Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has called for proactive physical planning to address flooding, slums and other challenges arising from rapid urbanization and industrial growth.
She made the call on Thursday at the 40th anniversary of the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta.
Salako-Oyedele said the influx of residents from neighbouring Lagos State, alongside industrial expansion and infrastructure projects, had increased pressure on roads, drainage systems, sanitation and other public facilities.
She urged planning authorities to identify emerging growth areas, reserve land for public infrastructure and ensure that new estates are integrated into existing communities.
The deputy governor highlighted the state’s planning reforms, including the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning Development Law of 2022, the 2025 Planning and Development Regulations and the Ogun State Building Code of 2025. She stressed that effective implementation, transparent procedures and timely approval of applications were essential to achieving orderly development.
She also encouraged town planners to adopt technologies such as geographic information systems, satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to improve planning and monitor development.
Earlier, guest lecturer Professor Timothy Nubi of the University of Lagos said delays in prioritising physical planning had contributed to Ogun’s urban development challenges. He urged the government to strengthen planning institutions and intensify urban renewal efforts in fast-growing communities such as Mowe and Ibafo.
The anniversary was held under the theme, “Honouring the Past, Designing the Future.”
