Abuja Under Siege As Indiscriminate Tree Felling Threatens Lives and Environment

An environmentalist and Member of the APC NWC, Aare (Hon.) Tolu Bankole, has raised an alarm over the indiscriminate felling of trees in the nation’s capital. He notes that Abuja was not conceived as just another capital city, but envisioned by its founders as a modern African masterpiece where urban development would coexist harmoniously with nature.

The architectural master plan for Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory deliberately preserved green belts, protected natural landscapes, and ensured orderly urban expansion. Wide roads, carefully planned districts, tree-lined avenues, and environmental buffers were designed not merely for aesthetics, but to guarantee ecological balance, healthy living conditions, and climate stability for generations yet unborn.

For decades, that vision distinguished Abuja from many overcrowded and chaotic cities around the world. The abundance of trees moderated temperatures, reduced erosion, controlled wind intensity, improved air quality, and gave residents a sense of calm rarely associated with rapidly growing urban centres. Abuja became the pride of Nigeria, a capital that reflected discipline, environmental consciousness, and strategic planning.

Sadly, that noble vision is now under serious threat.

Across the city today, one witnesses the alarming rate at which trees are being felled under the guise of erecting billboards, signages, and even streetlights. Green areas that once softened the harsh realities of urbanisation are gradually disappearing. Entire stretches of roads that were formerly shielded by healthy vegetation are now exposed to relentless sunlight and dangerous wind currents. The consequences of this uncontrolled deforestation are already becoming evident.

Abuja residents increasingly experience unusually harsh weather conditions, rising temperatures, intensified dust storms, and uncontrolled windy situations capable of damaging properties and endangering lives.

Erosion is equally emerging as a growing environmental challenge in several parts of the capital. If this dangerous trend continues unchecked, the long-term implications could be devastating: ranging from climate instability and flooding to deteriorating public health and irreversible ecological damage.

What makes this situation more unfortunate is that development and environmental preservation are not mutually exclusive. Billboards, signages, streetlights, and trees can coexist through proper planning and innovative urban design. Around the world, modern cities like Kigali, Singapore, and even Lagos’ Ikoyi axis, where proper urban landscaping is enforced continue to expand technologically without sacrificing their environmental heritage Abuja should not be an exception.

The first solution is to immediately stop the reckless destruction of trees across the Federal Capital Territory. Relevant authorities must enforce stricter environmental regulations and compel advertisers, contractors, and developers to comply with sustainable practices. Beyond enforcement, there must be a comprehensive reforestation initiative to replace lost trees and restore Abuja’s green identity.

In the medium and long term, environmental impact assessments must become mandatory before approving any urban infrastructure project. More importantly, citizens themselves must become active stakeholders in protecting the environment.

Abuja belongs not only to this generation, but also to generations unborn. Protecting its environmental master plan is not optional; Abuja’s environmental health is a collective responsibility.

Aare (Hon.) Tolu Bankole

Environmentalist and Member, APC NWC