The Ondo State Government has restated its commitment to adopting effective urban planning strategies to drive development across all sectors.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sunday Olajide, made this known on Monday in Akure during activities marking the 2025 World Town Planning Day.
Olajide said the state remained focused on building a sustainable, organised and livable environment, adding that collaboration among professionals and residents was key to improving quality of life. “Effective planning is crucial to overcoming challenges such as congestion, inadequate infrastructure and environmental degradation,” he said.
He disclosed that the state is working with UN-Habitat and the Royal Town Planning Institute in London on capacity-building initiatives expected to support projects on urban renewal, transportation, waste management and environmental protection.
Olajide also noted that the government was finalising a comprehensive planning law to strengthen regulatory frameworks and address emerging urban challenges.
In his keynote address, the Director of Master Planning, Abimbola Tofowomo, underscored the need for inclusive and forward-looking planning to address Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation. He said the absence of functional master plans in many cities contributes to flooding, deterioration of the environment, uncontrolled expansion and traffic congestion.
Tofowomo warned that nearly 70% of the global population would live in cities by 2050, stressing that the future of such settlements depends on deliberate planning. He advocated the adoption of modern tools such as Geographic Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence, alongside stronger community involvement.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Gbolabo Osunsanmi, urged professionals to uphold integrity, discipline and innovation. He said proper planning should always serve the public interest and called for the speedy passage of the Omnibus Planning Law and enforcement of master and zoning plans statewide.
Osunsanmi said increased investment in planning would promote prosperity and help build an organised Ondo State for future generations.