The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) of the United Kingdom have taken a significant step toward strengthening global collaboration in urban and regional planning by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement was formally signed on January 15, 2026, marking a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between the two professional bodies. The MoU is designed to deepen cooperation in addressing the complex planning and development challenges facing cities and towns in Nigeria, the UK, and beyond.
Under the agreement, both institutions will work together across several areas, including the exchange of ideas and best practices, mutual visits and participation in each other’s programmes, and greater awareness of professional membership pathways. The partnership will also focus on sharing information on continuing professional development (CPD) frameworks, with plans to explore co-branding selected NITP events in Nigeria as RTPI Core CPD activities.
The collaboration builds on years of engagement between NITP and RTPI through the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), where members of both bodies have consistently interacted, shared knowledge, and contributed to planning discourse across the Commonwealth. The new MoU formalises and expands this cooperation, creating a more structured platform for sustained knowledge exchange.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, RTPI President, Tpl Helen Fadipe, MBE, highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships in driving sustainable development globally. She noted that planning challenges such as rapid urbanisation, climate change, and infrastructure deficits require shared solutions that cut across borders.
On his part, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl Dr Andrew Ogbonna Chime, FNITP, expressed appreciation to the RTPI for the collaboration. He emphasised that Nigerian planners, particularly young professionals, stand to gain immensely from the agreement through exposure to global best practices, improved professional standards, and expanded learning opportunities.
The MoU, which will run until December 31, 2030, commits both parties to annual reviews to assess progress and maintain momentum. It also makes clear that the partnership is voluntary, non-financial, and built on mutual respect, confidentiality, and goodwill.
Overall, the agreement is expected to enhance professional practice, raise standards, and strengthen the capacity of planners in both countries to respond effectively to the challenges of modern urban development.