The Ogun State government has emphasized the importance of collaboration among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to enhance effective physical planning and urban development across the state.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olatunji Odunlami, made this known at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Abeokuta.
Speaking on the theme, “Cross-Sector Collaboration in the Production and Implementation of Development Plans: Imperative of Synergy Among MDAs,” Odunlami highlighted that partnerships among MDAs foster innovation, efficiency, and better execution of societal development plans. He noted that such cooperation minimizes issues like land grabbing, poor drainage placement, and unauthorized building practices.
Odunlami also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for mandating collaboration among land-related MDAs and incorporating non-land-related sectors like education and health into urban development strategies.
Former National President of the NITP, Nathaniel Atebije, urged planners to embrace innovation and technology to facilitate the seamless exchange of ideas among agencies. He also announced the upcoming launch of the NITP’s Ten-Year Strategic Development Plan to guide urban planning efforts nationwide.
In his remarks, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi, acknowledged challenges in implementing the state’s developmental plan due to inconsistencies from previous administrations. He assured that the current government is working to address these issues, adding that unauthorized developments continue to disrupt planning processes.
Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter of NITP, Adefela Sogbesan, advised residents to consult professionals before embarking on construction projects to avoid planning errors and environmental hazards.
“This topic was chosen to foster collaboration among agencies directly involved in the built industry, ensuring sustainable growth for Ogun State,” Sogbesan concluded.
This call for synergy is expected to drive long-term sustainable urban development in the state, addressing current challenges and paving the way for structured growth.
