NITP President Calls for Full Enforcement of Urban and Regional Planning Law
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), TPl. Dr Chime Ogbonna, has called on both federal and state governments to fully implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law to ensure sustainable and orderly development across Nigeria. Speaking at the opening of the institute’s 56th International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, Dr Ogbonna underscored that effective enforcement of the law remains critical to addressing Nigeria’s persistent urban management challenges.
Dr Ogbonna highlighted that the Urban and Regional Planning Law, enacted in 1992 and codified as Cap. Section 138 of the Laws of the Federation, provides a comprehensive legal framework for planning administration nationwide. He noted that consistent application of the law would curb the widespread issues of unregulated urban growth, land-use conflicts, and environmental degradation currently confronting many Nigerian cities.
According to the NITP president, non-compliance with established planning standards has led to spatial disorder, inefficient infrastructure distribution, and heightened vulnerability to environmental risks. He emphasized that adherence to the legal framework would support long-term sustainability and improve the quality of life for urban residents.
Collaboration Between Stakeholders
Addressing delegates at the conference, Dr Ogbonna urged collaboration among the public sector, private developers, and professional bodies to operationalize the law effectively. He called for greater capacity building within planning institutions and the adoption of modern data-driven planning tools to enhance implementation.
“The way forward is clear,” he stated. “Nigeria must embrace full enforcement of the Urban and Regional Planning Law. It is the foundation for achieving functional, inclusive, and resilient urban centres.”
He also commended state governments that have begun domesticating the law and encouraged others to follow suit to ensure national uniformity in planning regulations.
Broader Implications for Economic Growth
Urban planners and policymakers attending the conference noted that proper planning directly supports economic efficiency by improving infrastructure coordination and reducing the cost of public service delivery. Analysts have long observed that unplanned urbanization contributes to traffic congestion, informal settlements, and declining urban productivity, challenges that structured spatial management could mitigate.
According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Nigeria’s urban population is projected to exceed 60% by 2050, underscoring the urgency of implementing planning policies that balance growth with sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The NITP’s 56th International Conference, themed “Planning With Innovation for Sustainable Development”, convened professionals, policymakers, and development partners to deliberate on strategies for modernising Nigeria’s urban planning systems. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governments at all levels in aligning physical development with economic and environmental objectives.
Dr Ogbonna concluded that consistent implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law would not only promote orderly urban growth but also advance Nigeria’s broader national development goals.
