The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has issued a strong call to the Benue State Government to urgently implement the 1992 Nigeria Urban and Regional Planning Act and initiate a comprehensive regional development plan to address glaring gaps in physical planning and land administration across the state.
The appeal was made by the National President of the Institute, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, FNITP, during the opening of the 26th edition of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP) held in Makurdi.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), was themed “Developing New Frontiers for Improved Physical Planning Practice in Nigeria.”
Dr. Chime decried what he described as “administrative confusion” in Benue’s town planning structure, warning that continued failure to implement regulatory frameworks could result in disorganized urban sprawl and long-term developmental setbacks.
“From our interactions during the town hall meeting, it became alarmingly clear that Benue State lacks a coordinated planning approach,” Dr. Chime said. “The absence of a regional development plan and urban masterplans is causing real harm, not just to the planning profession but to society at large.”
He emphasized that every settlement in Benue, no matter how small, deserves structured guidance to avoid haphazard urbanisation. “Makurdi should not be the only focus. Every town and community is growing, and without plans, that growth will be chaotic.”
Chime urged the government to decentralize planning by establishing town planning authorities in all Local Government Areas, while also enforcing the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Act, which he described as “critical for harmonizing urban and rural administration.”
Speaking on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Director-General of the Benue Geographic Information Service (BENGIS), Prof. Daniel Amine, acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised, stressing that failure to plan properly could result in structural anarchy.
“Without planning, one day you might wake up and be unable to drive out of your house,” he cautioned. “The government welcomes the recommendations and looks forward to receiving formal submissions from NITP to take decisive action.”
Prof. Amine commended Governor Alia for granting autonomy to BENGIS and pledged the agency’s commitment to sustainable urban development, adding that three senior officials of BENGIS are certified town planners.
The MCPDP, which serves as a professional retooling initiative, gathered town planners from across the country to sharpen skills, explore innovations, and tackle Nigeria’s mounting planning challenges. This year’s programme took place in three cities, Osogbo, Awka, and Makurdi, with Makurdi hosting the final leg.
In his remarks, Prof. Timothy Gyuse, who spoke on behalf of the TOPREC President, Isyaku Muhtar Kura, stressed the need for innovation and accountability in urban planning.
“This programme must go beyond routine,” he said. “It is a clarion call to prepare for a future where sustainability is non-negotiable. The challenges we face require creativity, collaboration, and competence.”
Also speaking, NITP’s National Public Relations Secretary, Dr. Jesse Nor, underscored the importance of MCPDP in enhancing professional competence and ensuring better planning outcomes.
“This is a gathering to explore new frontiers, knowledge, training, and tools that ultimately impact the development of towns, regions, and cities in a sustainable manner.”
In a keynote paper delivered on behalf of Prof. Ayo Olajuyigbe of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Dr. Osunsanmi Ogbolabo traced the evolution of planning from ancient civilizations to the present, calling for political will and sustained funding to enforce masterplans effectively.
Another presentation by Patrick Nyame, representing Dr. Daniel Adamu of Nasarawa State University, emphasized the need for strategic synergy among government agencies, private sector players, and civil society actors.
“Collaboration is not weakness; it’s wisdom,” Nyame stated. “No single entity can drive the level of urban development Nigeria needs. We must work together.”
The MCPDP opened with a town hall meeting where NITP leaders (National President and AWTPN Chairperson) were honored with traditional Benue attire, and will continue till Thursday with technical sessions and policy roundtables aimed at producing actionable solutions for Nigeria’s planning and urban development challenges.