By Edwin Phillip, Lafia 

Nasarawa State capital, Lafia, is set to receive a framework for the implementation of its master plan, nearly four decades after the state’s creation. The move is expected to drive modern, evidence-based and sustainable development in the city.

This was disclosed by the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Dr. Margaret Elayo, during a management meeting held on Wednesday at the ministry’s headquarters in Lafia.

According to Dr. Elayo, an actionable framework for the Lafia Master Plan Project will provide a structured blueprint for enhanced urban development in the state capital.

“Having a master plan for Lafia as the state capital is a matter of necessity; it will serve as a blueprint to showcase the people-oriented projects executed by Governor Abdullahi Sule,” she said.

The commissioner explained that the master plan would guide the ministry in tackling the indiscriminate construction of structures in flood-prone areas — a practice that has contributed to the devastating flooding experienced in Lafia in recent years.

She specifically directed the management, particularly the Department of Flood, to conduct a comprehensive flood forensics assessment. The exercise is aimed at producing detailed documentation of all flood-affected areas to support government budget planning and policy formulation on flood disasters.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barrister Yakubu Edde, directed all directors to prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations from their respective departments that will feed into the implementation of the Lafia Master Plan Project.

The meeting featured presentations and contributions from various directors in the ministry. Participants called on the Nasarawa State Government to establish emergency safety camps for victims of flooding and other social emergencies. There was also a strong appeal for a review of revenue harmonisation related to mining activities in the state.

The development is being closely watched as Lafia seeks to address long-standing urban planning challenges nearly 39 years after Nasarawa State was created.