By Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
In a bid to provide an organised and resilient future, Stakeholders in the Built Industry in Kogi State have called for immediate enforcement of the State Urban and Regional Law 2010.
This was the submission of various Speakers at the Annual General Meeting and Symposium of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Kogi State Chapter held in Lokoja.
Stakeholders in the Built Industry in Kogi State gathered in Lokoja, the State Capital for the Annual General Meeting of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Kogi State Chapter where new Executives to pilot the affairs of the body emerged.
Speakers upon Speakers used the occasion to advocate the development of a master plan for Lokoja, the State Capital and other Urban Areas in the State.
The Chairman of the Institute, Tpl. Stephen Nden urged the State Government to implement provisions of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Law 1992 as amended, domesticated in the State in 2010.
TPL. Nden stated that the law if enforced will empower Town Planners to effectively guide the physical growth of urban areas in the State.
“I also wish to use this platform to urge the Kogi State Government to implement the provisions of The Nigerian Urban and Regional Law (URP LAW 1992 as amended) which has been domesticated in Kogi State since 2010, yet inactive. This will empower Town Planners to effectively guide the physical growth of our urban areas.
“It must however be stressed that the task of achieving a planned and sustainable Kogi State is not a burden of Town Planners alone but demands the active participation of all allied professionals in the built environment.
He urged members of the Institute uphold professional ethics, discourage developers from bypassing standard channels.
“As an Institute, we must deliberately seek to foster a stronger relationship with the State Government, Local Government Councils, and our Academic Institutions for any meaningful outcome of our desires.
Also, a Resources Person, TPL Ramatu Baba expressed regret over the lack of implementation of the Urban and Regional Law, saying illegal mining is a result of lack of planning.
While expressing concern over the lack of adequate Town Planning manpower and other professionals, Tpl. Ramatu said the government must do everything within the ambit of the law to discourage building on water channels.
On his part, Chairman Planning Committee, Doctor Baba Adams Ndalai affirmed that without full implementation of planning laws and functional Urban and Regional Planning Board, cities in the State will continue to experience chaotic growth.
Doctor Ndalai urged the State Government to demonstrate necessary political will for the transformation of urban settlements in the State.
He stated that “Despite these challenges, the prospects for physical planning in Kogi State are immense. With the right political will and professional dedication, we can transform our settlements into orderly, resilient, and economically vibrant hubs.”
“The future of Kogi State lies in adopting smart city models, climate-resilient engineering, and inclusive spatial planning. By leveraging modern geographic information systems (GIS), we can improve land administration and boost internally generated revenue.
“Furthermore, we must strengthen partnerships between the NITP, state ministries, and our tertiary institutions. Together, we can train the next generation of planners and implement sustainable policies.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Isah Ochaja, a former President of the Institute, noted that members can achieve more if they come together in unity of purpose
The AGM and Symposium is entitled: “Urban and Regional Planning in Kogi: Trajectory, Legal Issues and Prospects”
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