Housing minister tasked on urban, regional planning law’s implementation

President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr. Chime Ogbonna, has appealed to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engineer Muttaqha Rabe Darma, to sustain efforts towards the full implementation of the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law.

Ogbonna described the implementation of the law as “critical” to effective physical planning and urban development in the country.

The NITP president made the plea during a courtesy visit to the minister in his Abuja office.

Ogbonna also called for increased attention to urban development initiatives, engagement of indigenous town planning consultants for government projects, replacement of retired town planners and other built environment professionals in the ministry, as well as improved funding for regulatory bodies in the sector to strengthen professional standards and reduce unemployment.

He further invited the minister to the 60th anniversary celebration and 57th International conference of the Nigerian Institute scheduled to hold in Lagos State, in October this year.

He told the minister that the visit was to formally welcome him to the ministry and reaffirm the institute’s readiness to work and support the ministry in achieving its mandate.

Responding, the minister reaffirmed the committement of the government to transforming Nigeria’s informal settlements into dignified, liveable communities, describing it as a priority of the present administration.

Darma identified specific areas in Nigeria such as Makoko in Lagos State, Gishiri in Abuja, some settlements in Kano and Port Harcourt that require upgrading from slum conditions, pledging that the ministry’s forthcoming urban development policy would prioritise upgrading of these areas to make them habitable for the people living there.

Acknowledging that a regional and urban development law enacted in 1992 has yet to be implemented, the minister said he is committed to thoroughly reviewing the law, noting that collaboration with the regional development ministry will be essential in determining how to achieve full implementation.

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He also urged the institute to provide further guidance on the matter.

On encouraging the use of indigenous experts, the minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to utilising indigenous consultants exclusively, describing this as a deliberate strategy to drive employment, transfer skills, and grow local capacity in the built environment sector.

He said the ministry is training individually, about 2000 of them to get skills in the built environment.

Addressing the challenge of replacing retired staff earlier mentioned by the NITP, the minister called on professionals and public servants to embrace innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that technology will increasingly shape the future of work.

He stressed that AI would not replace people who understand and effectively use technology, encouraging continuous learning and upskilling among professionals.

Responding to the funding request, the minister told the NITP and professional bodies to think outside the box and find ways and means that will keep them on stream as they are considered professionals.

Accordingly, Darma urged the institute to submit further recommendations and professional input for consideration in the ministry’s forthcoming strategic development plan.

On the invitation to the upcoming NITP 60th anniversary in October, the minister offered to attend the event personally, hoping that the already scheduled political activities would not conflict with it.