By Rasheeda Hamidu
President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Dr Ogbonna Chime, has urged traditional leaders across Nigeria to champion urban planning reforms to promote sustainable development, environmental protection and orderly urban growth.
Chime made the call on Saturday during an engagement between the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and traditional rulers, where stakeholders discussed strategies for improving urban planning and sustainable development across the country.
Chime said traditional institutions have a critical role in supporting planning regulations and promoting responsible land use in their domains.
He said, “Traditional rulers are strategic stakeholders in ensuring orderly physical development and sustainable communities.”
NatureNews notes that unplanned urban expansion contributes to environmental degradation, increased flood risks, loss of green spaces and mounting pressure on public infrastructure in many Nigerian cities.
According to the institute, effective urban planning can improve land management, strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable economic development.
The organisation also stressed the importance of integrating environmental considerations into physical development policies.
The institute explained that collaboration between planning authorities, local communities and traditional institutions is necessary to improve compliance with planning regulations and curb indiscriminate development.
Chime further stated that stronger community participation would help ensure that planning policies reflect local realities while protecting environmental resources for future generations.
According to the report, stakeholders at the engagement emphasised the need for awareness campaigns and continuous dialogue to encourage adherence to approved development plans and environmental standards.
The institute also highlighted the importance of proper land-use planning in reducing environmental hazards associated with uncontrolled urban growth, including flooding, erosion and waste management challenges.
NatureNews tracks urban planning, sustainable cities and environmental governance as part of its coverage of climate resilience, land management and sustainable development across Nigeria and Africa.
