NITP seeks recovery of revoked land, protection of Town Planners’ statutory roles in Niger
NITP seeks recovery of revoked land, protection of Town Planners’ statutory roles in Niger
By Abubakar Akote Yabagi
The Niger Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on its newly elected executive to intensify efforts to recover the association’s land reportedly revoked by the state government and reallocated to a private individual for the expansion of a privately owned school.
The outgoing State Chairman of the institute, Alhaji Nagidi Musa-Bala, made the call in Minna on Thursday during the election of new officials of the chapter.
He urged the incoming executive to pursue the recovery of the land and safeguard the statutory responsibilities of professional town planners in the state.
Musa-Bala highlighted the key challenges confronting the institute, stressing the need for sustained advocacy, institutional engagement and unity among members.
According to him, the chapter’s property had been reassigned by the state government to an individual for the physical expansion of a privately owned school.
He, however, expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved, citing assurances from the Ministry of Lands and Survey that a suitable replacement plot would be formally allocated to the chapter.
He urged the incoming leadership to monitor the process closely and ensure that the promised land was handed over without further delay.
The outgoing chairman also expressed concern over a proposed bill seeking to amend the law establishing the Niger State Urban Development Board (NSUDB).
He said the provisions of the proposed legislation could have significant implications for the town planning profession in the state.
Musa-Bala urged the incoming executive to scrutinise the proposed amendments and engage the Niger State House of Assembly to ensure that the statutory responsibilities of certified urban planners were adequately protected.
He further stressed the need to strengthen the collection of regular dues from re-engaged members to sustain welfare programmes and advocacy activities across the state’s three senatorial zones.
Meanwhile, the chapter has elected new officials to steer its affairs for the next tenure.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Nura Alfa, said nine of the 11 positions were uncontested.
He said Mr Aliyu Madalla emerged as chairman unopposed, while Mr Ibrahim Na-kanti Abdullahi won the position of First Vice Chairman with 29 votes, defeating his opponent, Mrs Aisha Inuwa, who scored eight votes.
Mr Bamiji Adeleye emerged as Second Vice Chairman unopposed.
Alfa announced Mr Abdulraman Muslim as the winner of the Secretary position with 31 votes, while his opponent, Mr Sherifudeen Akande, scored eight votes.
Other elected officials included Mr Mohammed Idris as Public Relations Secretary I and Mr Idris Adamu as Public Relations Secretary II.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Madalla, described the election as fair and transparent.
He called for maximum cooperation and commitment from the elected officials and members to enable the association to discharge its professional responsibilities effectively.
Madalla urged members to work together towards advancing the interests of the institute and strengthening professional town planning practice in Niger.
