Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State chapter, has raised concerns over the mounting infrastructure deficit in parts of the state, warning that rapid industrialisation is fuelling population growth beyond available social amenities.

The chapter chairman, Adefela Sogbesan, issued the warning during the institute’s August monthly general meeting held at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

Sogbesan, who specifically mentioned Ilaro and Ibese communities in Yewa South Local Government Area, said the influx of people into the axis was largely driven by the presence of heavy industries such as Dangote Cement, which has turned the corridor into an industrial hub.

“It is evident that our communities are experiencing a population boom without commensurate infrastructure to support it. The implications for housing, transportation, drainage, education, and healthcare are alarming,” he cautioned.

The NITP boss stressed that unplanned growth without adequate infrastructure posed serious risks to sustainable development, urging government and stakeholders to take proactive measures.

As part of the meeting, members of the institute paid a courtesy visit to the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where they were received by the Deputy Rector (Administration), Lukman Lasisi, on behalf of the rector.

Lasisi underscored the importance of town planning in balancing residential, commercial, and educational needs and sought the institute’s intervention in resolving flooding caused by a blocked culvert near the campus.

He pledged the institution’s readiness to collaborate with NITP on research and projects, but noted that government directives required paper presentations before academic conferences could secure sponsorship.

The NITP team also visited the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Abraham Ogunsola, who promised to align the council’s development plans with physical planning initiatives.