By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), United Kingdom, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening professional collaboration and addressing contemporary urban and regional planning challenges.

A statement by the National Public Relations Secretary of the NITP, Dr. Chiahemba Nor, the MoU was signed January 15, 2026 marking a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two professional bodies, both of which play critical roles in shaping planning practice within and beyond their jurisdictions.

Under the agreement, both institutions would engage in the exchange of ideas and expertise targeted at addressing the complex planning challenges confronting towns and cities, particularly in the face of rapid urbanisation, climate change and sustainability concerns.

The MoU also provides for mutual visits and participation in each other’s programmes, conferences and professional events, a move expected to enhance exposure, learning and cross-cultural understanding among members of both institutes.

Another key aspect of the agreement is the creation of awareness on pathways to professional membership in both institutions, enabling planners to better understand opportunities for career advancement and professional recognition across borders.

In addition, the MoU covers the sharing of information on continuing professional development (CPD) frameworks, standards and best practices, aimed at strengthening professional competence and maintaining high ethical and technical standards in planning practice.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Tpl Helen Fadipe, MBE, underscored the value of international cooperation in tackling global development challenges.

“International collaboration and partnership remain a powerful and positive force for advancing sustainable development globally,” Fadipe said, noting that shared learning and collective action are essential in responding to complex urban challenges.

On his part, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl Dr Ogbonna Chime, expressed appreciation to the RTPI for the partnership, describing the MoU as timely and strategic for the profession in Nigeria.

Dr Chime noted that Nigerian young planners stand to benefit significantly from the agreement, saying, “This collaboration will expose our young planners to global best practices, enrich their knowledge base and help raise professional standards through the exchange of ideas, practice and experience.”

He added that the MoU builds on an already strong relationship between both institutions and represents a renewed commitment to fostering excellence, innovation and sustainability in planning practice across borders.

Both NITP and RTPI share a long history of interaction through their membership of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), a platform that has facilitated collaboration, dialogue and knowledge exchange among planners across the Commonwealth.

Through CAP, members of the two institutes have over the years engaged in various aspects of planning practice, research and policy discussions, particularly in the area of knowledge sharing and capacity building.