Urban Planning and Political Authority in Abuja: Administrative Challenges of a Federal Capital

This study examines the political and administrative challenges associated with urban planning authority in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, analysing how the unique constitutional status of the territory as a federally administered area creates governance complexities absent in other Nigerian states. Abuja has experienced rapid and largely unplanned urban growth since the relocation of the federal capital from Lagos in 1991, resulting in severe housing deficits, inadequate infrastructure in satellite towns, and contested land governance that has generated significant political conflict between federal authorities and long-established communities. Using a qualitative case study design, the study draws on planning documents, court records from land disputes, interviews with residents of satellite communities affected by forced relocation, and analysis of the Federal Capital Territory Administration's statutory powers. The urban governance theory and the political ecology of cities framework are applied to evaluate planning authority and accountability in the capital city context. Findings reveal that the Federal Capital Territory Administration's centralised planning authority has been exercised in ways that privilege commercially driven development and the interests of wealthy investors over the housing and livelihood needs of low-income residents and indigenous Gbagyi communities. Forced demolitions without adequate resettlement provisions have generated significant community grievances and periodic political protests. Recommendations include statutory protections for communities in the path of urban development, participatory planning processes that incorporate marginalised community voices, and independent review mechanisms for demolition decisions. Keywords: urban planning, political authority, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, urban governance