The Federal Government Faults States for Non-Implementation of 1992 Urban Planning Law, 30 Years On

The Federal Government has criticized state governments for failing to domesticate and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88 of 1992, Cap. 138 LFN 2004) more than three decades after its enactment, blaming the neglect for Nigeria’s rising trend of unplanned city expansion, informal settlements, and weak urban management.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, made the remarks at the National Colloquium on the Implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Abuja.

Dangiwa described the non-implementation of the law as a major obstacle to sustainable development, noting that only two states, including Katsina, have operationalized the 1992 framework.

“It is regrettable that more than three decades after the promulgation of this progressive law, only two states, including my home state of Katsina, have adopted and operationalized it. This has contributed to the uncoordinated growth of our cities, the proliferation of informal settlements, and widening gaps between planning ideals and urban realities,” he stated.

According to the Minister, the absence of a coherent planning structure has allowed unregulated developments to flourish, undermining efforts to create inclusive, resilient, and liveable urban environments.

Outdated Legal Framework Hindering Modern Urban Governance

The 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law was introduced to replace the outdated 1946 Town and Country Planning Law, establishing a unified framework for physical development, land use management, and coordination among the three tiers of government.

However, Dangiwa noted that weak institutions, limited manpower, poor intergovernmental collaboration, and low public awareness have impeded implementation. He emphasized that the realities of rapid urbanization, climate change, and technological shifts have now outpaced the law’s original provisions, necessitating urgent reform.

“Urban and regional planning remains the backbone of sustainable growth, efficient infrastructure, and social well-being,” he said. “For Nigeria to achieve its development goals, the law must be modernised and fully adopted by all states.”

The Minister announced that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has concluded a review of the National Urban Development Policy, which has already been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He added that work is underway to finalize two complementary frameworks, the National Physical Planning Standards and the National Policy on Rural Settlements Planning and Development, designed to promote balanced regional growth and reduce rural-to-urban migration.

Dangiwa also highlighted the Renewed Hope Housing Programme as a demonstration of how effective spatial planning and environmental considerations can drive sustainable community development.

Urban development experts view the renewed focus on the 1992 law as a critical step towards improving planning compliance and land governance. The Federal Government’s efforts to align national planning standards with global best practices could strengthen accountability, attract infrastructure investment, and reduce the prevalence of informal urban growth.

However, analysts caution that success will depend on strong state-level cooperation, institutional reform, and enforcement capacity.

Conclusion: A Call for Coordinated Urban Transformation

The Federal Government’s renewed push for the nationwide adoption of the Urban and Regional Planning Law underscores the urgency of reforming Nigeria’s urban governance framework. As cities continue to expand rapidly, coordinated planning remains central to achieving sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban growth across the federation.