Impact of Changes in Abuja Master Plan in Phase I Part of the Federal Capital City, Abuja, Nigeria

This work presents the outcome of changes made in the course of implementing the Abuja Master Plan as it affects the Environment, holistically. It also depicts the circumstances surrounding these changes, ranging from their causes, where, how and causative agents. The study area falls within Phase 1 of about 6000 square hectares of land, from the 250 square kilometers covered by the Federal Capital City, which lies between Latitude 70 -20 minutes north of the Equator and Longitude 60 - 45minutes and 70 - 39 minutes south, as the lands raises the up hills ofGurara Falls with lilted Green Savanna Forests. The purpose is to examine the Impact of the arbitrary changes, have on the environment be it negative or positive as the case may be. Obtaining the information for this research is based on both Primary and Secondary Sources. As the Primary source is mainly through observations and questionnaire, the Secondary data is based on existing documents like, maps, articles Abuja Master Plan, within and outside the organization or agencies saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a sustainable Urban City Development However, it is found out that changes are made within green areas, open spaces, recreation areas, and residential to commercial, public to private uses, thus resulting to incompatible uses thus causing congestion cum loss of fauna-flora and over stretching some utilities/services. However, changes made on the land uses are being considered in both negative and positive aspect and their severity to whole environment Some of the negative changes have already been reverted to their original uses to meet the needs and aspirations of the populace. These changes were mainly within the green area comprising off lood plains, rock out-crops and recreational areas of the city. The changes occurred during the Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai Administration in the Federal Capital City. It is recommended that the principle of preventive and corrective systems be adapted to ameliorate further changes.