The Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Olaniyi Yusuf, has stressed the need for Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption.
He made this known while delivering a lecture at the 11th Waheed Kadiri Lecture Series held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), honored former NITP President, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, for his contributions.
Speaking on the theme, “Global Trends: Re-imagining Cities for Sustainable Development and Shared Prosperity,” Yusuf emphasized AI’s transformative role in planning.
He explained that rapid technological advancements, climate change, and evolving societal structures require innovative solutions for efficient urban development.
According to Yusuf, AI-powered predictive analytics, automated design tools, and real-time mapping can enhance the effectiveness of urban planning processes.
He cited Statista, which forecasts the global AI market to hit $243.7 billion by 2025, with Nigeria’s sector experiencing rapid growth.
The Nigerian AI market is projected to expand annually by 27.08%, reaching $4.64 billion by 2030, offering immense opportunities.
“AI is revolutionizing industries globally, and urban planning must evolve by leveraging technological advancements for enhanced efficiency,” Yusuf stated.
He also highlighted concerns about food insecurity, revealing that 33 million Nigerians face extreme hunger due to ineffective urban planning.
He urged urban planners to incorporate agricultural zones, efficient transportation systems, and processing hubs to ensure sustainable food accessibility.
Additionally, he advised professionals to analyze the behavioral patterns of Generation Z and Millennials to shape future urban environments effectively.
Also speaking, Jolaosho Babatunde, Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, urged planners to focus on economic development beyond physical structures.
“Urban planning extends beyond constructing buildings; it involves creating environments that drive economic growth and sustainable development,” Babatunde stated.
The lecture reinforced the importance of AI adoption in urban planning to create smarter, more livable, and economically viable Nigerian cities.
