Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has called for stronger collaboration with professional town planners to enhance sustainable urban development and effective land administration.
Sani made the call when members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) paid a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
Sani, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, said his administration had taken deliberate steps to improve transparency in land allocation, enforce development control regulations, and promote orderly urban expansion across the state.
According to him, the state government is also investing in infrastructure and urban renewal initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of its citizens.
“We have been making conscious efforts to strengthen urban planning and land administration systems through ongoing reforms.
“However, we recognise that government cannot do this alone. We need the expertise, guidance and partnership of professional bodies such as yours.
“Your role in ensuring adherence to standards, building capacity, and promoting innovation in planning practice is vital to achieving sustainable development outcomes,” he added.
The governor said that his administration was committed to both rural and urban development, adding that an ambitious development plan, driven by massive infrastructural projects, had taken centre stage.
He urged members of the institute to continue offering expert advisory and technical services, particularly on the impact of land use on social and economic development.
The governor recalled the long history of collaboration between Kaduna State and the institute, noting that the state had maintained development plans dating back to 1913, including master plans, spatial development frameworks and infrastructure blueprints.
Sani said: “This historical context indicates the institute’s deep-rooted commitment to ensuring our state’s growth in an orderly manner.”
He disclosed that Kaduna State had been selected by the World Bank Group as one of the pioneering states for the Nigerian Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme.
“In this vein, penultimate week, a team from the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development visited to review the state’s land administration and governance,” he said.
The governor told the delegation, led by Prof. Kingsley Ogboli, that the visit provided an opportunity to align priorities and explore practical pathways for collaboration.
“Kaduna State remains open and committed to working with your institution to build cities and communities that are not only well-planned, but also inclusive, safe and economically vibrant,” he added.
By Hussaina Yakubu