The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on governments across the South-West to embrace strategic physical planning and develop a regional master plan to promote sustainable development, with Lagos State playing a leading role.
The institute made the call during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, on the October 23, 2026, where discussions focused on the role of planning in effective policymaking, policy implementation, and sustainable urban development.
The NITP emphasized that physical planning should be treated as a critical instrument of governance to ensure that government policies translate into tangible results and impactful development initiatives.
It also stressed the need for states across Nigeria to adopt a more strategic approach to planning, noting that coordinated development frameworks would help improve policy execution and promote orderly growth.
On regional development, the institute highlighted the importance of establishing a master plan for the South-West, identifying Lagos State as a key driver in the process because of its strategic importance to the region.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for the NITP to commend the Lagos State Government for successfully hosting its Physical Planning Summit, which took place a day before the courtesy visit.
According to the institute, the summit further reinforced the importance of physical planning in government priorities and development discussions in Lagos State.
As part of efforts to strengthen professional collaboration, the NITP invited the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development to attend its forthcoming international conference and participate as a panelist.
The institute also expressed appreciation to the ministry for receiving its delegation and acknowledged the state government’s efforts to recruit more town planners to strengthen planning and development administration.
The statement was signed by the NITP National Public Relations Secretary, Tpl. Dr. Chiahemba J. Nor, FNITP.