By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT) has expressed concern over disregard for environmental regulations in some areas of the territory.
Mr Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council made this known at a lecture series on “Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the FCT” on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organized by the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to commemorate Town Planners Day 2024.
Obuah was represented by Mr. Wasiu Buhari, Acting Director, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.
“Despite regular sensitization campaigns and public meetings with residents and stakeholders, some residents continue to erect illegal structures and constructions along waterways, leading to floods and other avoidable disasters in the territory.”
“The current administration is ready to ensure that residents comply with environmental laws and make the FCT attractive for foreign and domestic investment,” he said.
Mr. Chinedu Obika, a member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who is committed to tackling floods and devastating fires in the FCT.
Obika stressed the need for urgent action to address the recurrent floods and recent fires in the FCT.
The lawmaker disclosed that he has tabled motions and bills in the National Assembly with the aim of exploring innovative disaster preparedness strategies, building resilience and empowering vulnerable people in the FCT.
“To achieve these lofty goals, we must become emergency managers of disasters, which are mainly natural and man-made, and think about these recurring events in four phases: mitigation, preparation, response and recovery.
“If everyone can adopt the mindset of managing residual risk factors such as climate change, environmental degradation, globalized economic development, poverty and inequality, poorly planned urban development and weak governance;
“We will further contribute to building the resilience of communities, which will lead to the realization of sustainable development,” he said.
Obika assured NITP of his continued cooperation to ensure credible and inclusive representation in the National Assembly, stressing his commitment to sustainable development and security in the FCT.
Likewise, the President of FCT, NITP, Mrs. Lami Ayuba, assured that the outcomes of the forum would contribute to stakeholders’ intervention in the ongoing floods, the increase of which in some parts of the FCT was alarming.
Ayuba said that “the decisions of the participants will help strengthen the territory against the dangers posed by disasters,” he said.
Ayuba added that government policies on environmental laws must protect the vulnerable and support urban growth.
NAN reports that other speakers at the forum were of the opinion that government at all levels must involve urban planners in planning the development of cities and towns for sustainable growth.
