The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has urged the government to prioritize physical planning to boost food production, reduce hunger, and mitigate social challenges. NITP President Nathaniel Atebije made this call during a press conference themed “From Protest to Projects,” emphasizing the importance of structured and sustainable management of land use, infrastructure, and resources to foster Nigeria’s development.
Atebije highlighted that inadequate rural infrastructure remains a significant obstacle to food production and security. He stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond protests and focus on initiating meaningful projects to address socioeconomic challenges. “Engaging physical planners to devise appropriate development plans for both urban and rural regions will enhance infrastructure development, create efficient transportation networks, lower the cost of goods and services, and facilitate trade and the movement of people,” Atebije stated.
He further explained that good governance plays a crucial role in providing essential utilities and services that are vital for economic activities and improving the quality of life. Effective physical planning would enable sustainable land use zoning, ensuring land is used efficiently and appropriately to prevent conflicts and promote orderly development. Atebije reiterated that, if developed by qualified town planners and implemented effectively, physical planning could significantly transform Nigeria.
Atebije also underscored the need for better roads to help farmers transport their produce to markets more efficiently. He called for financial support, access to credit, and training for smallholder farmers to enhance food production. Additionally, he stressed the importance of strengthening agricultural value chains by ensuring farmers have access to markets, fair prices, and transparent trade practices.
“By implementing these strategies, Nigeria can effectively tackle the challenges of hunger, energy, and transportation, paving the way for sustainable development and improved quality of life for its citizens,” he added.
Furthermore, Atebije advised the government to adopt cross-cutting solutions such as investing in education and training programs to build capacity in the agriculture, energy, and transportation sectors. He also recommended addressing the energy crisis by diversifying energy sources, upgrading the power grid, and implementing policy reforms to encourage investment in the energy sector.
