The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)

Every city or country requires structural planning. This is to enable the government strategize appropriately and effectively with the purpose of meeting the social, economic and environmental needs of the citizens. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) is the leading body tasked with the responsibility of improving the art and science of planning. It is responsible for developing short and long term plans on how land can be used for the expansion and renewal of rural and urban communities.

Established 5th September 1966, the inaugural meeting, which held in Lagos, was attended by 30 pioneers.

Immediately after, a Constitution was created and an Executive Council elected to guide the dealings of the Institute. The Constitution, which was amended in 1994, clearly states the goals and objectives of the Institute, rules guiding General Meetings and Conference, establishment of State Chapters, financial matters, officers of the Institute and their duties, various committees and the different classes of membership and conditions of election.
After its inauguration in 1966, the Institute did not receive any formal recognition from the government until the promulgation of the Town Planners (Registration etc) Decree No. 3 of 1988 which led to the establishment of the Town Planners Registration Council inaugurated in November, 1988. The Decree states the rules for town planners’ registration, approval of courses of instruction and examination leading to approved qualifications, disciplinary measures for unprofessional conduct by members and penalties for unqualified practitioners of the profession.

Also, the Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree No 88 of 1992) which was promulgated in December 1992 was a milestone in the history of the Institute since it expressly demonstrates the government’s commitment to the same objectives the pioneer members had. The tremendous growth the Institute has experienced especially in terms of membership is therefore no surprise. Its membership strength currently is over 2,000 with 142 Fellows, 1814 full members and over 325 Graduate members. This is exclusive of Student members which are over 2000.

To become a NITP member, certain conditions apply for the different categories. As a Student Member, you must be studying Town Planning in a University whose syllabus is approved and recognized by the Institute. If studying abroad, you must satisfy the requirements of other Town Planning Institutes recognized by NITP. As a student pursuing a course in Town Planning through private correspondence or personal tuition, you must provide proof that you possess the West African School Certificate or an with the goal of taking the Institute’s examinations. The Institute articles such a student to a member with the condition that at least two members of the Institute confirms this in writing.

A Graduate Member is one who has successfully completed a course of study in Town and Country Planning in a tertiary institution as approved by the Institute or has satisfied the membership requirement of another Town Planning Institute recognized by NITP and has passed NITP’s or TOPREC set examinations. A Graduate Member can become a Corporate Member after 2years while a Corporate Member can become a Fellow Member after 10 years
The different membership forms and the fees attached to the different categories can be downloaded on the NITP website; www.nitpng.com and submitted either by courier or in person to their Secretariats.

The Abuja Headquarters is located at NITP Bawa – Bwari House, Plot 2047, Micheal Okpara Street Wuse Zone 5, PMB 7012, Garki, Abuja while NITP Lagos Liason Office is at No 12, Seidu Ajobowu Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos State.