Nigerian Institute of Town Planners calls for urban planning enforcement

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) is urging governments at all levels to prioritize inclusive urban planning, sustainable housing, and the enforcement of existing regional planning legislation.

Addressing challenges such as inadequate housing, unplanned urban expansion, and infrastructure deficits, the institute highlighted the strain caused by population growth and rural-urban migration. In Kogi State, officials noted that cities like Lokoja, Anyigba, and Okene are facing increasing development pressure, leading to unplanned settlements and encroachment on drainage channels.

Nationally, the NITP emphasized that the inadequate implementation of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992 has contributed to persistent environmental issues, including flooding and waste management crises. Using Lagos as an example of the consequences of rapid population growth and limited land, the institute called for strengthened planning institutions and the enforcement of approved master plans to ensure settlements remain sustainable and livable.