NITP urges states to adopt coordinated regional planning to tame urban sprawl
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The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has asked federal and state governments to align physical planning at regional and national level, warning that fragmented approvals are undermining infrastructure delivery.
The National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogbonna Chime, has urged governments across the country to adopt coordinated regional and national physical planning to accelerate infrastructure development, attract investment and address rapid urbanisation.
Chime spoke in a goodwill message at the second Lagos Physical Planning Summit, themed "Diagnosis to Delivery: Positioning Lagos for Strategic Regional Development and Priority Investment Agenda", where he said collaboration among states was essential to sustainable urban development, balanced economic growth and effective infrastructure delivery. He particularly called on states in the South-West to pursue a coordinated regional development strategy rather than plan in isolation, warning that fragmented approaches could undermine shared economic and infrastructure objectives.
He argued that regional cooperation would allow neighbouring states to coordinate infrastructure provision, manage urban expansion across state boundaries and maximise investment opportunities, and advocated integrating regional development plans into a coherent national planning framework. He also urged governments to strengthen planning institutions, regularly assess development policies and close implementation gaps so that urban development translates into better infrastructure, improved living conditions and wider economic opportunity.
Chime commended Lagos State for its long-standing commitment to urban and regional planning, describing deliberate physical planning as a major factor in the state's development. "Lagos has attained this level because it relies on urban and regional planning right from day one. If it hadn't been so, I tell you, Lagos would not have been where it is today," he said. He also noted, however, that some urban renewal interventions had displaced residents without adequate alternatives, and said the welfare of affected communities must be considered in redevelopment decisions.
The summit was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro; the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, delivered the keynote address; and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, gave the opening remarks. Agencies including the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority exhibited at the event.