Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, once envisioned as a green oasis, is now facing a serious crisis. Designated green areas are rapidly disappearing, being swallowed by private developments. This alarming trend, according to a former aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, isn’t just a local issue – it’s a direct threat to Nigeria’s climate change commitments and the very soul of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Onoh is making a desperate call for President Tinubu to intervene before it’s too late.
- The original Abuja Master Plan prioritized green spaces for environmental balance.
- These areas are crucial for regulating temperature, absorbing carbon, and preventing floods.
- Encroachments have escalated, turning parks and valleys into estates and commercial zones.
- Nigeria’s climate pledges are being undermined by these actions.
- Residents face harsher living conditions and health risks due to environmental degradation.
- A comparison is drawn to Enugu’s successful green space preservation efforts.
- A plea is made for the government, lawmakers, and civil society to act now.
Abuja’s Green Lungs Under Siege!
Denge Josef Onoh, a prominent figure and former Southeast spokesman for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a stern warning: the heart of Abuja is being ripped out, one green space at a time. He points fingers directly at the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of overseeing a systematic destruction of the city’s vital green belts and open spaces. These weren’t just random patches of grass; they were meticulously planned elements of the 1979 Abuja Master Plan, crafted by experts to ensure a healthy and sustainable urban environment.
The Vision: A City in Harmony with Nature
Imagine a capital city designed with nature at its core. That was the dream behind the Abuja Master Plan. International Planning Associates, with refinements by the renowned architect Kenzo Tange, set aside a staggering one-third of the FCT’s land for parks, green belts, and ecological corridors. This wasn’t just for aesthetics; it was a strategic move to:
- Control urban temperatures in a savannah climate.
- Act as natural carbon sinks, fighting climate change.
- Prevent flooding by maintaining natural drainage routes.
- Improve the quality of the air we breathe.
- Support a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
- Provide much-needed spaces for relaxation and recreation for everyone.
The inspiration came from globally recognized planned cities like Brasília and Chandigarh, aiming to build a capital that was not only functional but also environmentally conscious and a joy to live in. Onoh laments that current policies seem to have forgotten this noble vision.
Unprecedented Destruction: A Master Plan Betrayed
Onoh pulls no punches, describing the current situation as an unprecedented assault on Abuja’s foundational blueprint. “Tragically, this administration marks the first in the history of the FCT to systematically abuse and undermine the Abuja Master Plan on such a massive scale,” he declared. He’s not mincing words, and he’s calling on President Tinubu himself to step in and halt this “systematic erosion.”
Where Green Spaces Used to Be…
The encroachment, Onoh claims, has intensified dramatically since 2023. Areas like Guzape, Maitama, Wuse, Katampe, and Kado are now reportedly seeing flood-prone valleys, cherished parks, and essential utility corridors being rezoned and developed into private estates and commercial hubs. This has led to a drastic drop in compliance with green zoning regulations, with estimates suggesting it’s fallen to a mere 60 percent. The amount of green space per person is now alarmingly below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of four square meters, a statistic that should worry every Abuja resident.
The Climate Catastrophe We’re Creating
The consequences of sacrificing these vital green areas are not abstract; they are already being felt. Onoh points to a disturbing rise in urban temperatures, increased flooding in areas like Asokoro, Guzape, and Wuse, a noticeable decline in air quality, and a greater risk of desertification. These aren’t just isolated incidents; they are direct contradictions to Nigeria’s promises under the Paris Agreement and the Tinubu administration’s own stated goals for climate action.
“These actions directly contradict Nigeria’s commitments as a signatory to the Paris Agreement and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s strong leadership on climate action,” Onoh stated. “Yet, the FCT Minister’s policies prioritise unchecked urban expansion over environmental protection, undermining national and international efforts.”
A Bleak Future for Abuja Residents
For the people living in Abuja, the impact is immediate and personal. Expect harsher living conditions, more health challenges linked to poor air quality, the loss of beloved recreational spots, and significant economic strain from more frequent flooding and potentially declining property values in the long run. The cost of inaction, Onoh warns, will be steep.
Lessons from Enugu: A Model for Success
Onoh draws a powerful comparison to his own experience as Commissioner and Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority. There, he spearheaded a strict enforcement of the master plan, which involved sometimes difficult demolitions and restorations of green areas. This commitment to environmental integrity paid off, contributing to Enugu State receiving a national green award in 2025. He uses this as proof that prioritizing green spaces is not only possible but also rewarding.
A Word of Caution to Developers
To those who have acquired plots in former green areas, Onoh issues a stark warning: “Do not be surprised or complain if a future government, committed to restoring the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan and upholding environmental justice, revokes these allocations.” It’s a clear message that the current disregard for the master plan might not stand forever.
A Call to Action: Save Abuja’s Environment!
The responsibility to act, Onoh insists, lies with everyone. He urges the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and civil society organizations to:
- Immediately halt any further conversion of green spaces.
- Conduct a thorough audit of compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
- Take decisive steps to restore the lost green areas.
Protecting the environment of our capital city, Onoh concludes, is not just a local concern; it’s absolutely central to Nigeria’s broader and vital fight against climate change. We ignore this at our peril.
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