The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called for the strengthening of professional planning standards across Nigeria.
The institute urged governments at all levels to invest in qualified town planners and adopt sustainable urban development policies to address the country’s growing environmental and infrastructural challenges.
According to a statement signed and released by TPL. Nnamani Ikechukwu A., Public Relations Secretary of the NITP, Enugu State Chapter, the Institute honoured the Enugu State Government with the Green City Award in recognition of its achievements in environmental sustainability, urban greening and smart city development under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The award was presented at the 2025 International Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners held in Abuja, where Enugu State was recognised for its commitment to environmental stewardship, green infrastructure and innovative urban development initiatives.
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Speaking during the presentation, the Chairman of the NITP Enugu State Chapter, Tpl. Dr. Ngene Charles C., represented by the Chapter Secretary, Tpl. Elias Agummadu M., described Enugu as a model city in environmental management and urban planning. He recalled that in 2015, Enugu was ranked among Africa’s four most resilient cities, ahead of Kigali, Accra and Arusha in an assessment sponsored by the Kennedy Foundation.
He noted that the Coal City had sustained its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading green cities, adding that the award, presented ahead of World Environment Day, was intended to encourage the state government’s efforts to transform Enugu into a major international tourism destination and a model sustainable city.
The National President of NITP, Tpl. Dr Chime Ogbonna congratulated the Enugu State Government on the recognition and commended its commitment to environmental sustainability and urban development. He also invited the government and people of the state to participate in the Institute’s 2026 International Conference scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 26 to 30.
Ogbonna further appealed to the state government to recruit more town planners into the civil service and sponsor professionals in its employment to attend future conferences and international urban development forums, including the World Urban Forum slated for Mexico in 2028.
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chimaobi Patrick Okorie expressed appreciation for the award and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
He also pledged the government’s readiness to domesticate the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law in Enugu State, while commending the NITP leadership for advancing professional planning standards across the country.
The ceremony was attended by officials of the Institute, the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development and other stakeholders in the planning profession.
