Frequently asked questions

Town planning is the art and science of organizing land use, siting communication routes, and determining the placement of buildings and public spaces to promote economy, convenience, security, and beauty. It ensures the orderly development of towns and cities and addresses problems such as poor housing, congestion, flooding, and crime.

A town planner is a trained and certified professional who creates, designs, and implements plans that shape the physical development of urban and rural areas. They are recognized by bodies like the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) and the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).

Town planners:

• Design layout, site, land-use, master, and development plans.

• Predict future spatial needs and accommodate them.

• Advise governments and developers on land use.

• Prepare Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
  

• Propose and implement policies for sustainable development.

There are three main pathways:

a. University Pathway

• Credit in at least 5 subjects including Maths, English, and 3 sciences/social sciences.
  

• Study Urban and Regional Planning (URP) in an accredited university (5 years).
  

• Undertake SIWES and Industrial Training.
  

• Complete NYSC and gain 2 years post-graduation experience.
  

• Pass the TOPREC certification exam.
  

b. Polytechnic Pathway

• Start with an OND in Urban and Regional Planning (2 years) + 1-year IT.
  

• Proceed to HND (2 years) and NYSC.
  

• Optionally pursue PGD, or write NITP Level 800 & 900 exams.
  

• Complete 2 years of post-qualification experience.
  

• Pass the TOPREC certification exam.
  

c. Professional Examinations Route

• Take NITP/TOPREC exams: Preliminary, Intermediate, and Final (3 levels, 9 parts).
  

• Complete 2 years of post-qualification experience.
  

• Take the TOPREC certification exam.
  

What subjects should I focus on in secondary school to become a Town Planner?

Focus on:

• Mathematics
  

• English Language
  

• Geography
  

• Physics, Chemistry, or Economics

Yes. Town planning is crucial for:

• Managing population growth and urban expansion.

• Mitigating issues like traffic, slums, and poor housing.

• Creating livable, sustainable cities.

• Ensuring organized development of infrastructure and amenities.
  

To succeed, a town planner must:

• Work hard and persistently

• Have excellent interpersonal skills

• Be humble and disciplined

• Show creativity and problem-solving ability
  

• Be dedicated to continuous learning

Absolutely. A town planner is not just a technician but a creator and designer, turning ideas into reality through urban renewal, revitalization of communities, and imaginative spatial designs.

Yes, through the NITP Professional Examination Route if you lack formal academic planning education. You must pass all 3 levels of exams and complete 2 years of professional experience before taking the TOPREC certification

An official approval for development under Section 102 of Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law (2015). It covers:

• Building construction

• Layout plans

• Sub-division plans

• Building control authorization

• Provisional Planning Permit: Temporary approval for applicants still processing land titles (e.g., Certificate of Occupancy).

• Final Planning Permit: Full approval for projects with complete documentation.

• New constructions

• Renovations/remodeling

• Fencing

• Additional floors

• Demolition

• Redevelopment

• Ensures buildings are constructed safely and in the right locations

• Maintains balanced urban growth

• Promotes environmental sustainability

Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) through District Town Planning Offices.

• Permits expire if construction doesn’t start within 2 years.

• Revalidation requires payment of fees

• Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law (2010)

• Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law (1992)

• Land Use Act (1978)

The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPP&UD) coordinates planning activities through three agencies:Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) – Issues permits, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) – Ensures construction safety, and Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) – Upgrades slums and blighted areas.