Experts have called on governments at all levels to create an enabling environment for professionals in the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the economy.
The Chief Executive Officer, ChemStar Group, Dr Emmanuel Awode, who made the call, noted that many industrialists and entrepreneurs are ready to invest massively, but wary due to the country’s challenging environment.
He spoke at the investiture of Mr Adebisi Adediri as the 11th President of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) in Lagos. He said businesses and professionals are faced with challenges, such as poor infrastructure, difficult regulatory procedures and corruption.
According to Awode, if the federal and state governments can provide an enabling business environment for SMEs and everyone at large, Nigeria will be a force to reckon with in Africa and the whole world.
He implored the Federal Government to work with professionals, encourage town planners to collaborate with the Federal, state, local councils and other professions in ensuring ease of doing business in the country.
Awode further charged town planners to halt the menace of building collapse and all other environmental issues bedeviling the country.”The recent occurrences are disturbing and emotional. It would be my desire and that of the public to see an end to this,” he said.
Speaking on ‘Strategic Planning for a Brighter Future for Town Planning Profession in Nigeria’, ATOPCON past president, Waheed Kadiri, urged the leadership of the association to prioritise strategic planning that is aimed at producing long-term action plans designed to achieve laudable goals.
He advised that the state chapters of the association should be involved in the process, while individuals with different backgrounds in law, psychology, financial management and brand management could be brought together to ensure a holistic plan.
Kadiri observed that the profession faces a lot of challenges, which include economic recession, policy failure and somersaults, external shocks, destructive technologies, long drawn time between bid submission and commissioning, challenge of budgetary allocation and release of funds.
Addressing the gathering, Adediri, said his administration will focus on empowering members and ensuring inclusive and sustainable town consultancy, as well as laying the groundwork for a thriving future and ensuring sustenance of existing town planning firms.
“I envision a future where we will have new planning firms across the country. This vision aligns with my desire to see the younger generation of town planners emerge as private consultants, bringing forth new perspectives and innovations to our profession. We also intend to become partners with the public sector and create avenues by which town planners can be involved in the governance process in the country,” he said.
He assured that ATOPCON won’t be allowing the government to take actions relating to the environment, physical planning and development of cities alone.
The President, Nigerian lnstitute of Town Planners (NITP), Mr Nathaniel Atebije, reminded the new president that the expectations of the followership concerning the leadership are high and lofty. He urged him to reconfigure their visions from time to time.
Earlier, immediate past ATOPCON president, Mr Muyiwa Adelu, said the association has made strides and ensured professional excellence. He stated that the association remained focused on helping the consultants remain in business.
