A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has expressed serious concern over the growing rate of deforestation across the Federal Capital Territory, warning that the continued destruction of trees is gradually distorting Abuja’s original environmental master plan and exposing residents to severe ecological risks.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Bankole lamented the increasing removal of trees in different parts of Abuja, particularly for the installation of billboards, signage structures, and streetlight projects.
According to him, Abuja was intentionally designed to stand out as a modern African capital city where urban growth would exist in harmony with environmental preservation and sustainable planning.
Abuja Was Designed as a Green City — Bankole
The APC chieftain explained that the original master plan of the Federal Capital Territory carefully incorporated green belts, protected landscapes, open spaces, and tree-lined roads to maintain ecological balance and improve the quality of life for residents.
He noted that the city’s planners envisioned Abuja as more than just Nigeria’s administrative capital, describing it as an environmental masterpiece built to combine modern infrastructure with nature.
According to Bankole:
“Abuja was not conceived as just another capital city, but as a modern African masterpiece where development would coexist harmoniously with nature.”
He stated that for decades, Abuja’s lush greenery, wide roads, and organised layout distinguished the city from many overcrowded urban centres around the world.
Rising Tree Destruction Threatens Abuja’s Environmental Identity
Bankole, however, warned that the city’s environmental heritage is now under threat due to indiscriminate tree felling taking place across several parts of the capital.
He expressed concern that green spaces and natural landscapes are gradually disappearing as trees are removed to make way for commercial advertisements, construction projects, utility installations, and other urban developments.
According to him:
“Across the city today, one witnesses the alarming rate at which trees are being felled under the guise of erecting billboards, signage, and even streetlights.”
He added that many of the green areas that once softened the harsh realities of urbanisation are rapidly vanishing, leaving the city increasingly vulnerable to environmental degradation.
Abuja Residents Already Feeling Effects of Deforestation
The APC NWC member warned that the consequences of unchecked deforestation are already becoming visible across Abuja through worsening weather conditions and environmental instability.
According to him, residents are now experiencing:
- Rising temperatures
- Increased dust storms
- Stronger wind intensity
- Soil erosion
- Environmental discomfort
- Property damage linked to extreme weather
He stressed that the city’s trees previously played a major role in moderating temperature, controlling erosion, reducing wind impact, and improving air quality.
Bankole cautioned that if the destruction continues unchecked, Abuja could face severe long-term environmental problems, including flooding, climate instability, deteriorating public health, and irreversible ecological damage.
“If this dangerous trend continues unchecked, the long-term implications could be devastating,” he warned.
Urban Development and Environmental Protection Can Coexist
Despite the growing concerns, Bankole maintained that development and environmental sustainability do not have to conflict with each other.
He argued that proper urban planning and innovative infrastructure design could allow trees, billboards, streetlights, and commercial structures to coexist without destroying the city’s green ecosystem.
According to him:
“Billboards, signage, streetlights, and trees can coexist through proper planning and innovative urban design.”
He pointed to cities such as Kigali and Singapore as examples of urban centres that have successfully balanced rapid development with environmental conservation.
Bankole also referenced areas like Ikoyi in Lagos as proof that modern infrastructure can be developed without sacrificing natural landscapes.
APC Chieftain Calls for Immediate Government Action
The APC leader urged relevant government agencies and environmental authorities to urgently intervene before Abuja loses its identity as one of Africa’s most environmentally planned cities.
He called for:
- Immediate suspension of reckless tree felling
- Stronger enforcement of environmental regulations
- Sustainable construction practices
- Compliance by contractors and advertisers
- Expanded urban reforestation programmes
Bankole stressed that preserving Abuja’s environmental master plan should be treated as a collective responsibility involving both government institutions and private developers.
He also advocated a large-scale reforestation initiative to restore damaged green areas and protect the city’s ecological future.
“Abuja Belongs to Future Generations”
While emphasising the importance of environmental preservation, Bankole stated that Abuja’s natural ecosystem must be protected not only for current residents but also for future generations.
According to him:
“Abuja belongs not only to this generation, but also to generations unborn.”
He added that safeguarding the city’s environmental health is essential for maintaining public safety, improving living conditions, and sustaining the original vision behind Nigeria’s capital city.
The renewed concerns over Abuja’s rapid urban transformation come amid increasing debates about environmental sustainability, climate change, and the growing pressure of commercial expansion across major Nigerian cities.
