Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has renewed calls for the widespread adoption of digital technologies in urban planning across Nigeria, as experts, policymakers, academics, and practitioners gathered in Abakaliki for the third leg of the 27th Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP).
The two-day programme, held at Geneza Hotel, brought together participants from across the country under the theme, “Application of Digital Technology for Enhanced Physical Planning Services in Nigeria.” The discussions centered on the urgent need to modernize planning systems to support sustainable urban development, improve efficiency, and strengthen governance in rapidly growing Nigerian cities.
The event also served as a platform for promoting the integration of emerging technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote sensing, and e-governance into planning practice, while also recognizing contributions to the profession.
The programme was officially declared open by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Capital City Development, Hon. Sunday Elechi Inyima, who represented Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the presentation of the Town Planning Governor of the Year 2025 Award to Governor Nwifuru by the National President of NITP, Tpl. Dr. Chime Andrew Ogbonna.
The award recognized the governor’s support for urban planning reforms, particularly the domestication of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 into the Ebonyi State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law No. 002 of 2024. According to NITP, the reform marks a major step toward strengthening planning administration and ensuring orderly urban growth in the state.
The Ebonyi State Chapter of the institute also honoured the governor for his contributions to institutional development and urban planning advancement. Other award recipients included the Commissioner for Capital City Development, Hon. Inyima; Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr. Matthew Nwaobasi; Vice Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu; and the Rector of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Dr. Felix Uroko Attah, among others.
Speaking at the event, NITP President Dr. Chime Ogbonna commended the state government for its commitment to planning reforms but stressed the need for full implementation of the newly enacted law. He warned that legislation without enforcement would not achieve meaningful development outcomes.
He called for the recruitment of more qualified town planners to strengthen planning institutions in the state and emphasized that effective planning is central to sustainable development. According to him, governments that neglect planning often struggle to meet citizens’ needs, adding that planning remains the foundation of livable cities.
Responding on behalf of the governor, Commissioner Inyima expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that it reflects achievements under the administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda. He highlighted the successful commissioning of the Abakaliki Structure and Master Plan as a key milestone, describing it as a long-awaited achievement after years of unsuccessful attempts by previous administrations.
He added that strategic planning remains essential for urban order, infrastructure development, and economic growth, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving city infrastructure and living standards.
Chairman of the MCPDP Planning Committee, Tpl. Dr. Gbolabo Osunsanmi, described the programme as timely and emphasized the growing importance of digital transformation in planning practice. He urged participants to take full advantage of the training, noting that the profession is rapidly evolving due to technological innovation.
Traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Sunday Oketa, also emphasized the importance of planning in achieving organized, livable, and sustainable communities, noting that well-planned cities are key drivers of economic success and social stability.
Representing the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), Tpl. Valentine Ezenwa said traditional planning approaches are no longer sufficient to address modern urban challenges. He advocated increased adoption of GIS, remote sensing, and AI tools to improve planning efficiency and manage rapid urbanization.
The Chairman of NITP Ebonyi State Chapter, Tpl. Elder Ude Nnachi Ukpai, described the hosting of the MCPDP as a major milestone for the state chapter, noting that it provided an opportunity to showcase Ebonyi’s commitment to professional growth and development.
A key highlight of the opening session was the unveiling of the institute’s 60th anniversary logo, marking decades of contribution to planning practice in Nigeria.
Technical sessions focused on digital transformation in planning. Prof. Muyiwa Agunbiade, who delivered the lead paper, emphasized the need for standardized, machine-readable land-use classification systems as the foundation of effective digital planning. He explained that GIS is only one component of a broader digital ecosystem and stressed the importance of integrating multiple technologies for better planning outcomes.
He also highlighted smart cities as environments where data, devices, and systems are interconnected to improve governance and service delivery. According to him, automation and digital coding of planning data are essential for efficiency, consistency, and transparency.
Another presentation by Tpl. Benson Diriyai focused on e-governance and digital planning approvals. He noted that states using manual processes experience delays in development approvals, while digital systems significantly improve speed and coordination by allowing multiple stakeholders to work simultaneously.
He also pointed to the growing role of Artificial Intelligence tools in planning documentation and design, stressing that planners must upgrade their digital skills to remain relevant. He added that digital systems enhance accountability by providing performance indicators that help identify weaknesses in planning administration.
Artificial Intelligence in geodesign was also a major focus. Mr. Maitho James Kaitho explained that Nigeria’s urban challenges, including flooding, infrastructure deficits, and informal settlements, require more advanced and proactive planning tools. He described AI-driven geodesign as the integration of GIS, predictive modeling, and automated design systems that improve planning accuracy and responsiveness.
He emphasized that AI is not intended to replace planners but to enhance their capabilities by improving analysis, speeding up reporting, and strengthening policy decisions.
Beyond technical discussions, the programme included a gala night featuring cultural performances by the Ebonyi State Ministry of Arts and Culture. The event provided an opportunity for networking and cultural exchange among participants from different regions of the country.
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of cultural identity in planning, noting that cities are shaped not only by infrastructure but also by social values and traditions.
On the second day, participants engaged in practical training sessions divided into Land Use Classification and Geodesign groups. The sessions provided hands-on experience with tools such as GIS platforms, Google Earth, AI applications, ChatGPT, and e-governance systems for online planning approvals.
Facilitators encouraged continuous practice to reinforce skills gained, while MCPDP organizers announced the creation of a WhatsApp mentorship group to support participants beyond the workshop period.
The programme also featured the presentation of a new publication on Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, as well as discussions on opportunities under the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps scheme, which deploys professionals to international assignments across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
As the programme concluded, participants emphasized the need to translate digital knowledge into practical planning reforms. They urged NITP and TOPREC to further institutionalize digital tools in planning education and professional practice.
Certificates were presented to participants, and Ebonyi State Chapter of NITP received commendation for successfully hosting the event. Organizers expressed gratitude to the state government and participants for their support.
The programme ended with a shared consensus that the future of physical planning in Nigeria lies in embracing digital innovation while strengthening professional standards. The Abakaliki MCPDP reinforced the view that technology-driven planning is essential for building smarter, more resilient, and sustainable cities across the country.