Abuja @30 and the journey so far

Come December this year, we will celebrate 30 years of the movement of the seat of power from Lagos to Abuja, therefore kudos to the founding fathers who thought of this giant stride. So far, a lot has been achieved but we need to do more.

There are some gaps that need to be addressed to make Abuja a befitting nation’s capital. First, Abuja has six area councils, some of these area councils have not been fully developed, they lack basic infrastructure. Also, the influx of people daily is over-stretching facilities in the city centre. Government should, therefore, shift its focus to the area councils.

Also, there is the need to carry the FCT residents along in the execution of projects to make them joint owners of such projects. This way they will protect them. The FCT Administration should not just be awarding contracts to some favoured individuals but the people and the communities should be carried along.

Abuja ought to be growing in phases, but part of the master plan has been distorted. The government opened up Phase V of its development plan even though it is yet to complete Phase II.

Things are deteriorating with beggars coming back on the streets and refuse piling up again.

The administrators of the capital must sit up to their responsibilities of making Abuja a capital that every Nigerian will be proud of.

They should adopt a modern and collective way of executing projects so that every resident will have a sense of belonging and pride in their city.

I agree with the assertion that followers have their problems but the leadership has more responsibilities. So if things are not checked in the next few years, considering the influx of people, Abuja will end up one of the worst cities to live in.

Haruna Kabiru Tangale wrote from Abaji, FCT