Foundation calls for greater commitment to physical planning

The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy has called for greater commitment to physical planning for safe, resilient and sustainable cities.

This call was made while joining the global community in commemorating the 2026 World Environment Day.

Founder, Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy, Nathaniel M. Atebije, reaffirmed the critical importance of sustainable environmental management and responsible urban development in shaping the future of our cities and communities.

According to him, as urban centres continue to expand rapidly across Nigeria and many developing nations, the challenges of environmental degradation, flooding, traffic congestion, indiscriminate development, housing deficits, pollution, climate change impacts and infrastructural inadequacies have become increasingly alarming.

These challenges, he said, have clearly underscored the urgent need for effective physical planning as a strategic tool for environmental sustainability, social stability and economic development.

“The foundation strongly believes that no nation can achieve safe, resilient and sustainable cities without a deliberate commitment to sound urban and regional planning principles,” he said.

According to him, physical planning remains one of the most effective instruments for orderly development, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, efficient land use management and the creation of liveable human settlements.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Atebije called on governments at all levels to strengthen planning institutions, enforce development control regulations and prioritise the preparation and implementation of functional regional, urban and local development plans.

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“Governments must also ensure that planning approvals and infrastructural investments are guided by qualified indigenous planning professionals with adequate knowledge of local environmental and socio-economic realities,” he said.

The foundation, he said, further urged corporate organisations, private developers, financial institutions and individuals to imbibe the culture of physical planning in all development and investment initiatives, noting that development undertaken without proper planning guidance often results in environmental hazards, economic losses, avoidable conflicts and unsustainable urban growth.

“Nigeria is blessed with highly trained and competent indigenous professionals in the built environment sector whose expertise should be fully utilised in guiding national development efforts,” he said.

 Engaging professional town planners and related experts in project conceptualisation, site selection, environmental management and infrastructure development, he said it’s not only a statutory necessity but also a strategic investment in sustainability and long-term economic prosperity.

“The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy remains committed to promoting planning consciousness, environmental sustainability, housing advocacy and responsible urban governance through public enlightenment, policy advocacy, research and stakeholder engagement.

“As we commemorate this important global event, we call on all citizens to become active partners in protecting our environment and building cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for present and future generations,” the statement by the foundation read.