The 55th edition of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) begins today with pageantry in the coal city of Enugu.
From Monday, October 21st to Thursday, October 24th, 2024, town planners from across the country will converge to discuss critical national issues related to urban and regional planning. The theme of this year’s event is “Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law and the Challenge of National Development.”
Speaking at a press conference to mark the start of the event, the National President of NITP, Tpl Nathaniel Atebije, welcomed delegates and the public, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to host the gathering. He emphasized the significance of the event, describing it as an essential platform for town planners to tackle pressing environmental and planning challenges facing the nation.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Sustainer of life, for the privilege of gathering here today. This is not just another conference; it is a platform for us, as town planners, to bring forth ideas that can reshape the future of Nigeria’s urban and regional planning system,” Atebije remarked.
Reflecting on his tenure since November 2022, Atebije highlighted key issues previously raised, such as environmental challenges, urban and regional planning shortfalls, and the role of physical planning in fostering national development. He stressed that stronger physical planning systems are essential to curb environmental degradation and promote better urban planning policies.
A focal point of this year’s press conference was the dual challenge of frequent flooding in Nigeria and rampant environmental fraud, both of which exacerbate these disasters. Atebije cited the recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam after heavy rainfall, which affected over a million people and led to extensive damage to homes, farmlands, and schools.
He explained that human activities, such as illegal land use, deforestation, and encroachment on waterways, are major contributors to these floods, worsened by climate change and poor planning practices. “Inadequate urban planning, corruption, and environmental fraud are key factors behind these disasters. Illegal developments, poor waste management, and unregulated urban sprawl leave cities vulnerable to flooding, causing immense social and economic costs,” Atebije stated.
In addition, Atebije highlighted the rising threat of environmental fraud, describing it as a significant hindrance to Nigeria’s urban development. He called on the government, private sector, and citizens to prioritize sustainable development by enforcing planning laws, improving drainage systems, and protecting natural resources.
He also underscored the importance of engaging Indigenous urban planners in the planning and development control processes. “Town planners must be actively involved in every phase of development control. By strictly enforcing building regulations, zoning laws, and physical planning guidelines, we can mitigate the risks of natural disasters. Town planners must be at the forefront of ensuring that our cities are sustainably built and managed,” he said.
This year’s NITP conference will provide a platform for experts to present research, share knowledge, and deliberate on actionable solutions to Nigeria’s planning challenges. Participants include professionals from academia, government, private practice, and various service sectors, all united in finding lasting solutions to urban planning issues. Collaboration between the government, international agencies, and the private sector will be essential for implementing sustainable planning initiatives.
As the NITP 55th International Conference and AGM unfold in Enugu, discussions on Nigerian urban and regional planning law, the challenge of national development, and the future of urban planning in Nigeria are expected to take center stage. Resolutions made at the event will aim to drive positive change in the nation’s built environment.
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) is the professional body representing urban and regional planning practitioners in Nigeria. The institute plays a key role in shaping policies and practices related to the physical planning and development of human settlements across the country. The annual international conference and AGM serve as a forum for members to address pressing national issues and propose solutions for sustainable development.