaji and chairman of the FCT Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Dr Adamu Baba Yunusa, other traditional rulers, policymakers, engineers, environmental professionals and other stakeholders, with the theme: “Building Resilient Cities, Preserving Indigenous Futures: Indigenous Communities in FCT’s Climate and Urbanisation Agenda,” participants observed that while Abuja remains one of Africa’s most successful planned capital cities, rapid urbanisation, population growth and climate-related pressures continue to place increasing demands on land resources, infrastructure, ecosystems and public services.

They noted that indigenous communities remained important stakeholders in the development of the territory and possess valuable cultural heritage, local knowledge systems and environmental stewardship practices that can contribute significantly to sustainable urban development.

The discussions highlighted persistent concerns regarding land administration, compensation, livelihood restoration, cultural preservation and the participation of indigenous communities in decisions affecting their future. Panelists also warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of flooding, ecosystem degradation, heat stress and other environmental risks, underscoring the need for proactive adaptation and resilience measures.

The stakeholders further emphasised that encroachment on floodplains, green areas and environmentally sensitive zones continues to undermine sustainable urban development and increase disaster risks across the FCT. They stressed that effective climate resilience would require stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, professional bodies, civil society organisations, development partners and local communities.

A major outcome of the lecture was the consensus that the ongoing review of the Abuja master plan presents a unique opportunity to strengthen environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, social inclusion and indigenous community participation. Participants advocated meaningful engagement of indigenous communities in planning, land use decisions, environmental management and development initiatives affecting their ancestral lands and livelihoods.

The stakeholders urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to ensure that the master plan review fully incorporates the rights, aspirations and participation of indigenous communities while promoting sustainable urban growth and climate resilience. They also called for stronger stakeholder engagement, improved land tenure security, preservation of indigenous cultural heritage and enhanced climate adaptation and emergency preparedness measures.

 

They urged all stakeholders and concerned residents to work towards building a resilient, inclusive, environmentally sustainable and globally competitive Federal Capital Territory that would balance modern development aspirations with the preservation of indigenous heritage, social cohesion, environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.