The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has intensified its push for sustainable and orderly urban growth by inaugurating a Presidential Committee to liaise with the National Assembly for the full implementation of the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, NITP National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, said the legislation passed 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. He urged both the Federal Government and lawmakers to make its activation a top priority.
“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,” Dr. Chime said.
“The result will be cleaner, safer, and more investment-friendly Nigerian cities,” he added.
The newly inaugurated committee will be chaired by Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory. She praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for showing commitment to urban planning.
The former minister pledged that the committee would work closely with legislators to secure the law’s integration into current governance frameworks.
Also present at the event was TPL Morenike Babalola, who commended the NITP’s initiative and called on citizens to cooperate with relevant agencies to ensure the policies succeed.
Earlier, the institute commended the federal government for establishing the Federal ministry of housing and urban development, and also the ministry led by Arc. 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 realize the potential of planning.
The 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law outlines the creation of planning authorities at national, state, and local government levels, mandates public engagement in the planning process, and sets environmental safeguards for major developments.
According to Dr. Chime, the NITP is determined that, this time, the legislation will not just exist on paper but will be fully enforced to transform Nigeria’s urban landscape.
