Experts urge ‘responsible, sustainable’ land use in Nigeria, warn urban planning facing ‘serious’ ethical threats
Stakeholders in the housing sector have called for urgent action toward responsible land management and sustainable development across Nigeria.
They made the call during the unveiling of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation and the 70th birthday thanksgiving of Atebije, a former president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), held on Friday – yesterday, April 11 – in Abuja, the FCT.
Prof. Adamu Ahmed, guest lecturer and Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, reminded that God entrusted man with land management, as stated in the religious books, describing urban planning as an ethical endeavour currently facing serious threats.
Speaking on ‘The Ethics of Space and the Moral Imperative of Urban Planning,’ Ahmed identified such threats as unchecked expansion, deforestation, habitat loss, gentrification, and land grabbing under the guise of urban renewal and agricultural land conversion.
According to him, unregulated development and over-reliance on car-centred infrastructure contribute to carbon emissions, land degradation, and unsustainable living environments.
He, therefore, urged town planners to reclaim their ethical roles by applying land ethics in all planning decisions and strategies, explaining that this requires shifting from profit-driven, short-term planning to more inclusive, sustainable and environmentally-conscious urban development.
Praising Atebije’s contributions to urban planning while wishing him well on the occasion of his 70th birthday celebrations, Ahmed also called for climate-resilient cities, ethical governance, indigenous stewardship, and the prioritisation of ecological integrity in planning efforts.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Atebije, thanked God for life.
Emphasizing the importance of responsible land use and management, Atebije criticised unregulated development, which he said is driven by instinct rather than planning, and poses risks to present and future generations.
The former NITP boss explained that his foundation aims to correct irregularities in planning through sustained advocacy and awareness efforts, stressing: “People think instinctive development helps them, but it doesn’t. We must manage land wisely for present and future generations.”
He expressed concern over the non-enforcement of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, amended in 2004, urging policymakers and the public to take land issues seriously and support professional planning education and enforcement.
Mr. Akintoye Adeoye, president, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), said Atebije’s contributions have greatly benefited the real estate and town planning ecosystem in Nigeria, explaining that as real estate shapes lives and economies, advocacy is vital to achieving a fair, sustainable, and well-regulated housing sector.
“At REDAN, we believe collaboration and innovation are key. The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation will help shape reforms and inform policy,” Adeoye said.
Dr. Ogbonna Chima, NITP President, commended Atebije for extending his mentorship through the foundation to promote sustainable development, noting that the foundation would inspire future planners and policymakers, acting as a beacon for sustainable and structured growth.
In his own remarks, Dr. John Abu, chairman of the occasion, stressed the need to involve town planners to avoid urban chaos and future disasters.
“We hope the foundation gains the support of leaders and highlights the importance of structured regional and urban planning,” he said.
Mr. Festus Adebayo, Planning Committee Chair, said stakeholders were honouring Atebije for his outstanding contributions to town planning in Nigeria, encouraging other Nigerians to emulate Atebije and actively support national development for the betterment of the country.
