The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has urged the Nigerian Government to enforce the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 to address growing urban challenges, including flooding, environmental degradation, traffic congestion and unplanned settlements.
The National President of the Institute, Dr Ogbonna Chime, made the call at the 57th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the NITP in Lagos, describing effective physical planning as essential to sustainable urbanisation, infrastructure development and economic growth.
Chime said inadequate implementation of the law, more than three decades after its enactment, had continued to undermine orderly development. He noted that the 14th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development adopted the Institute’s recommendations on its implementation in January 2026, urging the government to translate the resolution into concrete action.
He identified alleged violations of the Abuja Master Plan as a major national concern, disclosing that the Institute had constituted an investigative committee to examine reported distortions and recommend measures to protect the integrity of the Federal Capital Territory’s original development framework.
The NITP president also advocated decentralising port facilities and logistics operations from Lagos to suitable locations across the country to reduce pressure on infrastructure, the environment and land resources.
He called for strict professional and environmental assessments of land reclamation projects to prevent flooding, erosion and coastal degradation. He also advocated a review of the technical and economic viability of reviving strategic abandoned projects, including the Lagdo Dam.
At the College of Fellows Fellowship Investiture Ceremony, Chime charged newly elevated Fellows to uphold professional ethics, demonstrate integrity and use their expertise to advance public welfare through responsible physical planning and sustainable human settlements.
He described fellowship as a high professional recognition reserved for practitioners with proven records of service, ethical conduct and contributions to society.
He stressed that candidates must demonstrate commitment to mentoring younger professionals and supporting the provision of essential infrastructure and services in communities.
“The award is therefore for those who have track records of public interest,” he said, emphasising the need for transparent procedures and rigorous assessment in selecting candidates for the professional distinction.
Chime also disclosed that the Institute had secured registration to participate in the Nigerian Government’s Technical Aid Corps programme under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, creating opportunities for Nigerian town planners to contribute their expertise internationally, with South Sudan expected to be the first beneficiary.
He urged practitioners to embrace artificial intelligence, digital technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure in preparing Nigerian cities for emerging challenges.
Reviewing his administration’s activities between 2024 and 2026, Chime said the Institute had strengthened engagement with government institutions and traditional rulers, defended the statutory responsibilities of town planners, introduced electronic voting for national elections and digitised its financial operations.
The conference, which coincided with the Institute’s 60th anniversary, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting orderly, safe, inclusive and economically productive human settlements across Nigeria.
