By Uko Etim

UYO—The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, has appealed to traditional institutions in Enugu State to help push for the domestication of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, as part of efforts to ensure orderly urban development.

The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by NITP’s national leadership to His Royal Highness Igwe Lawrence Asadu, the Ogadagidi 1 of Edem Ani Kingdom and Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, at his palace in Nsukka.

A statement issued by the Assistant National Secretary of NITP, Mr Ufot Akpabio on Tuesday in Uyo, said the visit formed part of activities lined up for the Institute’s 60th Anniversary Celebration and 2026 International Conference scheduled for Lagos between 26th and 30th October.

According to the Secretary, the National President of NITP, Dr. Chime Ogbonna, told the monarch that many states, including Enugu, are yet to domesticate the 1992 Urban and Regional Planning Law.

The President said the non-domestication has slowed sustainable physical planning, environmental management, and orderly growth of towns and cities.

He urged Igwe Asadu to use his influence to mobilise support for its adoption in Enugu and beyond.

“We hold the Royal Father in very high esteem and appreciate his continued support for NITP development initiatives. We call on Ogadagidi 1 to assist the Institute in the domestication of the planning law both in Enugu State and beyond,” he said.

Ogbonna described the monarch as “worthy of celebration by Enugu State and Nigeria at large” for his dedication to preserving traditional values.

In his response, Igwe Asadu thanked the delegation and pledged the support of traditional rulers for NITP’s goals. He noted that he had personally benefited from town planning principles and would back efforts to institutionalise it.

The monarch commended NITP for its professional contributions toward building functional cities and communities across Nigeria. He assured the Institute of continued cooperation from traditional institutions in advancing sustainable development.

He also revealed that his elder brother, Emmanuel Chike Asadu, is a Fellow of NITP, and promised to attend the 60th anniversary conference in Lagos.

The visit featured the pronouncement of HRH Igwe Asadu as an “Ambassador of the Town Planning Institute” in recognition of his leadership and advocacy for peace and good governance.