The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners has encouraged the government to prioritise sustainable development, address the root causes of insecurity, and improve access to basic amenities.

At its sixth press conference recently, the NITP president, Nathaniel Atebije said, “We cannot but acknowledge the pains unleashed by the rising costs of common commodities, particularly food items. The pains here cannot be quantified, especially as a hungry man who eventually becomes an angry man can become a threat to the society.”

He commended progress made in some states, such as Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory in improving transportation networks and power generation, but emphasised that more needed to be done to address the challenges facing the country.

He expressed concern over the slow pace of agricultural development, insecurity, and rapid urbanisation, which had led to inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and environmental challenges.

“We call on other state governments to take advantage of the restructuring that the Federal Government has done in the electricity sector and ensure that other independent power plants covering their various domains are fully operational to enhance the development of the country,” the president of NITP said.

The NITP urged the government to take decisive action to ensure sustainable development, address the root causes of insecurity, and improve access to basic amenities, emphasising that the pains of democracy must be addressed to ensure a better future for Nigerians.

“As professionals who are also citizens of this country, we can say that it has been a bag of mixed blessings, a tale of gains and of pains. We must prioritise sustainable development to ensure a better future for Nigerians,” Atebije added.