Abuja: The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has called for renewed attention to the sustainable and inclusive development of Abuja’s satellite towns. Chairperson of the NITP FCT Chapter, Queen Phillips, emphasized the need for balanced growth during the 2025 edition of the FCT Town Planners Day in Abuja.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Phillips highlighted the theme of the event, ‘Regional Development in the FCT: Rethinking Public Sector-led Development of Abuja Satellite Towns,’ as timely and relevant. She noted that the Abuja Master Plan aimed for a balanced growth pattern, with satellite towns complementing the Federal Capital City by accommodating population growth, stimulating economic opportunities, and reducing pressure on the city center. However, she pointed out significant disparities, with many satellite towns struggling with inadequate infrastructure, poor service delivery, and weak governance systems.

Phillips acknowledged recent efforts by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to address these challenges through reforms aimed at monitoring growth and enforcing planning standards. However, she stressed the need for inclusivity, governance, and long-term sustainability.

The Chairman of the occasion, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Felix Obuah, represented by the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, commended the theme for its direct relevance to Abuja’s future. Obuah noted the stark contrast between the thriving city center and struggling satellite towns like Kubwa, Karshi, Nyanya, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji, which face poor infrastructure, housing shortages, long commutes, and limited opportunities. He emphasized the need for partnerships with the private sector and local communities to implement the master plan effectively.

Dr. Chime Ogbonna, the 26th President of the NITP, represented by Second National Vice President Garba Jibrin, stressed the importance of developing Abuja city alongside satellite towns to ensure functional coherence and complementary services. He cited inadequate funding, policy inconsistencies, and economic and political factors as reasons for the disproportionate focus on the city center, leading to the deterioration of satellite towns into slums.

Ogbonna mentioned that the FCT Administration is now prioritizing infrastructure development in the satellite towns, aligning with the 2025 theme to address these longstanding issues.