Writing By Shindong Bala; Editing By Godwin Duru
Kaduna State Government says it is reviewing its Town Planning and Urban Development policy with a view to transitioning from an analogue system to full digital framework.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Housing and Urban Development, Mallam Shehu Usman, made this known in Kaduna at the 27th edition of the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners in collaboration with the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria.
He said the move is part of efforts to modernise urban planning processes and address growing challenges associated with rapid urbanization in the state.
Mallam Shehu Usman noted that the programme reflects the commitment of professional bodies to ensure that their members remain up-to-date and well-equipped to deliver on their responsibilities.
The permanent secretary commended the organisers for focusing on digitalisation, describing it as a global trend that Kaduna State cannot afford to ignore, especially given its strategic position in Northern Nigeria.
According to him, the state government will continue to partner with relevant professional organisations to develop policies that will effectively tackle urban development challenges and position Kaduna as a model for other states.
In a remark, National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Dr. Chime Ogbonna, described the programme as a critical platform for strengthening professional capacity and improving regulatory compliance in physical planning.
Represented by First Vice President of the Institute ,Dr. Chime said the theme, focusing on the application of digital technology in planning services, is timely, noting that global planning practices are increasingly driven by innovations such as geospatial technologies, artificial intelligence, and data-based decision-making.
Also speaking, President of the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria, Isyaku Muhtar Kura, said Nigeria faces the dual challenge of rapid population growth and the need to build sustainable, climate-resilient cities.
He emphasised that the adoption of modern technology, including artificial intelligence in land-use analysis, is essential for effective and proactive urban planning across the country.
Cov/Shindong Bala
