UN expert seeks overhaul of Nigeria’s urban planning to protect IDPs

Dr. Okafor Christian, Senior Technical Advisor at UN-Habitat, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s failure to integrate vulnerable populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), into sustainable urban development strategies. Speaking at the induction of 297 new town planners by the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) in Abuja, Christian criticised existing planning practices for excluding […]

Dr. Okafor Christian, Senior Technical Advisor at UN-Habitat, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s failure to integrate vulnerable populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), into sustainable urban development strategies.

Speaking at the induction of 297 new town planners by the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) in Abuja, Christian criticised existing planning practices for excluding the most affected populations and thereby deepening their vulnerability.

“Where are the planners when cities face migration, displacement, and flooding? IDPs are not just statistics-they’re people we must plan with, not for,” he said.

He lamented that many displaced persons are relocated as far as 30 kilometres from city centres, isolating them from infrastructure, security, and economic opportunities.

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“This creates secondary vulnerability. We’re removing them from one hardship and pushing them into another,” he added.

Christian accused planning and political authorities of prioritising commercial housing developments over inclusive urban solutions, leaving IDPs reliant on international NGOs and UN agencies. 

While commending some state governments-particularly Adamawa and Yobe-for progressive integration efforts, he called for greater interdisciplinary collaboration and multilevel urban planning.

Also speaking at the event, the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Chime Ogbonna, urged the new inductees to uphold professionalism in their practice.

He congratulated them and encouraged a legacy of positive impact.

“May your careers be filled with impactful projects and a deep sense of satisfaction as you contribute to the development of our communities, cities, and nation,” he said.