The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), has called for a new strategy in the development of Abuja’s satellite towns to address long-standing infrastructure and governance challenges.
Speaking at the 2025 Town Planners Day held on August 28, the Chapter Chair, Tpl. Queen I. Phillips, said the current approach to public sector-led development in satellite towns was no longer sufficient to meet the needs of growing communities.
The event, themed “Regional Development in the FCT: Rethinking Public Sector-led Development of Abuja Satellite Towns,” highlighted the need to revisit the Abuja Master Plan, which envisioned strong linkages between the capital city and its satellite communities.
Phillips noted that despite decades of planning, most satellite towns still grapple with poor infrastructure, weak service delivery, and ineffective local governance. She however commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for ongoing reforms in land administration and infrastructure expansion, saying these could help reduce the gap between Abuja city and its surrounding towns.
She added that the ongoing review of the Abuja Master Plan presented an opportunity to embed sustainability, resilience, and balanced regional growth into future development strategies.
Experts at the event, including Tpl. Dr. Yakubu Bununu, Tpl. Dr. Daniel Adamu, and Tpl. Timeyin Uwejamomore FNITP, delivered papers on spatial planning, governance, and infrastructure development, urging a holistic rethink that places people and communities at the heart of urban planning.
Phillips stressed that Town Planners Day should not only highlight challenges but also drive actionable solutions that will transform Abuja’s satellite towns into inclusive, livable, and resilient urban centers.
The event drew government officials, professional planners, and development partners, all of whom expressed commitment to advancing a new model of regional planning for the FCT.
