Street-naming in the Federal Capital City (FCC) is primarily guided by the provision of Section 4 of the FCT Act, which created the Federal Capital…
Street-naming in the Federal Capital City (FCC) is primarily guided by the provision of Section 4 of the FCT Act, which created the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in 1976, with the responsibilities of planning, development and administration of the FCC and the FCT as a whole.
It is very important to know that the whole of the FCT is an urban area vested in the president as the de-facto governor, whose responsibility is delegated to the FCT minister. Thus, by the provision of the Land Use Act of 1977 and the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, the responsibilities in the FCT are under the jurisdiction of the FCT minister.
According to the provisions, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) was established in 2005 to manage the infrastructure developed by the FCDA. The Street Naming Advisory Committee was established in 1983 by the FCDA to handle all street-naming and house-numbering. It was domiciled with the Development Control Department prior to the AMMC creation. The committee recommends to the minister for consideration and approval for the street-naming in line with the already established guidelines which has been the practice over the years.
The aims of the guidelines were first, the promotion of unity of the country, ensuring that Abuja is a city for all Nigerians and the need to maintain peace. Secondly, to uphold street-naming standards comparable to those of any world class capital city. Accordingly, in the Phase I, the highest road hierarchies, which are the expressways and arterials, were named only after the country’s founding fathers, presidents, past and present, and former military heads of state. But in the subsequent phases the vice presidents were considered. Other deserving persons were considered for the Collectors and Local Service Roads.
Not only the Nigerian leaders but leaders of other countries both in Africa and beyond have streets after their names in Abuja. Some streets are named in recognition of Nigerian states and towns. Others were named after countries and some renowned cities, not only in Africa but also around the world. Specifically, streets in Wuse Zone 6 were named after African cities. Others like Tunisia, Ethiopia, Congo, New York, London, Milan, Ottawa and the rest could be found in Gwarinpa District.
Some streets were named after Hills, like Udi and Mambilla. These could be found in Maitama District, the Aso Drive; the Aso Hill itself, being the dominant landmark that forms the foundation for planning the city. Streets named after rivers like the Nile, Mississippi Ganges, Thames, Amazon, Niagara and others are found radiating from Alvan Ikoku Way in Maitama District.
The street-naming committee names only streets and numbers houses in areas where infrastructure is completed. The authority discourages naming streets after those who own properties on such streets. This is to ensure that such approvals are not converted or claimed as personal belongings to individuals. Otherwise, it may contradict existing policies which are centered on the promotion of peace and unity of the Nigerian nation, where everyone co-habits freely.Due to its technical nature and sensitivity, it is ensured that the exercise involves the custodians of the Abuja Master Plan with the relevant professionals and agencies. It is coordinated by the Urban Affairs Department in the AMMC. But the committee’s membership is drawn from the Development Control, Facilities Maintenance and Management, Engineering Services, Economic Planning Research and Statistics, Abuja Geographical Information System, the Transport Secretariat and the representatives of the area councils and the FCT Office of the Chieftaincy Affairs.
