The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has formally commended the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, for his administration’s landmark decision to domesticate the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 (URP Law) in the state. In a letter of appreciation dated October 16, 2025, and signed by the National President of the Institute, Tpl. Dr. Ogbonna Chime, the professional body described the move as a bold and visionary step toward sustainable urban development and effective land management in Ebonyi State.
According to Dr. Chime, the Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, which repealed the outdated Town and Country Planning Act of 1946, was designed to decentralize planning responsibilities across Nigeria’s three tiers of government — federal, state, and local. The law aims to establish a “plan-led” development framework, allowing each level of government to take charge of physical planning, policy formulation, project implementation, and development control within their jurisdictions.
However, the NITP President observed that many state governments had neglected to domesticate the legislation despite its far-reaching benefits for orderly growth and spatial development. He noted that states that adopted the law early have since experienced remarkable progress in managing their urban and rural spaces, especially in terms of land use efficiency, environmental sustainability, and infrastructural development.
Dr. Chime emphasized that by domesticating the law, Governor Nwifuru has placed Ebonyi among Nigeria’s forward-looking and progressive states that embrace modern governance principles in land administration and urban planning. He added that this decision would not only improve the coordination of development projects but also boost internally generated revenue through more structured and transparent land-use systems.
The Institute further assured Governor Nwifuru of its full support and partnership in ensuring the successful implementation of the law in Ebonyi. Dr. Chime expressed optimism that the domestication would usher in a new era of planned growth, improved environmental quality, and better management of physical development across the state.
He concluded the letter by inviting the governor and his delegation to the NITP’s forthcoming annual colloquium, where discussions will focus on the practical benefits and successes of implementing the Urban and Regional Planning Law. Dr. Chime reiterated the Institute’s respect and admiration for the governor’s commitment to institutional reforms, describing his action as a model for other state leaders to emulate.