The Nigeria Institute of Town Plannners, Kogi State Chapter has appealed to the government to gazette the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 expected to be domesticated in each State of the federation.
The Kogi State Chairman, NIGERIA INSTITUTE OF TOWN PLANNERS KOGI STATE CHAPTER, TPL. Dr. Adams Ndalai Baba, made the appeal at 2020 AGM held in Lokoja with the theme: Planning For Equity, Biodiversity and Inclusion.
TPL Dr. Adams said the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992 is expected to be domesticated in each state of the federation, lamented that it has suffered implementation setbacks in the State despite being passed into law by the State Legislative Assembly in 2010 and signed by the then Executive Governor.
The Chairman however expressed appreciation to the Government for the automation process going on in the State Town Planning and Development Board, said the efforts has made planning business easy and convenient, he however appealed that registered and private professionals should be made to benefit from the process.
On Plan preparation, TPL Dr. Adams
observed that urban centres in the state are experiencing rapid physical development in haphazard manner. ‘ called on government to intensify efforts towards preparation of urban master plans for settlements in the State.
The State Chairman Particularly advocated for Local plans that will take care of layouts for peripheral growth and urban renewal plans for inner cities, observed that this will guarantee orderly development and avoid slum mitigation.
The State Chairman called on the Government to relocate developers living on flood plains in the State, said this would help conserve the flood plains and to avoid seasonal flooding of built up areas which usually lead to concomitant demands for relief materials.
The State capital according to TPL Adams is in urgent need of accessibility, said Primary distributors, collectors and access roads is an integral part of a functional city, solicited government effort towards improving existing situation.
Lectures on Sustainable Cities and Communities: Focus on Protecting The Poor People in Vulnerable Situations By TPL Dr. Hassan Yerima as well Fostering Equity and Inclusiveness For Sustainablity of Town Planning Practice n Kogi State, by TPL J.O. Akin Ajagbe were presented at the AGM.
Similarly, merit awards were presented to TPL Isah Usman Ichaba and TPL David Igunumaiye