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The Ondo State Government has pledged its commitment to domesticating and implementing urban and regional planning laws to meet the reality of modern-day town planning and urban development.
Mr. Sunday Olajide, State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, made the pledge on Friday, August 29, 2025, in Akure, the state capital, while hosting executive members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).
Olajide said the current administration had commenced the process of producing a modern and comprehensive master plan for Akure and other major towns.
According to him, this is with a view to ensure orderly physical development of the state.
“The ministry has commenced the process of digitalising approvals for development permits and other activities for greater efficiency and seamless interaction of business with the public.
“This will also fast track urban regeneration and renewal agenda of the administration of the present government.
“I want to assure you that my ministry will continue to collaborate with you in the areas of capacity building, monitoring and enforcement control.
“I want to assure you we will continue our collaboration on capacity building, monitoring and enforcement control, and prevention of encroachment on government setback and lands preserved for future developmental projects,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of NITP, Prof. Ayo Olajuyigbe, called on the state government to urgently provide funds for the production of a befitting master plan for Akure.
Olajuyigbe, represented by the first Vice Chairman of the institute, Akin Ogundipe, callled for the development of a holistic approach in monitoring and enforcement control.
According to him, this can be done by engaging town planning practitioners resident in towns and neighborhoods in the state.
“The state government should grant amnesty to house owners without building plan permit and allow them to regularise their documentation without paying penalties.
“This will increase internally revenue generation to the government,” he said.
Olajuyigbe assured continuous collaboration of the institute with the government in the areas of decentralisation of planning functions, preservation of government lands and public participation.
“This will enhance sustainable physical development and urbanisation of the state,” he said.
By Segun Giwa
