The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has marked its 60th anniversary with calls for people-centred planning, stronger professional ethics, effective policy advocacy, community participation and greater adoption of modern technology.
The call was made at the Institute’s 60th Anniversary Colloquium held at the Main Hall, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, with the theme, “Putting People First: The Future of Town Planning Practice.”
The event brought together town planners, academics, professional bodies, past and present leaders, young practitioners and other stakeholders to reflect on six decades of the Institute’s contribution to urban and regional development.
Speaking at the event, the National President of NITP, Tpl. Dr. Ogbonna Chime, FNITP, described the anniversary as an important opportunity to reflect on the Institute’s journey since its establishment in 1966.
He noted that NITP, which began with nine pioneering town planners, had grown into a major professional institution with thousands of members and chapters across Nigeria.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of Tpl. Steve Onu, FNITP, by Tpl. Austin Ukanwa, FNITP, it was disclosed that the Institute currently has 7,411 members and 527 fellows, reflecting significant growth in the profession.
The President of TOPREC, Tpl. Valentine Ezenwa, FNITP, congratulated NITP on the Diamond Jubilee and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working with the Institute to strengthen professional ethics, continuous professional development and regulatory standards.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Eastern Planners Forum, Tpl. Ayi Akiba, FNITP, called for stronger planning governance, improved development control, adequate staffing and funding of planning authorities, and greater use of digital planning technologies.
The National Chairman of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria, Tpl. Dr. Mrs. Vera Okoye, FNITP, advocated inclusive and gender-responsive planning that recognises the needs of women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Prof. Iyi urges planners to embrace technology
Delivering the anniversary lecture, Tpl. Prof. Edmund Iyi, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, said the 60th anniversary offered an opportunity to assess the past, confront existing challenges and prepare for the future.
He urged planners to strengthen professional recognition, legal backing and advocacy while remaining focused on their responsibility to create safe, healthy, functional and economically viable human settlements.
Prof. Iyi also highlighted Artificial Intelligence, GIS, drones and other digital technologies, stressing that they should enhance professional practice rather than replace the expertise and judgement of town planners.
Panel calls for planning with people
The panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Chinedu Okoye of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, featured Tpl. Austin Ukanwa, Tpl. Dr. Kingsley Madumere, Tpl. JohnPaul Ude, Tpl. Dr. Ijeoma Onyejekwe and Tpl. Dr. Ernest Obase.
Panelists stressed the need for planners to move from “planning for people” to “planning with people”, arguing that communities should be involved from the earliest stages of planning.
They also called for stronger professional ethics, continuous training, mentorship of young planners and greater participation of town planners in policy and decision-making.
The Open House session, moderated by Prof. Joy Ogbazi, further addressed concerns including unprofessional conduct, impersonation, gaps in professional knowledge, development control and the need to implement resolutions reached at professional conferences and seminars.
Participants urged NITP and TOPREC to strengthen existing professional and disciplinary mechanisms and ensure that recommendations from training programmes translate into practical action.
The anniversary programme also featured the presentation of several awards and honours to deserving individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the planning profession and the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners.
The presentation recognised distinguished patrons, professionals and other notable stakeholders for their support and contributions to the Institute.
The celebration concluded with the cutting of the 60th anniversary cake, a birthday song, group photographs and pleasantries among members, dignitaries, speakers and other participants.
The anniversary ultimately underscored a shared commitment to repositioning town planning practice through people-centred planning, professional integrity, technological advancement, community participation and stronger policy engagement as NITP begins its seventh decade.