Helen Fadipe MBE, FRTPI, FRSA reflects on presenting the Lead Paper at the 56th Nigerian Institute of Town Planners International Conference and the shared commitment to advancing effective planning and urban governance.

International collaboration in action

As part of the Royal Town Planning Institute’s ongoing international engagement, I was delighted to represent the RTPI at the 56th Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) International Conference, held in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, under the theme “Refocusing Planning Administration towards Sustainable Urban Governance and Development.”

The conference was declared open by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and attended by over 1,500 delegates, including policymakers, academics, dignitaries, and representatives of planning and built environment institutes from across Africa and beyond. The event underscored the growing international collaboration within the profession and our shared responsibility to shape more sustainable and inclusive cities.

Presenting the lead paper

At the conference, I had the honour of presenting the first lead paper, titled 'Developing Policy Scenarios and Strategies for Remodelling Planning Administration and Urban Governance in Developing Countries: Towards Sustainable Urban Development.' The paper examined how planning systems in rapidly urbanising contexts can evolve to become more adaptive, accountable, and resilient. It was warmly received, and many of its recommendations were reflected in the conference communiqué.

The second lead paper, presented by Steve Onu FNITP, focused on a detailed case study of one of Nigeria’s states, offering valuable insights into how reforms can be implemented at sub-national level.

Four parallel sessions followed, exploring key aspects of planning reform:

• Structure and processes of planning administration and urban governance
• Local governments and citizen engagement in planning administration and urban governance
• Private housing estate development and the development control process in Nigeria
• Innovative strategies and technologies for land use analysis and urban management

The discussions were dynamic and solution-focused, reflecting a profession ready to tackle the complex governance and implementation challenges facing Nigeria’s planning system.

Planning in Nigeria: Persistent challenges

The debates throughout the conference echoed many of the issues outlined in my paper. Nigeria’s planning system continues to face challenges such as weak institutional coordination, limited technical capacity, and fragmented implementation of planning laws.

Fiscal dependence on higher tiers of government often constrains local authorities’ ability to plan and deliver effectively. Overlapping mandates, resource constraints, and limited use of data further exacerbate these weaknesses. Despite these constraints, there was strong optimism about the potential for reform through professionalisation, better fiscal frameworks, and stronger collaboration between federal, state, and local governments.

Conference highlights

Beyond the technical sessions, the NITP conference also celebrated the cultural richness and energy of the profession. The Cultural Night showcased the traditions of Nigeria’s diverse regions, while the Association of Women Town Planners of Nigeria (AWTPN) demonstrated strong leadership and advocacy within the sector.

The City Walk was a particular highlight, an early morning walk from the conference venue to and within Abuja’s Army Parade Ground, attended by around 500 planners, complete with an instructor-led aerobics session that brought participants together in a lively display of unity and wellbeing.

The Awards and Gala Nights recognised professional excellence and dedication, while excursions to Jabi Lake and the Botanical Gardens revealed another side of Abuja’s natural and designed beauty.

Breakfast meeting with RTPI members

While in Abuja, I also hosted a breakfast meeting with RTPI members and those interested in joining the Institute. The session provided an informal opportunity to connect with members, discuss the RTPI’s work, and hear first-hand about their professional experiences.

The meeting included a lively Q&A session, where participants raised questions such as how members based outside the UK can volunteer and contribute to the RTPI’s activities. I was pleased to outline the various member benefits, including access to professional networks, continuous professional development opportunities, and international collaboration initiatives.

I also took the opportunity to share updates on recent developments at the RTPI, including the new corporate strategy, the refreshed Institute logo, and the RTPI’s continuing commitment to supporting members globally.

Looking ahead

I extend my sincere appreciation to the President of the NITP, the Executive Committee, and the Council for the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of planning in a nation with one of the fastest-growing populations in the world and one of the largest in Africa.

The conference reaffirmed that international collaboration and shared learning are essential to tackling common planning challenges from governance reform and resilience to inclusivity and innovation in practice.

As planners, we must continue to turn policy into action, strengthen our institutions, and ensure that planning remains a force for sustainable and equitable urban futures.

About the author

Helen Fadipe MBE FRTPI FRSA MNITP RTP is the President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Managing Director of FPP Associates, a UK-based planning consultancy. With over 35 years’ experience in planning, development, and governance, she promotes inclusive and sustainable development, and effective planning systems.