Experts have urged the Federal Government to formulate policies aimed at making Abuja more environmentally friendly and safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents.

They noted that rapid urbanization, population growth, and infrastructure expansion in the capital are placing significant strain on natural resources and ecosystems.

Yussuf Kelani, Convener of the Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit and Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, highlighted the environmental challenges facing the city, including rapid development, inadequate waste management, flooding, and the effects of climate change.

Kelani stated that the summit aims to address these urgent issues by promoting collaboration among stakeholders—including government officials, private sector leaders, experts, and civil society groups.

He also pointed out the varying impacts of climate change across Nigeria, with the North facing drought and desertification, while the South deals with frequent flooding due to its low-lying terrain and dense tropical vegetation.

Also speaking, Dr Michael David of Global Initiative, Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, said the lack of a coordinated environmental policy has led to uncontrolled waste disposal, rising air and water pollution, loss of green spaces, and increased vulnerability to climate-related events such as flooding and heat waves.

He maintained that without a clear environmental framework, efforts to address these issues will remain fragmented, reactive, and ineffective. David called for a comprehensive policy that would provide guidelines for waste management, air quality control and green space conservation.

David said there must be sustainable urban planning, environmental education, and residents of the FCT should be involved in environmental governance and demand for accountability.

In their submission, environmental experts – Dr Babatunde Ajayi and Maximus Ugwuoke want FCT to adopt and implement sustainable, environmentally friendly regulations and policies.