ABSTRACT
This thesis examines the pattern and urban management challenges of Development Control Violations in Wuse District of Federal Capital city of Abuja. Its primary scope is on the level of compliance to Development Control standards for residential plots in the study area with reference to Land Use, Density, setback, building and fence height. The study identified 2,763 residential plots allocated in Wuse I and II out of which 21% (574 plots) were picked as sample for detail analysis in the study. The results from the analysis indicates that violation of land use by contravention from residential to other uses constitutes the highest form of violation of development control standards in the study area with 238 cases (42%), set back was identified to be second with 161 cases (28%), density/building height violation constitutes 151 cases (26%); while fence height violation was found to be the least with 24 cases (4%) of the total development control violations studied. Challenges established from the study include traffic congestion, inefficient service delivery (e.g. water, electricity and sewage), and poor visual quality or aesthetics. Recommendations made include; review of the Abuja Master Plan, Urban upgrading and renewal, accelerated infrastructural development of phase II and III, effective traffic management, autonomy of the Development Control Department, review of the land use change approval process and development control guidelines, and the strengthening of the development control department. In conclusion, the study raised issues of concern to urban planners and managers which indicate the need for a framework for creating a practicable and livable habitat in our cities through ensuring synergy with all relevant stakeholders and institutions involved in city building for sustainable development.