Writing by Shindong Bala; Editing by Basirat Memudu
The Nigeria Institute of Town Planners has intensified efforts to align urban planning practices in the country with international standards, as part of broader strategies aimed at addressing insecurity and promoting sustainable development across Nigerian cities.
National President of the Institute, Dr. Chime Ogbonna, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ consultation and town hall meeting held in Kaduna.
The meeting, themed “Working Together for Accomplishment,” brought together professionals, government officials, and community representatives to deliberate on the future of urban planning in Nigeria.
Represented at the event by the Institute’s Secretary, Mallam Mohammed Zayanu, the president emphasized that adopting global best practices in urban planning would significantly enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and support long-term economic growth.
He noted that effective community sensitization remains key to achieving these objectives, stressing that collaboration between citizens, government institutions, town planners, and other stakeholders would foster a more organized and secure environment conducive for development.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency, Mallam Abdulrahman Yahaya, underscored the need for unity and synergy among professionals in the sector.
He stated that harmony among town planners is critical to achieving effective planning and successful execution of urban development projects.
Yahaya further highlighted that disjointed planning approaches often result in poorly structured urban spaces, which can contribute to rising insecurity and inadequate service delivery in rapidly growing cities.
Earlier, the Kaduna State Chairman of the Institute, Professor Yakubu Aliyu Bununu, called on all registered town planners to actively participate in the mandatory professional development programme.
He noted that the programme is essential for keeping practitioners updated with modern planning techniques and global trends.
Professor Bununu added that Kaduna State is hosting this year’s professional development programme, urging members to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their capacity and contribute meaningfully to national development through improved urban planning practices.
