A former spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Southeast, Denge Josef Onoh, has raised a critical alarm. He states that the ongoing conversion of Abuja's designated green zones into private developments is a direct threat to Nigeria's climate change promises and the original sustainable vision for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Systematic Erosion of the Abuja Master Plan
Onoh, who also chairs the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, has pointed an accusing finger at the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He alleges that the minister is overseeing a systematic erosion of the green belts and open spaces that were carefully reserved under the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.
He explained that this master plan, created by International Planning Associates and refined by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, deliberately allocated about one-third of the FCT's total land for environmental purposes. These areas, including green belts, parks, and ecological corridors, were meant to ensure environmental balance and make the city livable.
"These areas were intended to regulate urban temperature in our savannah climate, serve as natural carbon sinks, mitigate flooding through preserved drainage pathways, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and provide essential recreational spaces for residents," Onoh stated. The plan drew inspiration from other planned sustainable capitals like Brasília and Chandigarh.
Unprecedented Encroachment and Dire Consequences
Onoh described the current trend as unprecedented in the FCT's history. "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 has therefore called on President Tinubu to order the immediate revocation of all affected green areas.
According to his account, encroachments have accelerated since 2023 in districts such as Guzape, Maitama, Wuse, Katampe, and Kado. He claims flood-prone valleys, parks, and utility corridors have been handed over for estate and commercial projects.
The data he presents is stark: compliance with green zoning has allegedly fallen to around 60%, with per capita green space now below four square metres per resident. This is far short of the World Health Organization's recommended minimum.
The environmental fallout is already visible, he warned, citing rising urban heat, increased flooding in Asokoro, Guzape, and Wuse, worsening air pollution, and heightened risks of desertification. These actions, he argues, directly contradict Nigeria's obligations under the Paris Agreement and the Tinubu administration's own climate action goals.
A Call for Action and a Warning to Allottees
Onoh cautioned Abuja residents to expect immediate impacts, including harsher living conditions, health issues, lost recreational spaces, and economic strain from flooding and falling property values. Long-term costs from climate inaction, he added, would be steep.
Drawing from his experience as a former Commissioner and Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Onoh cited Enugu's strict master plan enforcement, which included demolitions and restoration of green areas. This policy, he noted, contributed to Enugu State winning a national green award in 2025.
He issued a direct warning to those who have received plots on former green land: "To those allotted these former green plots: proceed with utmost caution. 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."
Finally, Onoh urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and civil society groups to take decisive steps. He called for an immediate halt to further conversions, a comprehensive audit of compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, and the restoration of lost green spaces. He insisted that protecting Abuja's environment is central to Nigeria's broader fight against climate change.
