FCT town planners decry poor implementation of urban planning law

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), has decried the ineffective implementation of the Urban Regional Planning Law and rampant disregard for approved master plans in Nigeria’s major towns.

The NITP new Chairman, FCT Chapter, Queen Phillips stated this during her inauguration in Abuja.

Phillips stressed that inadequate implementation of urban planning laws hinders Nigeria’s progress toward sustainable development.

She outlined her plans to include, strengthening professionalism and capacity building.

Phillips also said that providing ongoing professional development through workshops and training to equip members with contemporary planning skills among others would be part of her administration’s focus.

She said that effective sensitisation of citizens and strict enforcement of urban regional laws are essential to bringing order to the cities and promoting socio-economic growth.

Phillips said that the issue of ongoing demolition of illegal structures in the FCT would persist until the elites in the society change their mindset.

She called for a collaborative effort to address the issue of illegal structures that have become widespread in the FCT, saying that proper implementation of physical plans was crucial for economic growth.

According to her, there is the need for orderliness in urban development, because sustainable cities and environments can only be achieved through meticulous planning and adherence to master plan.

“The institute has faced significant challenges in fulfilling its official responsibilities due to some residents’ refusal to comply with the Abuja master plan.

“We urge residents to fully support the FCT administration’s current efforts to develop Abuja into a world-class city,” she said.

Philips assured that the new executive would prioritise capacity building for town planners to ensure effective service delivery.

She also assured that the new executive would collaborate with the national body of the institute to ensure that relevant government authorities adhere to the physical plans and address the operations of unqualified practitioners in the country.

Earlier, the NITP National President, Dr Ogbonna Chime, stressed the importance of town planners in any society.

Chime emphasised the urgent need for the protection of professionals in the field, citing the recent violent attacks on town planners during routine duties.

He however, commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his timely intervention in handling the situation.

In his remarks, a former FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusegun Adekunle, emphasised the importance of all professionals supporting the current administration’s initiatives to attract foreign investment into the country.

In her valedictory speech, the immediate past chairman, Mrs Lami Ayuba, expressed gratitude for the support she received, emphasising the importance of continued dedication to sustainable urban planning.

She said that the historic moment of Phillips’ inauguration held additional significance as it marked a milestone in gender representation within the NITP.

“With me and the incoming chairperson being women, this is an accomplishment that has been rare in the organisation’s history,” she said.