BY TPL Umar Shuaibu
The Abuja Development Program identified three areas for Regional Recreation use, with the Zuma Hills recognized as a National Monument and Wilderness protection area. The second area proposed for conservation is the extensive Bobo Plains, which separates the drainage basins of the Afara and Bokwoi rivers, making it an ideal habitat for wildlife and a candidate for a National Game Reserve. The third initiative is the National Holiday Village, envisioned as a “unity village” to foster inter-state travel among Nigerians, to be located near the Bwari-Aso Hills.
Regrettably, these proposals have been largely ignored by successive FCT administrations, leading to widespread unawareness of their existence. The Bobo Plains, in particular, have faced significant violations. This negligence prompted the 2019 FCT Park Policy, which called for the reclamation of designated Parks and Recreational sites that had been altered for different uses.
In light of climate change’s impact on the FCT, the policy emphasizes that any designated Parks, Green Areas, Open Spaces, and other Recreational Sites repurposed shall be recovered by the Parks and Recreations Department. Specific areas mentioned for reclamation include Bobo Plains, Zuma Rock Wildlife Park, Abuja Zoological Garden, Zigakuchi Wildlife Park, and Abuja Central Park Botanical Garden. However, many of these sites have been repurposed for mass housing projects, leaving their future recovery contingent on the political will of future leaders. Notably, Zuma Rock is outside the FCT but has been highlighted in the Abuja Master Plan for its natural appeal.
Recognizing the dynamics of urban growth driven by transportation and economics, the Abuja Master Plan suggests establishing special joint planning areas with neighboring states to mitigate the effects of uncontrolled development. Areas adjacent to the capital are under intense pressure, which could lead to irreversible damage. Consequently, the plan identifies Suleja-Bwari as an imperative joint planning area, outlining its boundaries and significance.
Urban Development Boards in surrounding states lack the essential tools to manage developments at their borders effectively. The proposed Special Joint FCT-State Planning Districts aim to align the Urban Development Plans of these states with the Abuja Master Plan’s standards.
Many key proposals in the Abuja Master Plan have been neglected due to a lack of professional expertise to relay them to policymakers for implementation.
At the foot of Zuma Rock along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, a private organization has created the “Zuma Resort,” which showcases an innovative and beautifully designed natural environment. This resort aligns with the vision set forth in the Abuja Development Program, now hosting numerous national and international events and nearing recognition from UNESCO’s International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme.
This development reflects the potential of the area, illustrating what could be achieved with better adherence to the existing plans and a commitment to sustainable growth.
