The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has criticised the failure of most state governments to adopt and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law, describing the situation as a major obstacle to achieving sustainable and well-coordinated urban development in Nigeria.
Speaking at the National Colloquium on the Implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law held in Abuja, Dangiwa expressed concern that, despite being enacted over three decades ago, only two states have domesticated the landmark legislation.
“It is regrettable that more than 30 years after the promulgation of this progressive law, only two states, including my home state of Katsina, have adopted and operationalised it.
This has contributed to the uncoordinated growth of our cities, the proliferation of informal settlements, and widening gaps between planning ideals and urban realities,” the minister stated.
Lack of Implementation Undermining Sustainable Growth
The Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88 of 1992, Cap. 138 LFN 2004) was enacted to replace the outdated 1946 Town and Country Planning Law, providing a comprehensive legal framework for physical development and land use planning across Nigeria.
However, Dangiwa lamented that weak institutional capacity, inadequate manpower, and poor intergovernmental coordination have hindered the implementation of the law in most states.
He noted that the absence of proper planning has led to disorganised settlements, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and the loss of economic potential in major cities.
“The realities of rapid urbanisation, climate change, and technological advancement have outpaced the provisions of the law.
Therefore, reviewing and updating it to align with current realities and global best practices is not just necessary—it is urgent,” Dangiwa said.
Renewed Hope Agenda to Drive Nationwide Adoption
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dangiwa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the full adoption, domestication, and implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law across all states.
He revealed that the ministry has concluded the review of the National Urban Development Policy, which has already received Federal Executive Council approval, and is finalising the National Physical Planning Standards and National Policy on Rural Settlements Planning and Development.
According to the minister, these reforms are aimed at promoting balanced regional development, reducing urban migration pressures, and creating a framework for inclusive and resilient communities.
“Urban and regional planning is not a theoretical exercise; it is the backbone of sustainable growth, efficient infrastructure, and social well-being.
Through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, we are showing that effective planning leads to better, more liveable, and inclusive communities,” he added.
Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of the Planning Framework
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr Ogbonna Chime, urged all tiers of government to take immediate steps toward enforcing the Urban and Regional Planning Law.
He noted that the original Decree 88 of 1992, later referred to as CAP. 138 LFN 2004, was intended to replace the colonial-era 1946 Town and Country Planning Law and establish a modern planning framework that supports economic growth, efficient land use, and environmental sustainability.
“The amendment to the law was made in 1999, but more than two decades later, its implementation remains largely ignored.
The consequences of this neglect are evident in poor infrastructure coordination, inefficient resource management, and unplanned urban expansion,” Chime said.
He stressed that consistent application of the Urban and Regional Planning Law would enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and improve the quality of life in urban and rural areas alike.
Aligning Planning with Economic Transformation
Experts at the colloquium agreed that Nigeria’s failure to operationalise the Urban and Regional Planning Law has significantly hampered economic development.
They argued that spatial planning is not only about city aesthetics but also about economic efficiency and social stability.
With over half of Nigeria’s population now living in urban centres, the absence of effective planning has strained public infrastructure and exacerbated housing shortages.
The experts emphasised that adopting and updating the law could support better integration of housing, transport, energy, and environmental policies.
Towards a Modern Planning Framework
The Minister further disclosed that the government is working closely with professional bodies and development partners to modernise the planning framework, making it compatible with digital mapping technologies, climate resilience strategies, and inclusive urban policies.
“We envision a planning system that ensures our cities are functional, liveable, and future-ready,” Dangiwa noted.
“This administration is determined to correct the planning deficiencies of the past and lay a solid foundation for sustainable urban growth.”
Call for Collaboration Among States
Dangiwa appealed to governors and state assemblies to domesticate and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law without delay, emphasising that coordinated planning is a shared responsibility that will benefit all Nigerians.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will continue to provide technical support, policy guidance, and capacity-building programmes for state institutions to strengthen planning enforcement.
The colloquium concluded with a resolution for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to adopt a harmonised planning framework that aligns with the 1992 Act, ensuring Nigeria’s cities evolve into well-structured, inclusive, and economically vibrant spaces.
About The Author
