Mabushi’s history traces back to its days as a small, rural settlement on the outskirts of what would eventually become Nigeria’s capital. Before Abuja was officially designated the Federal Capital Territory in 1991, the area now known as Mabushi was largely undeveloped and inhabited by local communities engaged in farming and basket weaving. The land was mostly agricultural, dotted with small compounds, and surrounded by bushland. Like many villages in the Central Region, Mabushi had limited infrastructure and was somewhat isolated.

Following the government’s decision to relocate the federal capital to Abuja, a master plan was drafted to transform vast stretches of rural terrain, including Mabushi, into modern districts. Mabushi was mapped as part of Phase 2 of Abuja’s development plan. However, while the plan was ambitious, execution came in phases, and development in Mabushi remained uneven for several years. Portions of the neighbourhood developed rapidly, with government offices, residential layouts, and commercial zones springing up, while other parts remained neglected. Throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, Mabushi began to experience steady growth. As Abuja expanded and demand for residential space increased, Mabushi’s location became a major asset. 

In 2019, a local civic campaign led to the creation of a Community Charter of Demand, where residents outlined pressing needs such as improved roads, reliable power supply, clean water, healthcare facilities, and waste management. These efforts signaled a shift toward active civic engagement and drew the attention of non-governmental organizations and local government officials. Advocacy groups used the charter to highlight Mabushi’s growing importance and the urgent need for targeted infrastructure investment.