The Ondo State Government has unveiled new measures to modernise urban planning and ensure sustainable development across its towns and cities.

In a renewed drive to reshape its cities and towns, the Ondo State Government has entered into a stronger alliance with professional town planners to deliver sustainable urban growth, modern infrastructure, and orderly development across the state.

Olajide disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has begun work on a comprehensive master plan for Akure and other key towns. He explained that the state has also launched the digitalisation of building permit approvals, designed to speed up applications, improve transparency, and support urban renewal.

He assured town planners that the government would continue to collaborate on capacity building, enforcement of planning regulations, and protecting lands reserved for future projects.

Speaking at the meeting, NITP State Chairman, Professor Ayo Olajuyigbe, represented by TPL Akin Ogundipe, urged the state to release funds quickly for the Akure master plan. He further suggested an amnesty programme for property owners without building approvals, allowing them to regularise documents without penalties—a move he said could increase the state’s internally generated revenue.

Olajuyigbe pledged the Institute’s commitment to decentralised planning, protection of public lands, and stronger community involvement in shaping urban development.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, said the government would continue to rely on planners for technical expertise and project consultancy. He called on the NITP to support the newly inaugurated Strategic Committee for EU Deforestation-Free Regulation Compliance, which seeks to align Ondo’s cocoa sector with international sustainability standards.

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