Rivers State Government has announced plans to collaborate closely with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to advance sustainable development in the state. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, shared this commitment during a courtesy visit from the NITP Rivers State Chapter, emphasizing the critical role of town planners in creating an environmentally sustainable and economically viable urban landscape.
In his address, Commissioner Bipi highlighted the government’s dedication to leveraging professional expertise to enhance the state’s urban renewal efforts, a core objective under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. The governor’s vision includes not only revitalizing Port Harcourt’s “Garden City” status but also developing livable, well-planned communities across the state. Bipi expressed confidence that collaborating with the NITP would further support these goals.
He also responded positively to a recommendation from the NITP to strengthen the existing Rivers State Physical Planning and Development Law No. 6 of 2003, a step seen as necessary for accommodating recent innovations in global urban planning. Bipi pledged to advocate for the law’s review, assuring the delegation that he would bring their recommendations to the attention of the State Executive Council and seek legislative action.
Among the key requests presented by the NITP, Rt. Hon. Bipi noted, was the call for a reduction in levies on developers, including charges on Site Analysis Reports, Location Plans, and Environmental Impact Assessments. He acknowledged the need to make these regulatory processes more accessible to developers while ensuring compliance with sustainable practices.
Dr. Simeipiri Johnbull, Chairman of the NITP Rivers Chapter, commended Bipi on his appointment and assured the commissioner of the Institute’s full support. Dr. Johnbull urged the ministry to address issues such as slum proliferation, unmanaged urban sprawl, and the need for public participation in urban governance. He outlined additional recommendations, including decentralizing planning functions through local authorities, preserving agricultural land, and digitalizing approval processes to improve efficiency.
The Commissioner assured the NITP of his commitment to relay their concerns to Governor Fubara, reiterating that a collaborative approach would be pivotal to advancing sustainable urban development across Rivers State.
