The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy has called for greater commitment to physical planning and sustainable urban development as part of efforts to build safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities across Nigeria.
The call was made in a statement marking the 2026 World Environment Day, where the foundation urged governments, private sector actors, and citizens to prioritise responsible environmental management and orderly urban development.
Urbanisation Driving Environmental Challenges
According to the foundation, rapid urbanisation in Nigeria and other developing countries has intensified environmental and infrastructural challenges.
These include flooding, traffic congestion, pollution, indiscriminate development, housing shortages, and climate-related disasters.
Founder of the foundation, Nathaniel Atebije, said these challenges highlight the urgent need for effective physical planning as a strategic tool for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social stability.
The foundation stressed that no nation can achieve resilient and sustainable cities without strict adherence to sound urban and regional planning principles.
It described physical planning as one of the most effective tools for:
- Orderly urban development
- Environmental protection
- Disaster risk reduction
- Efficient land use management
- Creation of livable human settlements
Call for Stronger Institutions and Enforcement
The organisation urged all levels of government to strengthen planning institutions and enforce development control regulations.
It also called for the preparation and implementation of functional regional, urban, and local development plans across the country.
The foundation further insisted that planning approvals and infrastructure decisions should be guided by qualified indigenous planning professionals with strong knowledge of local environmental and socio-economic conditions.
Private Sector and Developers Urged to Comply
The foundation appealed to corporate organisations, private developers, financial institutions, and individuals to integrate physical planning principles into all development projects and investment decisions.
It warned that developments carried out without proper planning often lead to:
- Environmental hazards
- Economic losses
- Avoidable disputes
- Unsustainable urban growth patterns
Underutilisation of Local Expertise
The statement noted that Nigeria has a pool of highly trained indigenous professionals in the built environment sector whose expertise remains underutilised in national development.
It stressed that involving town planners and related experts in project design, site selection, environmental management, and infrastructure planning is both a legal requirement and a long-term investment in sustainability.
Need to Update and Enforce Master Plans
The foundation also called for a comprehensive review and implementation of urban and regional master plans to reflect Nigeria’s rapid population growth and climate change realities.
It urged strict enforcement of development control regulations to prevent illegal structures and encroachment on floodplains, road setbacks, green areas, and utility corridors.
Commitment to Advocacy and Awareness
Reaffirming its mission, the foundation said it remains committed to promoting planning consciousness, environmental sustainability, housing advocacy, and responsible urban governance through research, policy advocacy, and public enlightenment.
“We call on all citizens to become active partners in protecting our environment and building cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for present and future generations,” the group stated.
