EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Government Must Empower Rural Planning Authorities – Atebije

Merge experience with innovation

Key Points:

1. Planning is essential for development
2. Local governments must be empowered
3. Foundation promotes planning awareness
4. Mentorship for young planners is vital

By Daniel Adeji, Abuja

In this exclusive interview with The Insight, Nathaniel Atebije — immediate past president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and founder of the newly inaugurated Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy — speaks on the critical role of local government planning, the mission behind his foundation, and his message to young professionals in the field.

Nathaniel Atebije. Credit: Housing Tv

Recently, the Atebije Foundation was launched. Some of us attended the event, but we didn’t fully grasp the mission behind it. What inspired the creation of this foundation?

The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy was inaugurated on April 11th, which coincidentally was my 70th birthday. It was a moment of deep gratitude to God for His mercy and for keeping me alive through these 70 years, filled with experiences and lessons.

Over time, I’ve come to understand that nothing meaningful happens without planning. The reason many people seem to wander through life is because they haven’t taken the time to plan — whether it’s personal life planning or planning for our physical environment, which is my area of focus. If the environment isn’t properly planned, nothing works. Poor land use leads to poor economic outcomes, social disorder, and even anarchy.

Nothing meaningful happens without planning. If the environment isn’t properly planned, nothing works

That’s why it’s crucial to understand: we either plan or perish. Planning is the antidote to underdevelopment. The foundation was established to advocate, educate, and sensitize people — individuals, communities, and governments — on the importance of planning. It aims to promote awareness so that land and environments are developed thoughtfully and yield their full benefits.

During our earlier conversation, you mentioned the importance of empowering local governments in planning. Could you elaborate, especially in light of recent efforts to grant them financial autonomy?

Real land-use planning happens at the local government level

Absolutely. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognizes three tiers of government: federal, state, and local. While the six geopolitical zones exist, they are more political constructs and not formally administrative. Real land-use planning happens at the local government level — the grassroots.

We have the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, which starts at the federal level, but states are expected to domesticate it, including establishing planning authorities at the local level. According to the law, the chairman of a local government or their appointee chairs the local planning authority board. This tells you how central local governments are to the planning process.

Three tiers of government.

With the federal government now giving financial autonomy to local governments, this momentum should be sustained. The federal government should not stop at policy; it must ensure full implementation so that local authorities can actively participate in developing and executing local and master plans within their jurisdictions.

Only by enabling our local governments to drive planning can our towns grow sustainably, generate wealth, and help Nigeria develop meaningfully. While “catching up” with developed nations may seem like a myth — because no one is waiting for us — we can at least close the gap and improve our standing.

Elsewhere, planning starts at the local level. Nigeria must do the same.

As someone who has reached the ‘seventh floor’ in life and career, what message do you have for young town planners looking up to you and trying to build on your legacy?

When I served as the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, my guiding mantra was Brighter Future. I’ve always believed in mentoring the next generation — helping them gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage our cities effectively.

Readers are leaders. You can’t know unless you search

At my practice, we regularly engage young interns — both undergraduates and graduates — for training, sometimes up to one or two years. To the younger generation, my message is this: readers are leaders. You can’t know unless you search. Look for the best global practices and adapt them to our local realities.

Don’t let the pursuit of money come first. Even the Bible says the works of God’s hands glorify Him. When you have good skills and produce good work, people will seek you out — and the wealth will follow. Focus on excellence first.

Also, be willing to learn from older professionals. While we may have the old skills, you have the new ones — especially in digital tools. It’s through the blend of old and new that we can find balanced, effective solutions. You need our experience, and we need your tech-saviness.

So, be patient. Be curious. Be passionate. With those qualities, the sky won’t be your limit — it’ll be your starting point.

Read Also: ITMB Wins DBN Award for Promoting Inclusive Mortgage Financing