The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated a partnership with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the review and upgrade of the Abuja master plan. This initiative is set to drive significant infrastructure improvements, enhance urban mobility, and foster the development of Abuja as a smart city.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, emphasized that Japan's foundational role in designing Abuja positions the agency to effectively contribute to the city's modernization. He further stressed that sustained collaboration with JICA will ensure new developments align with Abuja's original vision and support broader government objectives.

Mr. Ishigami Keiji, JICA’s Chief Representative, stated that the review process has reached a critical stage. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the creation of a sustainable and resilient capital city.

The development of Abuja as Nigeria's capital commenced in 1976. Planning efforts were initiated under General Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo, with significant progress made during the administration of Shehu Shagari. The International Planning Associates (IPA), a consortium of three American firms, was commissioned in 1977 to produce the master plan, with the detailed design of the central district later handled by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and his team.

Construction began in 1979 but faced delays due to economic and political instability. Major milestones were achieved in the late 1980s, and Abuja has since experienced rapid population growth.

The FCTA has consistently carried out enforcement exercises to ensure compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, with a particular focus on safeguarding the city's layout and preventing unauthorized developments. For instance, areas within the Garki District's Phase I transitway corridor are reserved for future transportation projects. The FCTA has taken steps to prevent encroachment in these areas, protecting critical transport alignments.

Additionally, the administration has conducted demolitions of illegal structures, clamped down on unauthorized land allocations, and tightened the monitoring of building approvals across the FCT. These measures are designed to curb distortions to the city’s design, restore compliance with the master plan, and create space for future infrastructure development.