The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has warned the Kano State government to be cautious in its ongoing demolition project. In an effort to bring sanity to Kano’s physical development, the state government demolished what it called illegal property worth over N120 billion.
However, the NITP National President, Nathaniel Atebije, stated at a press conference in Abuja on Monday that while the demolition exercise appears to be beneficial, such actions should be carried out only after thorough research and consultation with the people.
He said;
Time it was when we planned for people, now we plan and execute the plan with the people, moreso because we are practicing democracy.
As at last count, it was revealed that properties worth N126 billion have gone down the drain in an ailing national economy. We call on the government to exercise some restraint in these actions and carry them out professionally, logically and with human face especially because of the impact of the actions on the economy; taking note that democracy is practiced through consensus and collaboration.
The town planners also urged state governors to limit the use of foreign consultants in physical planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), arguing that Nigerian consultants are now qualified to provide such services.
They also urged the federal government and the state government of Ondo to take immediate action to address the perennial threat of ocean surge and flooding in Aiyetoro and other vulnerable areas suffering from similar environmental distress.
Atebije urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to establish institutions to implement the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, which was enacted about 30 years ago.
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