CONSTRAINTS AFFECTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IMPLEMENTATION IN REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

This study examines the constraints affecting the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in real estate development in Abuja. The rapid urban growth of Abuja, driven by population increase and rising demand for housing and infrastructure, has intensified real estate activities with significant environmental consequences. Despite the existence of EIA laws aimed at promoting sustainable development, their effectiveness in practice remains limited. The study therefore investigates the major constraints hindering proper EIA implementation and assesses how these challenges affect environmental management within the real estate sector. A survey research design was adopted, integrating both primary and secondary data sources. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered across the five phases of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), supported by field observations and consultations with relevant institutions. Out of 400 questionnaires distributed, 320 were retrieved, representing an 80% response rate. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The findings reveal that poor public participation (60%) and inadequate environmental data (54%) are the most critical constraints. Other significant challenges include weak enforcement by regulatory agencies (42.5%), high cost of compliance (39.5%), weak inter-agency coordination (35.5%), delays in approval processes (29.5%), and the limited scope of EIA practice (27%). Furthermore, 98.4% of respondents acknowledged the importance of EIA, yet compliance remains largely superficial. The study concludes that although EIA is widely recognized as essential for sustainable urban development, its implementation in Abuja is undermined by institutional weaknesses, financial constraints, and governance challenges. Real estate developers often comply with EIA requirements mainly to meet regulatory obligations rather than to ensure environmental protection, resulting in minimal influence on project planning and execution. To address these challenges, the study recommends strengthening enforcement mechanisms through stricter monitoring and sanctions, enhancing public participation and stakeholder engagement, improving coordination among relevant agencies, and reducing the financial burden of compliance through incentives. It also emphasizes the need for capacity building and increased awareness to reposition EIA as a practical and effective tool for achieving sustainable real estate development in Abuja.