ATOPCON tasks FG on economic growth through physical planning

The Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) has urged the federal and state governments to consider physical planning as a veritable tool for effective economic growth and development.

Speaking at the association’s annual general meeting in Lagos, Toyin Ayinde, ATOPCON president, said, “As it’s evident in many parts of the world, countries with robust physical planning programmes have grown faster economically and socially,” noting that the most relevant of such experiences is that of Singapore.

According to him, any development planning without a high content of physical planning will lead to retrogression rather than progress, adding that these would signpost Nigeria’s readiness as a nation to develop rapidly.

“There is no doubt ATOPCON has contributed to the growth of town planning profession in Nigeria through trainings, workshops and seminars organised for town planners and allied professionals,” he said, recalling that the flagship of these programmes is the annual professional development workshop.

“As an association determined to play an active part in the emergence of functional, healthy and safe human settlements in all parts of the country,” he further said, “we have also deemed it fit to network and build bridges with other familiar associations and government at all levels. This has informed the strengthening of our relationship with other associations such as the National Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and the Town Planners Registration Council (TOPREC).”

This, according to him, is a triangular relationship that will impact positively on the built environment.

He, however, noted that the association’s major challenge has been the apathy expressed by key players such as policymakers and investors in the economy towards physical planning.

Femi Olomola, first vice president of NITP, in his remarks, urged the association to play a significant role in instituting a policy that will encourage appropriate remuneration for town planners for their services.

Obileye is a UK-trained lawyer and CEO, Great Heights Property and Facilities Management Limited