Consultant town planners have reiterated the need for government at the federal and state levels to prepare and implement physical development plans that align with social, economic and technological realities in the country.
Former Head of the Department, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos, Prof Leke Oduwaye led the call at a two-day 2024 Professional Development Workshop, organised by the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) in Lagos, themed: ‘Preparation and Implementation of Physical Development Plans as a Panacea for Good Governance.’
Oduwaye stressed the need to re-access planning standards and concepts, as well as revisit land acquisition policies. He also called for urban land banking practices to be audited, and a revisit of the current mismatch in neighbourhood land development procedures.
He said the idea of infrastructure provision before plot development should be reconsidered and advocated a more vibrant urban development bank for infrastructure growth.
“More transparency is needed in urban planning and governance. We need to revisit the planning application/permit process, speed and efficiency and physical planning institutional framework. We also need to involve more technology in the planning implementation process and professional groups should be more active, as well as ensure public enlightenment and deployment of whistleblower policy in physical development plans implementation,” he said.
ATOPCON President, Adebisi Adedire, expressed concern that the challenges faced in implementing physical development plans are significant ranging from economic uncertainties to social inequalities, and environmental threats to technological disruptions. However, he said, through teamwork, creativity, and shared commitment to progress; practitioners can overcome any obstacle that stands in their way.
President, Nigerian lnstitute of Town Planners (NITP), Nathaniel Atebije, explained that good governance relies heavily on the decision-making process, adding that urban, regional planning encourages community participation and public review plan processes.
This participatory approach, he said, ensures that the policies and projects reflect the needs and desires of the community, and enhances transparency and accountability in governance.
“It also builds public trust and confidence in government institutions, as citizens see their input leading to tangible outcomes. Furthermore, through data-driven and evidence-based planning, governments can be responsive and adapt policies that reflect societal needs. The theme is apt and relevant given the massive ignorance or lip-service by some policymakers, who seem to know little about urban and regional planning.”
Speaking on ‘Physical Planning Services as a Veritable Tool for Urban Security, Prof Adedeji Oyenuga of the Lagos State University, said that physical planning services need to be engaged in security and crime control. He observed that a city upgraded through a scientific basis could not only be livable and sustainable but also economically viable, safe and crime-proof. He said, “This is the reason why city crime specialists and other security professionals prefer to engage physical planners in crime prevention.”
A retired Colonel Sam Agbanusi, argued that physical planning services play crucial roles in enhancing urban security when city layouts are designed to minimise opportunities for crime and increase public safety. He noted that effective physical planning incorporates strategies such as surveillance, and territorial reinforcement.
Agbanusi also stressed the need for community policing, effective law enforcement, emergency response systems, partnership, and design of public spaces that promote community interaction and cohesion, as well as ensure a self-regulating environment.
