NITP commends South West’s unified physical planning model, calls for Nat'l replication

By Johnson Arua

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has thrown its weight behind the South Western states’ move to adopt a unified regional framework for physical planning, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s urban development efforts.

The commendation and support came following the inaugural South West Regional Meeting on Physical Planning and Urban Development held in Lagos, where key stakeholders resolved to deepen collaboration in tackling shared urban challenges.

In a statement released by the Institute’s Public Relations Secretary, Dr. Chiahemba Nor, the NITP National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, praised the development as “a commendable step towards implementing the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, Cap 138, 2004 at a broader, regional level.”

He noted that the proposed regional masterplan would reposition the South West as an integrated economic hub.

“The initiative will transform the zone into a functional unit across agriculture, industrialisation and commerce,” Chime said, adding that “it is a model other regions should adopt, as it will reshape planning orientation across the country.”

The meeting, themed “Forging Regional Integration Through Coordinated Physical Planning, Urban Development and Sustainable Land Governance,” brought together commissioners, urban planners and development partners from across the region.

Deliberations focused on practical strategies for collaboration, including harmonised land use planning among neighbouring states, improved waste management systems, and the development of efficient rail and multimodal transport networks.

Participants also highlighted the need to synchronise industrial development with logistics infrastructure and strengthen Lagos’ capacity as a central hub for food storage and distribution within the region.

The statement further indicated that the meeting built on outcomes from the 2024 Lagos Physical Planning Summit, which identified regional integration as essential for building a resilient and interconnected megacity.

Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, stressed that development planning must transcend state boundaries.

“We cannot plan in silos. Lagos cannot be discussed without Ogun, just as Oyo cannot be considered without its neighbours. A holistic regional approach is the only way forward,” he said.

Similarly, Ogun State Commissioner, Olatunji Odunlami, underscored the importance of structured coordination.
“Development cannot happen without a clear and coherent plan. An integrated regional framework puts us in a stronger position to guide our growth. We are essentially reviving the spirit of cooperation that once defined the region,” he stated.

Ondo State Commissioner, Sunday Olajide, pointed to the benefits of leveraging collective strengths.

“We aim to build on our comparative advantages and work together for shared progress. The realisation is clear, collaboration will help us achieve more,” he said.

Also lending his voice, Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Physical Planning, William Akin-Funmilayo, pointed to the economic benefits of integration, particularly in urban transformation

“This collaboration, integration and synergy within the South West states will be of great advantage to our geometric Urban Development in Oyo State, " he said.

The statement noted that the meeting concluded with a collective commitment by stakeholders to strengthen regional collaboration, align policies, and promote sustainable development through coordinated planning across the South West.