In a recent stakeholder meeting held by the House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Abdulganiyu Adebomehin, the Surveyor-General of the Federation, voiced his concerns about the rapid decline of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, into slum-like conditions.
During the Tuesday meeting in Abuja, Mr. Adebomehin highlighted the stark contrast between the city’s current trajectory and the situation in Lagos, which is known for its extremes. He drew attention to Eko Atlantic, an ambitious luxury island project dubbed “Africa’s Dubai,” and Orisunbare, an informal settlement built on compacted trash, as examples of the disparities within Lagos.
The Surveyor-General warned that without intervention, Abuja could follow in Lagos’s footsteps, emphasizing the need for adherence to laws and regulations. He pointed out the tendency of individuals to flout rules upon returning from abroad, where they comply to avoid fines, suggesting a deeper look into compliance enforcement.
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Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the chairman of the committee, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of planning and infrastructure development to keep pace with Nigeria’s rapid urbanization. Mr. Abiante underscored the potential for Nigerian cities to drive national transformation through the creation of integrated and productive communities.
He also addressed the needs of the urban poor and vulnerable groups, advocating for more focus on providing affordable housing and social amenities to enhance their quality of life.