TOPREC seeks stronger regulation, support for town planners

The Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) has called for enhanced regulatory backing and increased government support to advance sustainable urban development in Nigeria. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), TOPREC's President, Mr. Valentine Ezenwa, lamented that the lack of effective regulation has led to unqualified practitioners, haphazard development, and urban sprawl, all of which jeopardize safety, infrastructure, and the environment.

Ezenwa urged governments at all levels to show more commitment to the funding of regulatory activities. Currently, TOPREC does not receive any subvention from the federal government, and thus, it requires substantial financial support to carry out its regulatory responsibilities. Consequently, TOPREC is advocating for the government to increase its subvention and explore other ways to assist regulatory bodies like TOPREC.

The council is also planning to further digitize its operations and collaborate more closely with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to bolster town planning regulation in the nation. In regards to the development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwa expressed concern over allegations that the Abuja Master Plan might have been compromised.

He revealed that TOPREC, working alongside NITP, has established a committee to investigate issues raised in the master plan. The newly elected TOPREC administration plans to support this effort, aiming to uncover the obstacles hindering the implementation of the Abuja Master Plan and devise effective solutions to ensure that Abuja's growth aligns with top-tier planning practices.