AVM Rtd. Akugbe Iyamu
Maintaining the purpose built concept of Abuja is not a favour but an obligation because
Abuja is a premier purpose-built capital city in Africa designed from scratch in the 1980s officially replacing Lagos in 1991 to serve as a neutral, central administrative hub.
Current actions of the FCDA are fast diminishing the principles that the Abuja master plan was envisaged by International Planning Associates to feature a structured zonal layout with extensive infrastructure designed for growth.
Purpose built cities like Abuja commonly include MORE GREEN SPACES, better sanitation, and easier access to amenities which leads to improved health and better living standards for residents.
Essentially, Abuja as a purpose-built cities was designed to act as long-term national development strategies by providing a “smart,” “green” future with focused economic goals (such as technology or finance hubs).
Unlike organic cities, Abuja was designed with planned settlements often aim for a “15-minute city” model, prioritizing walkability and amenity access within a short distance.
The concept of was to have efficient layout, modern infrastructure, PLANNED GREEN SPACES, and reduced traffic congestion as a purpose-built city (or planned community).
To satisfy the requirements of a purpose built city, Abuja was designed and constructed from scratch on previously undeveloped land rather than evolving organically over time.
Additionally, Abuja was tailored to specific goals, such as serving as a national capital, industrial hub or sustainable living area featuring planned infrastructure, zoning, and amenities.
Also, as a purpose built city, it was built to house government functions, often to avoid favoring existing cities.
Other examples of purpose-built cities include Brasília (Brazil) and Nusantara (Indonesia). When the destruction of the city becomes something you helplessly watch rather than participate in the preservation, the intention of the concept may still be loud, but the meaning of a purpose-built city quietly fades away.
AVM Rtd. Iyamu MNSA fsi, is a Consultant on Climate Change and Analyst on Environmental Policies. He is also the President of the Association of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Practitioners
