The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has appealed to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to establish the National Urban and Regional Planning Commission as provided in the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992(Cap 138 LFN, 2004).

The institute also commended the Federal Government for approving the revised National Urban Development Policy (NUDP). The revised policy, developed by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with UN-Habitat and other key stakeholders, replaces the previous 2012 edition.

It reflects the pressing realities of Nigeria’s urban challenges and the country’s global development commitments. The policy provides a transformative framework to guide urban planning, development, and governance across Nigeria, over the next decade.

NITP President, Dr Chime Ogbonna, sees the development as a step towards a further closer attention to the urban development aspect of the ministry. The institute also indicated a willingness to assist the ministry in getting all its urban development policies achieved in the overall interest of all Nigerians.

With over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, the need for a new, integrated urban development framework has become urgent. The NUDP responds to this challenge by introducing a “business unusual” approach that departs from fragmented, reactive planning, and embraces proactive, inclusive, and long-term strategies.

It recognises that effective urban development requires strong institutions, strategic leadership, and citizen participation. A major focus of the policy is the strengthening of urban governance. It advocates for the creation of metropolitan commissions and regional planning bodies to manage Nigeria’s fast-growing urban regions and conurbations that cut across administrative boundaries.

This includes enabling a more coherent system of cities, improved intergovernmental coordination, and decentralised urban management structures. In terms of social inclusion, the policy embeds a pro-poor, pro-vulnerable urban design philosophy. It calls for planning and development that prioritise women, youth, persons with disabilities, and the informal sector.

By improving access to housing, infrastructure, public spaces, and basic services, the NUDP aims to create cities where all residents can live with dignity and opportunity. Climate change is another critical pillar of the new policy. Nigeria faces escalating climate risks including flooding, drought, desertification, and extreme weather events.