February 04, (THEWILL) – In the heart of Nigeria, beyond government buildings and the well-paved streets of the central districts, lies a different kind of Abuja. A sprawling expanse of informal settlements that have expanded rapidly, engulfing the outlying suburbs of Mararaba, Masaka, Zuba, Suleja and beyond. These are the fringe cities within the city, where the buzz of the bustling capital fades into the silence of the uncharted, the unplanned and the ungoverned.
It’s here that an estimated 60 per cent of the city’s population resides, a staggering statistic that becomes palpable as one navigates through the alleys and makeshift dwellings. These areas are devoid of the most basic urban amenities: Roads are unpaved or altogether absent, street names and addresses are a luxury few can claim and the notion of a postal service is as remote as the idea of these settlements themselves being mapped.
The implications of this urban neglect are far-reaching, but none more immediate and alarming than the prevailing insecurity. The lack of infrastructure has inadvertently fostered an environment of obscurity and anonymity, ideal for those with nefarious intentions. Criminals, miscreants and kidnappers find refuge in the chaotic sprawl of these areas, where the anonymity provided by the absence of street names and addresses aids their escape from the arm of the law.
Law enforcement is sporadic and often ineffective, with the areas being critically under-policed. The security architecture, which ought to safeguard the residents, is practically non-existent,and the police are ill-equipped to navigate or patrol the unmapped and unregulated terrain. The resulting situation is a cycle of crime and fear, where the residents are left to fend for themselves against a backdrop of increasing criminality.
The government’s response to this crisis has been lacklustre at best. While there have been talks and plans, action on the ground is yet to materialise in any meaningful way. Urban development experts argue that a multi-faceted approach is necessary – one that involves not only improving law enforcement presence but also integrating these informal settlements into the larger urban framework through planned development and provision of basic services.
It’s not just about laying down roads and naming streets, but about recognising the humanity of the residents of these settlements. It’s about providing them with the dignity of an address, the security of a well-lit path home and the assurance that they are not forgotten by the city planners or the government.
The situation in Abuja’s informal settlements is a microcosm of a larger national issue, where rapid urbanisation and population growth have outpaced the government’s capacity to plan and provide. It is a call to action for urban planners, policymakers and law enforcement agencies alike. The shadows cast by these settlements can either continue to darken, offering cover to those who wish to do harm or they can be illuminated by the concerted efforts to integrate these communities into the fabric of urban life.
As Nigeria continues to grow and develop, the choices made today will determine whether these shadow cities will remain as havens for insecurity, or whether they will be brought into the light, transformed into vibrant, planned and secure neighbourhoods that contribute to the vitality and safety of Abuja as a whole. The time to act is now, for the security of the city and the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens are at stake.
To bring about this transformation, a comprehensive urban planning initiative is needed, one that includes the voices and needs of the residents themselves. Participatory planning processes can ensure that the solutions are not just top-down impositions, but rather collaborative efforts that address the unique challenges of each settlement. This means involving community leaders in decision-making, understanding the social fabric of these neighborhoods, and developing tailored interventions that resonate with the local context.
The provision of basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity is also crucial. These are not just amenities; they are fundamental human rights that underpin health, safety, and economic opportunity. By improving the quality of life, the government can also reduce the propensity for crime, as communities with access to basic services and economic opportunities are less likely to harbor criminal elements.
Moreover, the regularization of land tenure would give residents a sense of ownership and stake in their communities, encouraging them to invest in their homes and surroundings. Such a move would also facilitate the creation of formal addresses, which is a prerequisite for a range of other services, including emergency services and postal deliveries.
In addition to urban planning and service provision, security sector reforms are urgently needed. This includes training and equipping the police force to operate effectively within these informal areas. Community policing models that build trust between the police and the residents they serve can go a long way in improving security. The use of modern technology, such as GPS mapping and drones, can also help in policing efforts where traditional methods fall short.
Lastly, economic development must be part of the strategy. Job creation and skill development programs can provide alternatives to criminal activities. By fostering local economies and entrepreneurship within these informal settlements, the government can help integrate them into the broader economy of Abuja.
The shadow cities of Abuja are not just a challenge to be overcome; they are an opportunity to create a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous urban future. The informal settlements are teeming with potential, and with the right mix of policies, investments, and community engagement, they can become exemplary models of urban resilience and innovation.
The task ahead is complex, but the stakes are too high to ignore. It will require sustained commitment, resources, and the collective will of all stakeholders involved. If successful, the transformation of Abuja’s shadow cities will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when a nation comes together to uplift and secure its people, no matter where they live. The time for action is now, and the blueprint for a brighter, safer future for all of Abuja’s residents lies in our collective hands.
To effectively address the challenges posed by Abuja’s informal settlements and the broader urban security crisis, a multi-jurisdictional approach is essential. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) must collaborate closely with neighboring states—Nassarawa, Niger, Kaduna, and Kogi—to establish joint planning controls and regulatory jurisdiction over the adjoining suburban areas. This regional collaboration can harmonize urban development policies, ensure consistent service provision, and create a united front against the security challenges that do not respect administrative boundaries.
The creation of a dedicated agency with the mandate to manage issues related to informality and the development of informal settlements is a pivotal step towards a structured and sustainable solution. This agency would be responsible for coordinating efforts across different levels of government, engaging with community stakeholders, and implementing policies aimed at the gradual formalization of these areas. It would serve as a central body to oversee the planning, development, and integration of informal settlements into the city’s formal structure.
Such an agency would need robust funding. Therefore, it is imperative to look both inward and outward for financial resources. Locally, the government should allocate a portion of its budget to address the informal settlements as an investment in the nation’s social and economic stability. Internationally, partnerships with development agencies, non-governmental organisations and foreign governments can provide the necessary financial support and expertise. Grants, loans and technical assistance from international development partners can complement local funds and provide a more substantial financial base for the comprehensive and long-term initiatives required.
Philanthropic organisations and the private sector also have a role to play. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can contribute to infrastructure development, community services, and job creation programs that will benefit the residents of informal settlements. Public-private partnerships can incentivize investment in these areas, spurring economic growth and development.
The transformation of Abuja’s shadow cities into secure, planned and integrated neighbourhoods requires a collaborative, well-funded and strategically planned approach. By establishing joint planning controls with neighboring states, creating a dedicated agency for informal settlements and securing funding from local and international sources, the government can make significant strides towards resolving the urban security crisis and improving the lives of millions of its citizens. The solutions are within reach; the imperative now is to muster the political will and collective action to turn plans into reality. As Abuja and its shadow cities stand at this crossroads, the path chosen will shape the future of the nation’s capital for generations to come.
***Baba Isimi FNIA is an architect, businessman and politician*
