NITP tasks govt on urban development policy

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has urged the Federal Government to embrace the reviewed national urban development policy.

The institute urged all tiers of government and non-government actors to adopt the regulation as source material for sustainable urban development.

The National President of the institute, Nathaniel Atebije, stated this in an interview with Sunday PUNCH.

Atebike stated that the direction and pattern of growth and development of urban centres in Nigeria had become a matter of serious concern because of the lack of planning and violation of extant regulations by developers in urban areas.

He explained that the government must provide overall focus and guidance for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to achieve predetermined goals, and objectives, as well as collective aspirations in the urban development of the country.

He said, “The national urban development policy is detailed and it is aimed at helping Nigeria to get the full benefit of sustainable cities, for these cities and human settlement to prosper in terms of economic well-being.

“This will keep us in tandem with the rest of the world in prospect for the development of human settlement across the globe just as we have been part of the international treaties that will keep us in the line of operation along with other members in the community of prospering nations.

“The urban policy will facilitate the Land Use Act making it more real. The issues between the ownership and management of land resources in Nigeria have been adequately addressed.

“The only part that looks a bit difficult is not because of the Act but because of the actions of people. It is the responses of the people if they know that the Land Use Act is expected to enhance access to land, a common patrimony for every Nigerian.”

Speaking further, he noted that the review must be backed by political and financial will amidst other structures to facilitate its implementation

“My advice is for the government to embrace this document, give it the political will and financial backing it needs to succeed, and establish the structures needed to facilitate the implementation of the urban development policy,” he concluded.