Out of the numerous professions in the building industry, Town Planning was the first to be established after Land Surveying was established in 1934 and Architecture in1960.


Town Planning as a profession was established in Nigeria in 1966 with the sole aim of city planning and orderliness. However, over the years the profession has been sidelined severally in the physical development of the nation.

Due to the minute number of Town Planners at the initial stage, their roles are more pronounced in the governmental agencies (especially the local government councils). But at this point, it is important to make it known that Town Planners are needed seriously in the building industry and built environment sector.

Backed by several laws of the country especially The Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88, 1992 and Decree 18, 1999 amendment) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency Law (Decree 58, 1989), you will need a Town Planner for the following;

1. [b]Site Selection;
Structures and physical development generally are not expected to be sited haphazardly, certain planning, social and economic factors are to be followed. Site selection is said to be highly needed in big cities and especially developed cities like Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt where there are functional master plans and active zoning principles. A Town Planner will help in selecting suitable area where you can locate your project with value for your investment and maximum economic returns.

2. [b]Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA);
As provided in relevant laws of the federation, certain developmental projects needs close assessment and analysis in terms of it effects on the environment during and after execution. These developmental projects are clearly started in Section 33 of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88, 1992) and other relevant edits in states of the federation. A Town Planner will systematically analyse your project in terms of it impact on the environment and come up with an Environmental Impact Analysis Report (EIAR) that will give confidence to you and the approving agency/authorities.

3. [b]Advocacy
Developers often spend huge amount of money in settling communal issues before, during and after the completion of their projects. In some areas in Nigeria where land grabbers (Omo Onile) triumphs, developers are left with no other option than to continually donate massively into the pockets of land grabbers. A Town Planner is needed to help harmonise your developmental dreams with the existing habitants of your project site to help execute your project with ease.

4. [b]Community Licensing/ Approval;
Aside creating a conducive atmosphere for the execution of your developmental project, a Town Planning Consultant will also help you to apply and secure necessary government approvals for your project and open your eyes to the benefits for having your projects approved before execution.

5. [b]Master Plan;
In creating new towns and cities in 21st century, availability of a blueprint for development is highly important so as to avoid unguarded development and create a livable entity. A Town Planner is equipped enough to prepare a master plan through which your new town, neighbourhood and estate will be well organized for a sustainable development.

You will also need a Town Planner to prepare and approve your Layout Designs, Site Analysis, Land Information System, Socio-Economic Studies among others

It's not late to abscond. You can even do that today, I mean now now.

2poundz:
I'm really impressed with all these observations. But frankly speaking, we have many quacks or CAD drafters whom ddnt go to school of Architecture @ol or have little/No experience. More so, i feel clients have a lot to contribute in this aspect too, because they always want anything CHEAP without considering the consequences, So they end up falling into wrong hands who are mere CAD DRAFTERS. Our building agencies don't do their homework as well, because there are ethics in the building industry too. I can't imagine them (building agencies) approving a design without proper check on all the necessary requirements.
My advice are these:
1. Clients should check for architects portfolio before assigning him to design.
2. Every site has its unique features, some clients are fund of buying designs from clients or quacks without knowing their site analysis. Instead of inviting an Architect to design.
3. Architects should get a brief from client, study it well to know if all will fit in the site.
4. Set backs should be provided, depending on the building agency requirements.
5. Building Agencies should check drawings before approval..........
...............

Good point there!
However, most of the building professionals in government agencies are ill-equipped. Many of whom only have shady knowledge about their individual professions.

There is no doubt, the construction industry is growing per day, equipping these government agencies with first-hand knowledge would have helped in correcting foul plays in the built environment professions.

Abeg, na who Osun offend sef?