President Bola Tinubu has called on state governments to domesticate the National Urban Development Policy as part of efforts to strengthen town planning and promote orderly development across the country.
The President made the call on Tuesday at the 56th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) held in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.
Tinubu said effective urban planning was vital to achieving sustainable cities capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.
He noted that the domestication of the policy would ensure that states align their urban development strategies with national objectives.
“Our cities are expanding rapidly, and there is an urgent need for coordinated planning to manage growth efficiently,” the President said.
“I urge all state governments to domesticate the National Urban Development Policy to strengthen spatial planning, reduce urban slums, and promote sustainable city management.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing policies that enhance housing delivery, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Dangiwa commended the NITP for its continued contribution to shaping Nigeria’s built environment and promoting best practices in town planning.
He said the Federal Government was working closely with stakeholders to reform the urban development sector and provide the legal and institutional frameworks necessary for effective planning.
The conference, which attracted professionals from across Nigeria and beyond, focused on innovative approaches to sustainable urbanisation, resilience building, and the role of planners in achieving national development goals.
