Nigerian Town Planners Criticize Inauguration of Land Use Allocation Committee

The Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) has raised concerns over the inauguration of a new Land Use Allocation Committee by the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) on January 16, 2026. ATOPCON criticized the composition of the committee, which includes four land surveyors but excludes town planners, estate surveyors, and legal practitioners, as required by the Land Use Act.

They argue that the move is illegal and undermines the professional boundaries set by the law. ATOPCON emphasized the distinct roles of town planners in creating visionary blueprints for land use planning, warning against allowing the committee to function without the necessary expertise.

The association called for urgent intervention from relevant bodies to address the situation and uphold professional standards in urban planning in Nigeria.