By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Cross River State Chapter, has called on the state government to domesticate and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law to ensure sustainable and orderly development across the state.
The appeal was made by the State Chairman of NITP, Tpl. Dr Samuel Inaku Emri, on Saturday in Calabar during an address marking the 75th World Town Planning Day (WTPD), celebrated globally every 8th November.
This year’s celebration, themed “With Planning, Yes We Can!”, focuses on the vital role of urban planning in addressing physical, social, economic, environmental, and security challenges confronting societies worldwide.
Dr Emri said planning remains the foundation of sustainable development, stressing that it influences transportation, waste management, water supply, housing, communication, employment, and overall wellbeing.
“A well-planned city is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, economically efficient, and environmentally healthy,” he said.
He noted that Cross River State, like many other parts of the world, is experiencing the pressures of rapid urbanisation, which has led to rural depopulation, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased strain on city infrastructure.
Dr Emri warned that unplanned urban growth results in informal settlements, urban sprawl, pollution, decayed infrastructure, and rising crime rates. According to him, effective urban and regional planning provides the only sustainable framework for orderly growth and development.
Planning Beyond Zoning and Building Codes
The NITP chairman emphasised that town planning goes beyond mere enforcement of zoning regulations and building codes. He described it as a “creative, holistic process” that harmonises human needs with the environment and infrastructure.
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He added that planning supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities, urging greater involvement of professional town planners in government policy formulation and implementation.
Call to Action
Dr Emri called on Governor Bassey Otu to ensure the domestication of the Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88 of 1992, amended in 2004, LFN Cap 138), which provides the legal framework for effective physical development in the state.
He also urged the establishment of a robust Development Control Department under the supervision of a registered town planner, warning that:
“Development control managed by non-professionals is a disaster waiting patiently to happen.”
He said such reforms would align with Governor Otu’s “People First” mantra by ensuring that urban growth in the state is people-centred, sustainable, and well-structured.
The Way Forward
Dr Emri expressed optimism that the 2025 celebration would mark a turning point for the planning profession in Cross River State, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to promoting sound physical planning principles.
“As we celebrate World Town Planning Day 2025, we believe this Sweet Season will usher in a new era where physical planning occupies its rightful place in governance and development. With sound planning policies, Cross River State can truly say: ‘With Planning, Yes We Can!’” he said.
The World Town Planning Day, established in 1949 by Argentine academic Prof. Carlos Maria della Paolera, is celebrated annually in over 30 countries to highlight the importance of planning in shaping sustainable and liveable communities.
