The institute described the law, which was enacted 33 years ago, as Nigeria’s most comprehensive framework for tackling persistent urban challenges such as perennial flooding, unplanned settlements, and the rapid growth of informal slums.
“A Law for the Future of Our Cities”
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, NITP National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, stressed that the effective application of the law was critical for Nigeria’s urban future.
“This law is not just about town planners; it is about the future of our cities,” Chime said. “Implementing it will establish a functional legal structure for planning administration at all tiers of government, promote public participation in development decisions, and ensure major projects undergo environmental impact assessments. The result will be cleaner, safer, and more investment-friendly Nigerian cities.”
Committee Leadership and Mandate
The newly inaugurated committee will be chaired by Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory. She pledged that the group would work closely with lawmakers to integrate the 1992 legislation into current governance frameworks, making it a living tool rather than a dormant policy.
According to Chime, the committee’s task is not merely advisory but geared towards ensuring that the law is operationalised across federal, state, and local government levels, with clear institutional responsibilities.
Commendations and Policy Alignment
The institute also commended the Federal Government for creating the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and praised Minister Ahmed Dangiwa for spearheading the ratification of Nigeria’s New Urban Development Policy.
In addition, Chime called on state and local governments to play their part by establishing the National Planning Commission, local planning authorities, and urban regeneration agencies. He stressed that without such institutions, the potential of the 1992 law would remain underutilised.
Key Provisions of the 1992 Law
The Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 was designed to:
- Create planning authorities at national, state, and local levels
- Mandate public engagement in the planning process
- Introduce environmental safeguards for major infrastructure and housing projects
- Provide a legal framework for urban renewal and regeneration initiatives
Despite these ambitious provisions, the law has remained largely under-implemented for decades, contributing to Nigeria’s recurring urban management crises.
A Determined Push for Enforcement
According to Dr. Chime, the NITP is determined that this time, the law will not remain dormant. “The institute has resolved that the 1992 legislation will not just exist on paper but will be fully enforced to transform Nigeria’s urban landscape,” he affirmed.
Urban planning experts at the event agreed that political will, institutional capacity, and inter-agency coordination will be critical in ensuring that Nigerian cities evolve into well-structured, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant spaces.