Abuja: Re-Evaluating the Masterplan

This article by Onyeka Nwigwe was the runner-up in our writing competition
 

The journey that heralded the birth of the nation’s capital commenced when the then Federal Government activated the systematic relocation of all government ministries and agencies to Abuja in 1991. Acting on a script, the then authorities envisaged a world-class capital that’ll compete with London and New York in terms of business, residence and conference- a world-class capital we would call our own.

Situated in the center of the nation on a massive 7,315km² of land, Abuja assembles most of the breathtaking structures Nigeria boasts of. 

Still under construction as development unfolds, the current realities in the capital city has thrown-up the underbellies, inadequacies and less of foresight inherent in the much vaunted Masterplan of Abuja. A city that comprises of six area councils (Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Kwali and AMAC), it is disheartening to note that development both in infrastructure and economy has been biased, the favouratism of one above the other five area councils defeats the original intent of the founders. 

That all the three arms of government, headquaters of most ministries and agencies are situated in only AMAC goes to show the inapt posture of the masterplan, is it more of a ‘capital’ than the rest? 

The uneven and discriminatory development paints Abuja in a bad light and also reminds us of the many negatives that necessitated the relocation from Lagos: overcrowding, over-stretch of facilities, congestion, scampering for scarce opportunities, the list is endless with their concommitant social vices.

I took a walk one evening and saw firsthand the rowdiness, confusion and stress residents suffer as they commute to their various homes which are located in the aforementioned sidelined areas, which could have been avoided had the locations of public institutions been evenly spread across the FCT. 

The plethora of set-backs that have bedeviled the nation’s capital in relation to residents wellbeing, comfort and enterprise, which in itself hampers the even-spread of development, cannot be over emphasized. As the mad-rush to the city continues, it has resulted in the high cost of accomodation, making it impossible for the majority of its workforce to afford. 

The cost of doing business has also skyrocketed, especially the rent of shops, transportation of goods and other aid to trade. If Abuja must attract investment either domestic or foreign, it must be opened-up on all sides.

The sharp contrast of life evident in the FCT should be of concern to a people- conscious government as a ‘cottage-beside-a-castle’ set up tarnishes whatever beauty the castle holds. 

Drastic measures need to be put in place to re-invent the wheel of the Master Plan to address critical issues of inclusive development. A development authority should be established in the Area Councils to compliment and coordinate efforts. Preventive measures should be put in place to tackle environmental issues of the 21st century such as climate change, which developed countries are already battling.

In doing so Abuja stands a better chance of becoming a modern, world class capital.