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 The Formation of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)

The journey of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners began in April 1966 in Ibadan, the capital of the old Western Region. A group of nine visionary town planners, under the leadership of Pa. S. O. Tokun, convened to lay the foundation of what would become a pivotal organization in Nigeria's urban planning landscape. Pa. Tokun, serving as the Head of the Town Planning Division in the old Western Region, spearheaded these efforts. The founding group also included esteemed professionals such as Chief M. O. Onafowokan, Chief M. O. Abiose, Alhaji G. B. Jinadu, Dr. F. O. Akinyemi, Mr. O. Adedapo, Mr. O. C. Adekoya, Chief F. O Ogunbanwo, and Chief A. O. Adediran, with the latter being the only surviving founding member.

This initial gathering in Ibadan marked the beginning of a journey towards creating a unified platform for town planners across Nigeria. Later in 1966, professionals from the Eastern, Mid-Western, and Northern regions of Nigeria joined their Western counterparts for an inaugural meeting in Lagos. This pivotal meeting took place on September 5th, 1966, in the Conference room of the Lagos Executive Development Board (LEDB). It was here that a provisional Executive Council was elected, with Dr. T.M Aluko as its protea Secretary, to guide the nascent institute's affairs.

The First National Conference and the Establishment of a Constitution

Two years later, in September 1968, the first National Conference of the Institute was convened at the University of Lagos's Conference Centre. This historic gathering saw thirty-nine town planners from across twelve states of the Federation come together. Their collective deliberations and insights were instrumental in shaping the institute's future. This conference led to the creation of key foundational documents, including the Institute's Constitution, Bye-Laws and Regulations, Conditions of Engagement for Town Planning Consultants, and a Scale of Professional Charges. It was also during this conference that the name of the institute was formally adopted.

Legal Recognition and Legislative Milestones

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners gained formal recognition as a corporate entity following its registration with the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs (now known as the Corporate Affairs Commission). This recognition was further solidified by the enactment of pivotal legislation. The Federal Military Government's Decree No. 3 of 1988, later re-enacted as the Urban and Regional Planning Law, Act 88 of December 1992, and eventually codified as CAP 431 LFN, 1990 and CAP T7 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, provided a legal framework that recognized and empowered the role of the NITP in shaping the urban and regional planning landscape of Nigeria.

This historical narrative captures the institute's humble beginnings, its growth through collaborative efforts, and the legal and professional milestones that have marked its journey. The NITP stands today as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders and the ongoing commitment of its members to excellence in urban and regional planning.