Our History
The origins of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) can be traced back to April 1966, when nine visionary town planners convened in Ibadan, the capital of the then Western Region of Nigeria. This pioneering effort, led by Pa. S. O. Tokun, who was Head of the Town Planning Division at the time, marked the birth of what would become Nigeria’s foremost professional body for town planners.
The founding members who participated in the formative discussions were:
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Chief M. O. Onafowokan
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Chief M. O. Abiose
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Alhaji G. B. Jinadu
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Dr. F. O. Akinyemi
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Mr. O. Adedapo
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Mr. O. C. Adekoya
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Chief F. O. Ogunbanwo
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Chief A. O. Adediran – the only surviving founding member today
Recognizing the need for a truly national platform, the group extended an invitation to fellow professionals across Nigeria’s Eastern, Mid-Western, and Northern Regions. This led to an inaugural national meeting held on September 5, 1966, at the Conference Room of the Lagos Executive Development Board (LEDB). At this landmark meeting, a protem Executive Council was constituted to guide the fledgling Institute, with Dr. T. M. Aluko appointed as the protem Secretary.
Two years later, in September 1968, the NITP held its first National Conference at the Conference Centre of the University of Lagos. This historic gathering brought together thirty-nine town planners from twelve states of the Federation. The conference was a watershed moment that laid down the foundational framework of the Institute through the development and adoption of key institutional instruments:
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The Constitution of the Institute
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Bye-Laws and Regulations
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Conditions of Engagement for Town Planning Consultants
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Scale of Professional Charges
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The official name of the Institute
With the vision now taking form, the Institute gained official recognition as a corporate entity through registration with the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs (now the Corporate Affairs Commission).
The Institute’s legitimacy and authority were further solidified by the promulgation of Decree No. 3 of 1988 by the Federal Military Government. This decree was later re-enacted as the Urban and Regional Planning Law – Act 88 of December 1992, and is currently cited as CAP 431 LFN 1990 and CAP T7 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
From humble beginnings to national prominence, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners continues to play a vital role in shaping the spatial and sustainable development of Nigeria.
