The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called for stronger involvement of traditional institutions in advancing sustainable urban development and the implementation of Nigeria’s urban planning laws as the Institute intensifies preparations for its 60th anniversary celebrations and international conference.
According to a statement signed by Tpl Nnamani Ikechukwu A., Public Relations Secretary (PRS), NITP Enugu State Chapter, the call was made during an engagement with the Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Igwe Samuel Asadu.
Speaking during the meeting, the National President of NITP, Dr Chime Ogbonna, stressed the need for renewed collaboration between professional planners and traditional leaders to address challenges of uncontrolled urban growth, environmental degradation, and ineffective physical planning across the country.
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Ogbonna expressed concern that Nigeria’s urban planning framework has suffered from decades of weak implementation, despite the existence of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act enacted in 1992.
According to him, although the legislation repealed previous planning laws and established a comprehensive national framework for physical development, it has not been fully implemented by the authorities responsible for its enforcement.
He urged traditional rulers to leverage their influence in advocating for the domestication and implementation of the law across all states of the federation, noting that effective planning remains critical to building sustainable, resilient, and economically viable communities.
The NITP President also highlighted the importance of partnerships between traditional institutions and planning professionals in promoting environmental protection, orderly community development, and responsible land-use management.
The engagement formed part of activities leading to the institute’s 60th Anniversary and 2026 International Conference and Annual General Meeting, scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 26 to 30, 2026.
Ogbonna commended Igwe Asadu, the Ogadagidi I of Edem-Ani Kingdom, for his contributions to community development, peacebuilding, and good governance in Enugu State. He also sought the support of the traditional institution for the institute’s anniversary projects, including the proposed NITP Guest House.
Responding, Igwe Asadu reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to initiatives that promote sustainable development and improved living environments for citizens.
The monarch said he had personally benefited from the principles of town planning and pledged continued support for the profession and its efforts to create functional and well-planned cities and communities.
He also accepted an invitation to participate in the Institute’s forthcoming anniversary and conference events in Lagos.
As part of the visit, the traditional ruler was conferred with the title of “Ambassador of the Town Planning Profession” by the NITP, joining other prominent traditional leaders, including the Emir of Zaria and the Alaafin of Oyo, who have received similar recognition.
The NITP delegation included the Institute’s National First Assistant Secretary, Dr Edmund Nwaokeze; Chairman of the NITP Enugu State Chapter, Dr Charles Ngene; Chairperson of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN), Enugu State Chapter, Dr Ijeoma Onyejekwe; and other senior officials of the Institute and affiliated professional bodies.
The Institute said it would continue to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders as part of efforts to promote sustainable urbanisation and effective physical planning across Nigeria.
