The Nigeria Institute of Town Planning has called for political will by government at all levels to enhance urban planning and development in the country.
Mr Luca Achi, National President of the institute, made the call on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja.
NAN reports that World Town Planners Day is celebrated every November 8 annually to commemorate planners’ role and relevance, as well as the benefit of their activities to the public.
Achi emphasised on intensifying its sensitisation of the role of the planners in the country in order to have a well developed and inclusive cities.
“Our roles cannot be neglected, we are part and parcel of every decision one takes, including the formal and informal sectors among others.
He called on the government at all levels to listen to the advise of town planning and its principles for socio-economic development to thrive.
“We keep multiplying in numbers and the resources are dwindling and land does not increase, so pressure will continue on that same land.
“If you are not prudent on the way you use the land today, tomorrow you will not have space to work.
“For instance in Lagos state, it has reached a certain limit even to get a space to bury someone is difficult.
“What planners do is to offer a correct attitude that government must take and if it refuses to take advise it may lead to failure,” he said.
He, however, urged relevant stakeholders to make concerted efforts in adhering to the principles of town planning to improve the society and its dwellers.
The 2017 planners day has its theme as “Inclusive Cities and Communities”.