By Our Correspondent
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a pro-democracy and civil rights group, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the systematic erosion of the Abuja Masterplan by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The organisation alleges that designated public lands, green areas, and critical infrastructure zones are being converted into private commercial and residential developments.
HURIWA warned that these developments represent a significant departure from the original vision of Abuja as a carefully planned, environmentally sustainable, and accessible capital city.
Destruction of Green Areas and Environmental Risks
The group expressed alarm over the growing conversion of green spaces across Abuja into built-up areas, alongside extensive tree-felling activities.
According to HURIWA, these actions are already leading to noticeable environmental consequences, including increased urban temperatures, disruption of ecological balance, heightened flood risks, and long-term threats to environmental sustainability.
It stressed that Abuja’s design incorporated deliberate ecological zoning, and the continued loss of green buffers amounts to administrative negligence and poses risks to public health and environmental safety.
Controversy Over Wuye District Hospital Land
HURIWA highlighted the reported conversion of Plot 546, Cadastral Zone B03 in Wuye District—a 3.171-hectare site originally earmarked for a district hospital—into a private residential estate.
The land, located opposite the Wuye Ultra-Modern Market and near a police station, has reportedly been fenced and is undergoing development by Full Moon Estate Developers Ltd.
The group noted that the site was intended to serve as a vital public healthcare facility for the rapidly expanding Wuye District, which currently lacks sufficient government medical infrastructure. It argued that converting the land for private housing violates the Abuja Masterplan and deprives residents of essential services.
Concerns Over Alleged Patronage and Conflicts of Interest
HURIWA also pointed to emerging allegations that politically exposed individuals and associates of senior government officials may be benefiting from land reallocations in the FCT.
Although these claims remain unverified, the organisation said ongoing public discussions have raised concerns about possible links to influential officeholders, including individuals associated with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
It noted that such allegations—whether proven or not—underscore the need for transparency, due process, and accountability in land administration.
Pattern of Urban Planning Violations
The association criticised what it described as a recurring pattern in which land reserved for essential public infrastructure—such as hospitals, schools, and green spaces—is being reassigned for private use.
Urban planning experts, it noted, have warned that such practices weaken the city’s structural integrity and limit access to critical public services.
HURIWA cautioned that continued disregard for designated land use could distort Abuja’s original framework, which was designed to ensure balanced growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Impact on Communities
The group also drew attention to the effects on local communities. In Wuye District, residents have reportedly expressed disappointment over the loss of a long-anticipated district hospital.
HURIWA said the absence of such a facility leaves many residents without nearby public healthcare, forcing them to rely on distant or costly private options.
It added that similar concerns exist in other parts of the city, where spaces meant for recreational and sporting activities for children are being converted into motor parks or commercial outlets.
Threats to Long-Term Sustainability
Beyond immediate land use issues, HURIWA warned that ongoing deforestation, loss of green areas, and unregulated urban expansion pose serious risks to Abuja’s long-term sustainability.
The group observed that while many cities worldwide are strengthening green infrastructure to combat climate change, Abuja appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
Call for Legislative and Institutional Action
In response, HURIWA called on the National Assembly to take urgent action by halting ongoing conversions of public lands and green areas, initiating a comprehensive investigation into land use approvals, and reviewing compliance with the Abuja Masterplan.
It also urged lawmakers to summon relevant FCTA officials to explain recent land reallocations.
Demand for Anti-Corruption Probe
The organisation further appealed to anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations of abuse of office, conflict of interest, and possible diversion of public assets.
It insisted that anyone found culpable should face prosecution and that illegally converted lands must be restored to their original public purposes.
Call for Restoration of Public Assets
HURIWA demanded the immediate suspension of construction on disputed sites, including the Wuye District hospital land, pending the outcome of investigations.
It also called for the restoration of all affected public lands, particularly those meant for healthcare, education, and environmental protection, and urged the FCTA to provide adequate recreational facilities for children in residential areas.
In Conclusion, HURIWA described the moment as a critical one for Abuja, which it said stands at a pivotal point, warning that continued erosion of its Masterplan could transform the capital from a model planned city into a fragmented urban centre driven by private interests.
The group stressed that the integrity of the Federal Capital Territory must be preserved and not compromised by political or commercial considerations, emphasising that Abuja remains a shared national asset that must be protected.
