NIGERIAN URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING ACT

An Act provides a framework for urban and regional planning across Nigeria. It targets state governments, developers, and planners to control land use and ensure orderly development. This promotes environmental standards and prevents chaotic urban growth.

What Is This Policy?

An Act that provides a national framework for land use planning, urban development control, and regional planning across Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

State and local government planning authorities Property developers and construction companies Real estate investors and landowners Urban planners and architects

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Promote orderly urban and rural development, prevent chaotic land use, enhance environmental standards, and provide a legal basis for planning permissions and enforcement across Nigeria.

Key Features

Planning Hierarchy: Establishes a three-tier planning framework at national, state, and local government levels. Development Control: Requires planning permissions for new constructions, conversions, and changes in land use. Planning Tribunals: Establishes Urban and Regional Planning Tribunals in each state and the FCT for resolving planning disputes. Enforcement Powers: Grants authorities the power to issue enforcement notices, stop development, and demolish illegal structures.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active - implemented through state planning authorities Coverage: Nationwide, with implementation at state and local government levels Beneficiaries: All Nigerians through improved urban environment and service delivery Funding: Federal and state government appropriations; development permit fees

How to Access

Obtain planning permission before commencing any development Submit detailed plans to the relevant planning authority Comply with conditions attached to planning approvals Application method: Apply to the relevant State Urban and Regional Planning Board or Local Planning Authority.

Important Terms

Development without planning permission is illegal and subject to enforcement action Planning permission is distinct from building approval Appeals against refusal go to the Planning Tribunal

Official Resources

Website: https://www.fmwh.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Works and Housing / State Planning Authorities

Legal Framework

Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Land Use Act 1978, the Federal Capital Territory Act, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992, the Town and Country Planning Act, and UN-Habitat guidelines on urban and regional planning including the New Urban Agenda (Quito Declaration 2016).