The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has urged residents to seek professional advice before starting building projects.
This warning, aimed at preventing uncoordinated development and promoting sustainable growth, was issued during the NITP’s 2024 Annual General Meeting held in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The NITP Chairman, Adefala Sogbesan, emphasized the risks of proceeding with construction without consulting industry professionals, noting that such actions could undermine the state’s development plans and lead to environmental and structural issues.
He highlighted zoning challenges as an example, warning that building on land without proper consultation could result in costly mistakes.
“I want to advise residents to consult professionals before embarking on their building projects,” Sogbesan said. “In this part of the world, we tend to overlook professional consultation. For example, you may purchase land to build a school, but if the land is zoned for residential purposes, you could end up building in the wrong area simply because you didn’t consult experts.”
The AGM, themed “Cross-Sector Collaboration in the Production and Implementation of Development Plans: The Imperative of Synergy Among MDAs,” focused on fostering coordinated efforts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to advance sustainable development in Ogun State.
The state Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi, reiterated that all government MDAs are working in harmony to ensure development across the state, while the Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Tunji Odunlami, cautioned that disregarding established building procedures could hinder Ogun’s growth.
The NITP stressed that consulting professionals is crucial for ensuring projects align with the state’s development goals and comply with zoning regulations.
