A young urban planner based in Abuja, Ezekiel Ufuoma Lucky, has frowned at the conduct of the 56th International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) that held in the federal capital city from October 27 to 30, 2025.
In an open letter titled “A Cry for Order: A Young Planner’s Displeasure with the Ongoing 2025 NITP Conference” and addressed to the National Executive Council of the NITP, Lucky picked holes in issues related to conference registration and organisation, venue and facilities, registration fees and value, and youth inclusion, among others.
Lucky, who stated that the letter is written in sincerity with no intention to undermine the institute’s efforts, described as “truly embarrassing” a situation whereby “an organisation advocating for smart cities and digital futures should rely on manual registration in 2025”.
“In an era marked by digital transformation, it is remarkable that manual registration still prevails. Long queues, confused participants, and paper sign-ins create a scene that clashes with the professional image of organisers. One might expect at least a digital front desk system where attendees can check in efficiently using laptops or QR codes. Instead, we observe disorganisation, delays, and confusion, all of which are avoidable through basic digital planning,” he noted.
The town planner further described the venue as “equally disappointing due to its inadequacy”.
His words: “The main hall was severely too small for the number of attendees, with over 40% of participants forced to stand or sit outside, unable to follow the proceedings properly. For an event of this scale, such poor spatial planning undermines the core principles of our profession.
“The condition of the facilities was also quite disappointing. The amenities were in a dreadful state, with only one of four loos working, and even that was unhygienic. It is hard to reconcile this with a professional gathering supposedly focused on sustainable and inclusive environments.”
He flayed the increase in registration fees, saying that standard fee doubled from ₦50,000 last year to ₦100,000 this year for individual members, and student members’ fees rose from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000. Despite the higher costs, he lamented that the quality of organisation, materials, and overall experience for participants declined.
“Students, especially, felt disappointed. Their conference pack consisted only of a plain file bag and a journal, with no conference material, a disrespect to their enthusiasm and investment. It is unacceptable to suggest that most of their payment was used for ‘feeding’. Students attend conferences mainly to learn, network, and seek exposure, not just to eat.
“If the institute no longer wishes to engage student members meaningfully, it is better to suspend such membership categories than to invite them only to belittle their contribution and participation,” Lucky advised.
Decrying a perceived absence of youth inclusion, he wrote: “Maybe the most upsetting aspect of this conference is how young planners are completely shut out from panel sessions and key discussions.
“How can a professional organisation that frequently promotes ‘future sustainability’ and ‘participatory planning’ ignore the very group that represents the future?
“It’s frustrating to attend sessions on ‘digital futures’ and ‘smart planning’ where no young planner or young person has been invited to share insights or ideas. The same familiar faces keep rotating through these events each year without any genuine change, and this is said without any disrespect.
“The young planners are not asking for special privileges; inclusion is the straightforward way forward. They deserve the chance to have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the future that will soon be ours to shoulder. If we are not involved in discussions about the future of planning now, then when will we be considered ready?”
Making a call for change, Lucky urged the NITP National Executive Council and Conference Planning Committee to henceforth:
- Engage young planners in panel discussions and planning sessions. Let them contribute ideas and experiences.
- Collaborate with the Young Planners Forum to co-design future conferences, especially on logistics, technology, and participant engagement.
- Digitise registration and attendance systems, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
- Improve venue standards and facilities, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all.
- Eliminate segregation between professional and student members. If fees are collected, benefits should be proportionate and fair.
- Establish clear communication and direction systems during conferences, from signposts to information desks, to avoid confusion and crowding.
- Promote transparency in the use of conference funds, allowing members to know what their payments cover.