The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), has called for stronger integration of urban and rural planning into Nigeria’s national development framework to address urbanisation challenges, promote balanced growth and ensure sustainable development across the country.
The National President of the Institute, Dr Chime Andrew Ogbonna, made the call in Abuja during the inauguration of a committee tasked with promoting the integration of urban and rural planning into national development strategies.
Ogbonna said effective implementation of existing town planning legislation was critical to addressing Nigeria’s growing urban challenges and establishing a coordinated framework for development at the national, regional, state and local government levels.
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He explained that the Institute preferred the implementation of the existing law before considering amendments, noting that any gaps identified during implementation could provide the basis for a review.
He described the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law as a critical legal framework for the country’s development, saying its effective implementation would strengthen the planning profession, protect the interests of younger practitioners and provide opportunities for indigenous consultants.
According to him, the law provides for the preparation of development plans at different levels of government, making it possible to coordinate infrastructure, land use and other development priorities across the country.
“We felt that it would be better for us to go straight and implement the law as promulgated by the Federal Government. In the course of implementation, if gaps are discovered, then it might be appropriate to call for a review,” he said.
The NITP president explained that the committee’s assignment was important to ensuring that urban and rural communities were considered together in national development planning, rather than treating them as separate development spaces.
He said effective physical planning would help address the challenges associated with rapid urbanisation, unplanned settlements and unequal distribution of infrastructure, while creating opportunities for more balanced economic and social development.
Ogbonna also highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme, “Great Communities Are Built on Planning,” saying it reinforced the importance of deliberate physical planning in creating organised, inclusive and sustainable communities.
He said the theme underscored the need for governments, professional planners and other stakeholders to work together in shaping settlements that provide better living conditions, economic opportunities and essential infrastructure for Nigerians.
The initiative is expected to contribute to national efforts to improve infrastructure delivery, strengthen environmental management, promote orderly settlements and ensure that development opportunities reach communities across Nigeria.
