By Idris Muhammed Abdullahi
Abuja is changing, and we see it. New roads are emerging, bridges are being repaired, and public spaces are finally receiving the attention they deserve. For this, residents genuinely commend Minister Nyesom Wike and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration. The pace of development is exciting, and it’s clear that the city is undergoing a much-needed transformation.
However, as concrete and steel rise, something vital is quietly disappearing—our trees.
Across Abuja, trees are being cut down at an alarming rate. Shockingly, much of this destruction is not for essential development but is driven by the reckless actions of some FCTA workers who have turned tree felling into a side business, selling them to firewood dealers. These trees are removed without permission, oversight, or any plan for replacement. The destruction is happening silently, yet its effects are loud and visible.
Trees are more than mere scenery. They provide shade for pedestrians, purify our air, offer habitats for wildlife, and serve as barriers against erosion and flooding. They cool our streets and enhance our health. Every tree removed without replacement is a step closer to a hotter, harsher, and less livable Abuja.
Fortunately, not everyone is turning a blind eye. Organizations like UGANIG Farms have taken up the challenge, planting trees across the city without seeking praise or publicity. They are greening schoolyards, roadways, and community spaces using their resources and sheer determination. Their work is a testament to what is possible and a reminder that restoring Abuja’s green spaces can be achieved.
But it should not be left to individuals or groups alone. We are calling on Minister Wike and the FCT Administration to scale up these efforts through strong policy and enforcement:
- Mandatory Green Spaces for Developers: Require that every estate developer include green spaces and tree planting in their project proposals—not as an afterthought, but as a condition for approval. Urban development should always integrate greenery.
- Tree Planting for Homeowners: Make it a policy for every homeowner to plant at least one tree within their compound or frontage. This simple action, repeated across thousands of homes, will bring life, shade, and beauty to our neighborhoods.
- Strict Control of Tree Cutting: Enforce strict penalties against the indiscriminate felling of trees by FCTA workers or contractors. Any tree removed must be replaced, ensuring a sustainable balance between growth and nature.
Minister Wike has shown that when he focuses on a problem, progress follows. This is the moment to add environmental restoration to Abuja’s ongoing transformation. We must prioritize both growth and greenery, ensuring a sustainable and livable city for future generations.
Let’s build roads and plant trees beside them. Let’s construct houses with gardens and greenery. Let’s design estates with parks, not just fences.
Let’s make Abuja green again—intentionally, boldly, and together.
Idris Muhammed Abdullahi is a policy and governance specialist and a concerned citizen of the FCT.
