Town Planners Advocate for Facilities for Street Traders

At the Eastern Planners Forum (EPF) held in Awka, Anambra State, town planning professionals from various states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Rivers, and Anambra, called for the incorporation of dedicated facilities for informal traders into urban development plans. The forum, which examined the impact of street trading on regional development, featured Dr. Ogbonna Chime, the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).

He stated that street trading arises from unplanned settlements and inadequate land-use management, warning that it violates planned land use and contributes to accidents. Chime urged governments to create specialized markets for low-income traders with affordable rents and transparent shop allocations.

Mr. Ifeanyi Igwilo, Chairman of the NITP Anambra State Chapter, highlighted the importance of qualified town planners in policymaking and urban management, addressing issues like rapid urbanization and environmental degradation. He praised the Anambra State Government for establishing the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.