Stakeholders in Nigeria's town planning sector, including the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and the Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC), have called on professionals to adopt technology-driven approaches to address urban challenges in Nigerian cities. Citing research, they noted that states relying on manual systems experience delays in planning approvals, while those with digitized systems process approvals faster. They expressed optimism that a collective push for digital transformation would reposition Nigeria's urban planning services to tackle security challenges, boost government revenues, and promote sustainable infrastructure development.
Technology Tools for Modern Planning
According to the stakeholders, tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT can be used to prepare layouts, zoning and development plans, land use classifications, and smart city designs. They urged planners to upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in the evolving landscape.
Call for Digital Transformation
The President of NITP, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, led the call at the 27th Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP), organized by NITP and TOPREC. The program, titled “Application of Digital Technology for Enhanced Physical Planning Services in Nigeria,” was held in Kaduna, Ado-Ekiti, and Abakaliki. Chime argued that digital transformation is a global phenomenon and that Nigeria, along with the planning profession, must respond to these contemporary changes. He assured that the institute would intensify efforts to align Nigeria's urban planning practice with global standards by committing members to shift toward digital technology for improved services.
Inevitability of Digital Shift
TOPREC President Mohammed Ango declared that Nigeria's urban landscape is evolving at a staggering pace, and traditional methods of physical planning are no longer sufficient to manage the complexities of 21st-century urbanization. According to him, a shift to digital technology has become inevitable.
Training on Digital Tools
The Chairman of MCPDP, Dr. Osunsanmi Gbolabo, said the training was carefully designed to immerse participants in cutting-edge digital planning tools and practical frameworks for AI in spatial analysis, geo-design, and planning report presentation. “Let us carry forward from this training not just the knowledge we have gained, but also the resolve to apply it with discipline and purpose,” he said. “The digital skills we have acquired must find expression in the planning offices, consultancy firms, government agencies, and academic institutions where we work.”
Land Use Classification as Foundation
In his presentation on “Land Use Classification as the Foundational Digital Building Block for the Application of Digital Technology for Enhanced Physical Planning Services,” Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos, Muyiwa Agunbiade, stressed that digital technology will not work without a shared, unified, and standardized land use classification. He noted that land use classification is the foundation of digital technology. He explained that digital technology is not limited to GIS, but GIS is part of the tools used. “Land use classification must be machine-readable and digitally coded for it to be consistent. The lower the scale of planning, the higher the classification required for digital technology. Zoning and development guidelines need to be legislated for them to become legal and binding,” he added.
Challenges and Solutions
Urban planner Mr. Maitho Kaltho said Nigeria faces challenges such as the growth of informal settlements, flooding, and inadequate infrastructure, which make conventional planning slow and static. He said geo-design, which integrates GIS and AI and involves data injection, predictive modeling, and generative urban design, can help tackle these challenges.
Government Recognition
Earlier in Ebonyi, the Commissioner for Capital City Development, Sunday Inyima, thanked the leadership of the institute and the state chapter for recognizing the state government's achievements not only in physical planning and urban development but also in every area of the economy. He also highlighted the commissioning of the Abakaliki Structure and Master Plan after several failed attempts by previous administrations.
