The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has called on the government for the full implementation of the 1992 urban and regional planning policy by inaugurating a Presidential Committee to liaise with the National Assembly, intensifying its push for sustainable and orderly urban growth.
During the unveiling of the committee in Abuja, the National President of NITP, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, said the legislation of the urban and regional planning policy past 33 years ago remains the most comprehensive framework for addressing Nigeria’s persistent urban challenges, including perennial flooding, unplanned settlements, and the proliferation of slums, appealing to the Federal Government and lawmakers to make its activation a top priority.
He said, “This law is not just about town planners; it is about the future of our cities. Implementing it will establish a functional legal structure for planning administration at all tiers of government, promote public participation in development decisions, and ensure major projects undergo environmental impact assessments, the result will be cleaner, safer, and more investment-friendly Nigerian cities,” Chime added.
The NITP president further noted that the newly inaugurated committee will be chaired by Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory as the institute commended the Federal Government for establishing the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and also the Ministry led by Ahmed Dangiwa for the ratification of the New Urban Development Policy.
The President of the institute also praised states and local governments while calling for the establishment of the National Planning Commission, local planning authorities and urban and regeneration agencies to fully realise the potential of planning.
The 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law outlined the creation of planning authorities at national, state, and local government levels, mandated public engagement in the planning process, and set environmental safeguards for major developments.
According to Chime, the NITP has determined that this time, the legislation will not just exist on paper but will be fully enforced to transform Nigeria’s urban landscape.
