Housing and Urban Development Minister, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has criticized most states for failing to adopt the Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88 of 1992), over 30 years after its passage.
Speaking at a colloquium by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Abuja, Dangiwa said only two states, including Katsina, have domesticated the law, a lapse he described as a setback to orderly urban growth.
“It is regrettable that only two States have adopted and operationalised this law,” he said, blaming weak institutions, poor coordination, and low awareness for the delay.
He said the ministry, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is working to ensure nationwide adoption and modernisation of the law to match global planning standards.
Dangiwa also noted that the ministry had completed the review of the National Urban Development Policy and is finalising policies on Physical Planning Standards and Rural Settlements, aimed at balanced regional development.
He urged state governments and professionals to prioritize planning as a tool for sustainable growth and livable communities.
