The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on town planners in Nigeria to uphold competence, ethics, and innovation as guiding principles of their profession.
Speaking at the 30th Induction Ceremony of newly admitted members of the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) in Abuja, Wike emphasised that urban and regional planning is more than just technical drawings and paper designs.
Represented by Mercy Shammah, Wike stressed the critical role planners play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s cities, communities, and built environment.
“Planning is not just about drawing lines on paper. It is about understanding our communities, anticipating growth, protecting the environment, and fostering empathy,” he said.
The minister described the induction as a reaffirmation of the importance of professional regulations, ethical standards, and visionary leadership in the development of sustainable urban centres.
Wike noted that the FCTA remains committed to working closely with professionals across related fields, including architects, engineers, and surveyors, to ensure policy-making is inclusive and technically sound.
He congratulated the newly inducted planners, charging them to be bold, ethical, and forward-thinking.
“You are now custodians of this special order. Be innovative in your solutions and responsible in your conduct,” he urged.
In his keynote address, Tpl. Dr Christian Okafor, Senior Technical Advisor with UN-Habitat, warned that failure to engage in proper land use planning could result in the loss of millions in public and private investments.
Okafor stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors such as health, transport, and housing in achieving sustainable urban development.
He also warned against individualistic approaches to planning, calling instead for inclusive and climate-resilient strategies.
“If we don’t plan together, we risk creating cities that exclude the vulnerable and fail to adapt to climate change,” he said.
National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Dr Chime Ogbonna, encouraged the new inductees to maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity in both public and private roles.
He expressed optimism about the impact the newly licensed professionals would make across Nigeria’s urban landscape.
“May your careers be filled with rewarding experiences, impactful projects, and a deep sense of purpose,” Ogbonna said.
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