Febe Falodun
The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planning (NITP) has called on residents to seek professional consultation before embarking on building projects to prevent haphazard development and enhance sustainable growth.
The advisory was issued during the NITP’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abeokuta, with a focus on the importance of collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in driving physical and urban development across the state.
NITP Chairman, Adefelala Sogbesan, emphasized the risks associated with building without professional advice, noting that it can lead to environmental hazards and structural deficiencies.
He cited instances where individuals have unknowingly built in areas designated for other purposes, such as constructing schools on residential plots.
“In this part of the world, we are not consulting professionals,” Sogbesan remarked, stressing the need for expert involvement in the planning and development process.
The AGM, themed “Cross-Sector Collaboration in the Production and Implementation of Development Plans: Imperative of Synergy Among MDAs,” brought together key state officials to discuss the benefits of aligning efforts across different government bodies.
Sogbesan noted that collaboration among MDAs is crucial for ensuring cohesive development plans that address challenges such as land misuse and the lack of proper infrastructure.
Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, who spoke at the event, highlighted the efforts of the current administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun to address gaps left by previous governments.
He acknowledged the difficulties in implementing the state’s developmental plan due to the lack of continuity but reassured that the government is working to correct these issues.
Omoniyi pointed out that some developers have built entire estates without consulting the relevant authorities, leading to a disjointed approach to urban planning.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odunlami, warned that ignoring proper building regulations could jeopardize the state’s development.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between his ministry and other government agencies to implement the state’s physical development plans.
Odunlami stated that working in isolation has hindered land administration and development in Ogun State and emphasized the current administration’s commitment to MDAs’ cooperation in addressing urban planning issues.
Odunlami further explained that cross-sector collaboration would help tackle critical challenges such as land grabbing, erosion, improper drainage, and unauthorized building developments.
“Collaboration with MDAs ensures seamless communication and reduces the bottlenecks in physical planning,” he said, noting that ministries such as Budget and Planning, Environment, Water Resources, and Housing play critical roles in effective urban development.
The National President of the NITP, Nathaniel Atebije, also spoke at the event, urging members to adapt to technological advancements and develop strategies that promote the free flow of ideas among MDAs.
He highlighted the upcoming launch of a ten-year strategic development plan at the national level, encouraging the state chapter to follow suit in creating their strategy for growth.
Atebije also addressed concerns about the proposed formation of a new association, ATTOPOG, describing it as unnecessary and lacking merit.
He emphasized that the existing structure, which includes the NITP, the Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC), and the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), already provides a robust framework for professional practice and regulation.
The AGM concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among MDAs to ensure that Ogun State’s urban development is well-coordinated, efficient, and sustainable.
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