As the preparations for the comprehensive review of the Abuja Master Plan gather momentum, the Executive Secretary, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the National Population Commission (NPC), accompanied by a team of Directors, officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and some relevant staff of the department of Urban and Regional Planning.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Secretary intimated the NPC’s management of the planned review of the Abuja Master Plan and sought their collaboration with a view to ensuring accurate and timely delivery, stressing that the review would be deliberate and structured as it has become necessary in order to address the sundry challenges associated with the development of the city. He therefore requested for the relevant information and data that will enable the exercise take in the housing, transportation and other socio-economic indicators in planning the city.
The Executive Secretary revealed that the existing Master Plan has not been tinkered with in terms of review, except in few areas, maintaining that this review would enable the FCDA take care of those issues not envisaged at the onset of the city, especially as parameters used in planning the city and agencies have all changed.
Responding, both the Chairman of the NPC, Dr Aminu Yusuf and the Director- General, Dr Osifo Tellson Ojogun agreed that due to the challenges of urbanisation, the Master Plan was due for a review, and assured the Executive Secretary that the Commission would avail him of all the relevant data and other information that maybe required in the course of the review.
The Executive Secretary had previously made similar visits to the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) where he also got the commitment of those agencies towards the exercise.
The review of the Abuja Master Plan is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and it is expected to be completed in two years.
The Master Plan is a comprehensive urban planning document that outlines the development framework for Abuja. It is meant to guide sustainable growth, ensure efficient infrastructure, promote economic development, enhance quality of lives, and protect the environment, among others.
