AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ABUJA CAPITAL TERRITORY

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of squatter settlements on the development of Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital City. By 1975 there was a quest for a new capital city of Nigeria outside Lagos. This arose because of inadequate space for expansion, growing squalour, pressure on infrastructure and utilities and the inability of Lagos to function both as a state capital and federal capital of Nigeria. Consequently a decision was taken in 1976 to relocate the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja. The Abuja Master Plan was prepared, adopted and physical construction started in 1980. The Federal Capital City (FCC) was conceived not only to be a sign of unity and greatness for the country but also a beautiful city of equal access and opportunity to all Nigerians. This study established that through some omissions of the Master Plan and distortions arising from its implementation coupled with some sociopolitical factors in the country, squatter settlements have emerged in the Federal Capital City. The study investigated squatter settlements in Phase II of the FCC fund that these settlements have impacted negatively on planned development of the city. They are obstructing construction of infrastructure in the districts thereby slowing down pace of development. Squatter settlements pose threat to the environment and social life of the city. The need to address the phenomenon of squatter settlements in FCC before they take roots and permanently distort Abuja Master Plan was established in the study. The study proposes a two-flanged approach to resolving the problem. First is to address migration to FCC by taking measures to limit influx of people or direct incoming new populations into new satellite towns to be built. The second approach addresses existing squatter settlements in FCC. Recommendations and implementation strategies have been made based on this dual approach. If implemented, the growth of squatter settlements in FCC will be reduced and their effect on planned development curtailed. This will bring about the realization of Abuja as conceived by the founding fathers-a beautiful, functional, environmentally friendlily and unifying capital city of Nigeria.