NITP President Calls for Full Enforcement of Nigeria’s Urban and Regional Planning Law

The President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr Chime Ogbonna, has urged the federal government to implement the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law fully, stressing that its neglect has left the country without an effective framework to guide urban development.

Speaking ahead of the Institute’s 56th annual conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja, Dr Ogbonna highlighted that the absence of enforcement has created gaps in Nigeria’s planning system, exposing communities to the risks of disorganized growth, property loss, and disasters such as flooding.

Background on the Planning Law

The Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law was enacted in 1992 to consolidate and regulate town planning activities nationwide. The legislation repealed all earlier planning laws, placing responsibility for coordinated development under a single national framework.

According to Dr. Ogbonna, the law also mandated the establishment of a National Urban and Regional Planning Commission, comprising professionals such as town planners, architects, surveyors, engineers, lawyers, and builders. However, more than three decades later, the commission has yet to be constituted, leaving planning decisions fragmented and inconsistent across jurisdictions.

Implications of Non-Implementation

Dr. Ogbonna noted that the absence of an operational framework has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s urban development trajectory. Without a national planning authority, estates and infrastructure projects often proceed without adequate regulation, increasing the likelihood of unapproved developments, land disputes, and poor alignment with broader urban growth strategies.

He further warned that failure to enforce the law could continue to undermine efforts to manage Nigeria’s rapid urbanization, with risks extending to inadequate infrastructure, rising housing deficits, and vulnerability to natural disasters.

Call to Action

The NITP president called on the federal government to revive and enforce the law, beginning with the establishment of the National Urban and Regional Planning Commission as provided under the 1992 Act. He also urged the review of existing frameworks to introduce stricter compliance measures and ensure professional oversight in all planning activities.

According to him, strengthening urban governance is not only critical for sustainable growth but also essential for safeguarding public investments and protecting citizens from avoidable losses.

Outlook

As Nigeria prepares for the NITP’s annual conference, the debate over urban planning highlights the need for stronger regulatory enforcement in shaping future development. For policymakers, investors, and urban professionals, the call for implementation presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to align Nigeria’s cities with global best practices while ensuring they remain resilient to the pressures of rapid growth.