Urban Planning In Action: How Laws, Master Plans, And Stakeholders Shape Abuja’S Built Environment
Amaka Ifeyinwa Nwankwo
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Emeka Tochukwu Ezeani
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Abstract
Abuja, Nigeria was designated as the country’s new capital to alleviate the urban congestion, overpopulation, and limited land availability that plagued Lagos. To guide its development, a comprehensive Master Plan was established. However, over time, the Master Plan has been largely disregarded, resulting in widespread urban development challenges. These include disorganized environmental growth, the emergence of slums, and a significant shortfall in adequate housing. This paper investigates a notable and emerging urban phenomenon in Abuja: the encroachment of informal settlers into formally designated residential areas. This trend signifies a new dimension in poor urban housing and highlights critical flaws in the city’s urban planning execution.
The study employs a qualitative, content-based analysis to assess the implementation and coordination of the Abuja Master Plan and related development laws by the key urban actors. Findings reveal that poor governance, weak enforcement of development laws, and fragmented planning strategies have all contributed to the rise of informal settlements and inadequate housing across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The paper argues that Abuja still holds potential to evolve into a model city if its urban development is strategically guided. This requires strict adherence to the Master Plan, improved coordination among urban stakeholders, and the integration of contemporary urban planning models.
The paper recommends adopting principles of New Urbanism, such as the promotion of high-rise housing solutions, the retention and upgrading of existing informal neighborhoods, and the creation of mixed-use environments where residents can live and work. These strategies could enhance the inclusivity, sustainability, and functionality of Abuja’s urban fabric, offering a balanced approach to growth that accommodates both formal and informal populations.