The Lagos State Government has called on the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to strengthen its collaboration with the State in promoting timely professional development and enhancing the capacity of Town Planning Officers in the public service.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide made this call recently in Alausa during a courtesy visit to the Ministry by the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl. Dr. Chima Ogbona.
Dr. Olumide emphasised the need to streamline the professional examination process for Town Planning Officers, noting that stronger collaboration with the Institute would help facilitate timely professional advancement and improve service delivery.
He stated that investment in human capital development was essential to broadening employees’ professional exposure, improving their competence, and accelerating the development of Lagos State. He added that the demands of 21st-century Lagos required Town Planning Officers to be proficient in the use of modern planning tools and techniques.
“For us to remain relevant, we must be ready for change, and this is best achieved through adequate capacity building. We must challenge ourselves to approach familiar tasks in different ways that will deliver the desired results,” the Commissioner said.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Tpl. Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu described the visit as timely, particularly as
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu had approved the recruitment of 96 Town Planners into the Lagos State public service.
He urged the Institute to review and strengthen its professional examination processes to ensure that qualified candidates, including holders of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), are not unnecessarily excluded from recruitment opportunities in the state
“Look at the number - the more, the merrier. How do you intend to reproduce yourself?” he remarked, underscoring the need to expand the pool of qualified professionals available to support the State’s physical planning and urban development objectives.
In his response, the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl. (Dr.) Chima Ogbona acknowledged the Lagos State Government’s efforts towards ensuring the sustainability of the built environment, particularly the approval for the recruitment of 96 Town Planners.
He assured the State Government of the Institute’s continued support in the implementation of development plans and other initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable physical planning and urban development.
The NITP President was accompanied by a former Permanent Secretary, Tpl. Ayo Adediran; serving and retired Directors from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development; and other executive members of the Institute.
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