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.

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The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) has warned of high water levels along the River Niger and River Benue, raising the risk of flooding in Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Benue, Adamawa, Niger, and Bayelsa states.

Director General Umar Muhammed said hydrological data shows the likelihood of localized flooding, urging residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and follow safety advisories.

He revealed that recent tests found contamination in some shallow wells caused by floodwater intrusion and called for stronger coordination to provide clean water to affected communities.

NiHSA, he noted, is implementing a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan to enhance data collection, forecasting, and early warnings in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Muhammed said the agency has expanded real-time data systems and adopted satellite-backed modelling to improve flood prediction accuracy.

Technical Adviser Stephen Jabo added that despite the nearing end of the rainy season, water levels remain high, and severe flooding may still occur in the coming weeks.

He urged residents in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground, avoid floodwaters, and keep drainage channels clear.

“Preparedness and early action remain the best ways to reduce flood impact,” Jabo said.

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In a bold move to address Edo State’s mounting environmental challenges, Governor Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday inaugurated Barrister Blessing Agbomhere as Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, charging him with leading a strategic, multi-sectoral response to the state’s ecological crises.

The appointment comes amid growing concerns over gully erosion, land degradation, flooding, and climate-induced threats across the state. Governor Okpebholo, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Benin City, emphasized his administration’s commitment to long-term environmental restoration and resilience.

“Our state has endured significant ecological damage over the years,” the governor said. “With this new team, I am confident we will deliver lasting relief to vulnerable communities. Barrister Agbomhere has the competence, courage, and network to attract both local and international collaboration for effective interventions.”

The governor called on the commission to engage with national environmental agencies, development partners, and multilateral institutions to secure funding and technical assistance for sustainable solutions. He underscored the urgency of implementing policies that prioritise environmental sustainability and community welfare.

In his remarks, Agbomhere expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, pledging to serve with dedication, transparency, and impact.

“I am deeply honored by this responsibility,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to justify the governor’s confidence and improve the quality of life for the people of Edo through meaningful, science-backed ecological interventions.”

Agbomhere also reaffirmed his commitment to aligning with the state’s development agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, which identifies environmental protection as a national priority.

A seasoned legal practitioner and former Director of Corporate, Intergovernmental and Strategic Commerce at the African Bar Association, Agbomhere is widely respected in the fields of natural resources law, marine policy, and institutional reform.

Also sworn in at the ceremony were Hon. Felix Ibhade (Executive Director of Projects), Mrs. Ivie Uwaifo (Executive Director of Administration), and Mrs. Khadija Yusuf (Executive Director of Finance), alongside 21 commissioners and senior officials appointed to various state agencies.

The new appointments are seen as part of a broader effort by the Okpebholo administration to strengthen governance capacity and address long-standing ecological vulnerabilities across Edo State.

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