The Effectiveness of Urban Planning Policies on Informal Settlements in Mpape and Jabi Communities in Abuja.

• Author(s): Aliyu SHEHU ; Ismail Gbolahan, DERE
• Paper ID: 1709939
• Page: 6-13
• Published Date: 06-08-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 2 August-2025

Abstract

In many developing nations, such as Nigeria's capital, Abuja, informal settlements have become a defining characteristic of rapid urbanization. Even though Abuja is a carefully planned city with a thorough Master Plan, informal settlements have grown unchecked in places like Mpape and Jabi. Concerns regarding inclusivity, enforcement, and sustainable urban governance are brought to light by this trend, which reveals a gap between urban planning policies and their actual application. The purpose of this study is to assess how well urban planning regulations handle the development and administration of informal settlements in Mpape and Jabi. It specifically looks at the degree of policy implementation, the difficulties regulatory bodies face, and the socioeconomic effects on impacted citizens. 150 households in both communities were given structured surveys as part of a mixed-methods approach to gather quantitative data. Qualitative insights were gathered through interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), and local community leaders. In order to monitor spatial trends in settlement growth, policy documents and satellite imagery were also examined. The results showed that the ground realities and planning intentions differed significantly. Particularly for the AMMC and the FCDA, which are in charge of land development and enforcement planning policies, the growth of informal settlements has been maintained by lax enforcement, political meddling, and little stakeholder participation. In order to effectively plan and control, the AMMC has made significant progress in using satellite imagery to document informal settlements. In order to ensure the growth of the informal settlement, the study's conclusion suggests more inclusive, flexible planning models that are adapted to the changing realities of urban communities like Mpape and Jabi, as well as stronger institutional coordination between AMMC, FCDA, and local communities.

Keywords

Informal, Settlements, Urban Planning, Policies, & Abuja

Citations

IRE Journals:
Aliyu SHEHU , Ismail Gbolahan, DERE "The Effectiveness of Urban Planning Policies on Informal Settlements in Mpape and Jabi Communities in Abuja." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 2 2025 Page 6-13

IEEE:
Aliyu SHEHU , Ismail Gbolahan, DERE "The Effectiveness of Urban Planning Policies on Informal Settlements in Mpape and Jabi Communities in Abuja." Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(2)