Historically, the FCT had been an area that is sparsely populated but following its proclamation as Nigeria’s Capital city and subsequent developmental activities and associated environmental challenges began to manifest. These challenges are associated with the following:

1. Urbanization: The environmental impact of rapid urbanization of the FCT includes:
   • Astronomical increase in population
   • Massive displacement of communities and destruction of over 40% of vegetation and tree covers for structural development.
2. Flooding & Erosion: Distortions of the Abuja Masterplan and associated challenges of emergence of structures obstructing natural water flow paths resulting to flooding. The FCT is also experiencing different stages of erosion ranging from sheet erosion to gully erosion.
3. Land Degradation: Degradation of land due to illegal mining activities, bush burning and other harmful environmental practices (overgrazing, logging, bad farming methods).
4. Deforestation: Use of wood fuel and cultural practices of piling of wood, unguided agricultural practicesare some factors that have accelerated the rate of deforestation in FCT with the resultant effect ofloss of habitat, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity and emerging effects of climate change.
5. Climate Change: The FCT like every other state of the Federation is facing the threat of Climate change as it affects temperature and precipitation patterns, resulting in altered growing seasons, increased frequency of extreme weather conditions (flooding), changes in pest and disease dynamics leading to reduced crop yields, decrease in the nutritional value of crops, and increase in the vulnerability of agricultural systems.
6. Water Scarcity: This is as a result of overpopulation and increased demand for limited water resources and limiting availability of water for irrigation and crop production.
7. Pollution: Pollution of land, water and air due to ignorance of proper methods of application of chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock waste due to lack of knowledge.