Aiyedatiwa advocates accountability in urban planning
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By Adedotun Ajayi
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organisations in Ondo State and Nigeria at large to establish a system of accountability that ensures the seamless management of urban planning and development in the country.
Speaking at the 2024 Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organisations in Nigeria, held in Akure, Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Urban and Regional Planning, Mr Gbenga Olaniyi, emphasised the importance of effective physical planning as a tool to address key environmental challenges such as flooding, global warming, and spatial land use management.
“We need to remedy many of our spatial challenges, including land management and resource handling, as these are critical for any meaningful development,” the governor stated.
He added that integrating sustainable practices requires collaboration and the proper application of land planning tools to pave the way for equitable and sustainable urban development in Nigeria.
Also addressing the conference, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient, and integrated urban development.
Dangiwa announced that the 2012 National Urban Development Policy has undergone a comprehensive review and is set for approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The minister also highlighted the ministry’s progress in housing development, noting the groundbreaking of 6,612 housing units across 13 locations nationwide as part of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
“The programme includes the 3,112-housing unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, and 12 other locations funded under the 2023 Supplementary Budget, including projects in Kano, Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and several other states,” Dangiwa said.
He urged urban planners to design cities that are sustainable, productive, and inclusive, emphasising the need for collaboration to address the challenges of urbanisation.
In addition, the Chairman of the House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Mr Awaji Abiante, called on town planners to collaborate with other stakeholders to achieve their urban development goals. He stressed that teamwork and accommodation of diverse interests are essential for the success of urban planning initiatives in Nigeria.