As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Town Planners Day, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has tasked the Federal Government to implement policies that would promote good environmental standards as a way of improving healthy living in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event to commemorate the day yesterday in Abuja, NITP National President, Nathaniel Atebije explained that the theme for this year, ‘Learn Globally, Apply Locally’ is most apt in view of the endemic challenges of non-application or misapplication of international best practices.

“Physical planning in Nigeria has suffered a lot of set-backs because of lack of application of experiences gained from other parts of the world where development thoughts are wholesomely conceived and implemented for the benefit of all members of the community.

“It does appear that inherent policies and solutions can be modified and remodeled, to addres local planning problems.

“Nigeria moves in vicious circles, wasting budgets on contracts entered into without adequate preparations for effective execution. Human settlements are characterized by poor layout, inadequate infrastructure, urban sprawl, squatter colonies, slums, traffic congestion, poor waste management, flooding, loss of biodiversity, menace of epidemics, insecurity and a whole gamut of inconveniences which make the cities places of frustration rather than satisfaction.”

He reiterated that benefits abound in the implementation of planning policies, some of which include the correction of errors of land uses in the past, better organization and utilization of land resources to ensure safety, economy, aesthetics and good health in the places of abode, work and recreation.

Atebije said the difference between Nigeria and other nations where services are delivered efficiently is the lack of governance.