Urban crisis looms! Wahab urges Town Planners to enforce environmental laws

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has called on town planners across the state to embed environmental laws at every stage of urban development to tackle the challenges of rapid urbanization and ecological degradation.

Wahab made this appeal on Thursday at the investiture of the 19th Chairman and inauguration of the Executive Committee of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Ikeja.

Highlighting the critical role of town planners in sustainable city development, he urged professionals in the field to leverage technology, digital tools, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance decision-making and optimize resource management.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of collaboration, calling for stronger partnerships between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local communities to align urban development objectives with environmental sustainability.

He described the event’s theme, “The Intersection of Environmental Laws and Physical Planning: Addressing Urban and Ecological Challenges,” as highly relevant, stressing that environmental laws provide the framework for sustainable urban growth, while physical planning translates these policies into actionable solutions.

Wahab noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a coastal megacity, faces unique environmental challenges, including flooding, waste management issues, deforestation, and the expansion of informal settlements. These problems, he said, are exacerbated by climate change and socio-economic pressures.

“The complexity of these challenges demands a coordinated response that integrates sound urban planning with strict environmental governance,” he stated.

He further stressed that in a rapidly growing city like Lagos, where population pressure is straining infrastructure, housing, and natural resources, integrating environmental laws into planning processes is not optional but essential.

Wahab underscored the role of town planners in ensuring sustainable urban development, stating that their expertise in spatial planning, land use management, and urban design must align with environmental principles.

“The Lagos State government is committed to supporting these efforts. Initiatives such as waste-to-energy projects and afforestation programmes demonstrate how we are integrating environmental considerations into urban planning,” he said.

He urged town planners to uphold high professional standards, embrace innovation, and ensure compliance with environmental laws to promote sustainable urban growth.

Acknowledging the enormity of the state’s environmental challenges, Wahab expressed confidence that through collective efforts, Lagos can be transformed into a city of opportunity, resilience, and sustainability. He reiterated the government’s commitment to capacity building, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the skills required to address evolving urban and environmental demands.

“The environment is not just a sector; it is the foundation upon which all sectors thrive. Let us work together to build a Lagos that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the newly inaugurated chairman of the Lagos NITP chapter, Tpl. Oladel Akindele, assured that the association would work closely with the government to create a resilient and functional city.

He pledged that town planning practitioners across the state would adhere to the association’s code of ethics, ensuring the development of a livable and well-planned urban environment.