A University teacher at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed has advised town planners to protect sacred lands, cultural heritage sites, and indigenous territories from urban expansion and commercial development.

Ahmed, who spoke at the launch of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy and Anniversary Lecture delivered at the 70th Birthday Thanksgiving of the immediate past President of Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nathaniel Atebije, on ‘The Ethics of Space and the Moral Imperative of Urban Planning’, said that many indigenous landscapes hold spiritual, historical, and cultural significance, yet they are often threatened by infrastructure projects, mining, and deforestation.

He stated that ethical urban planning should involve early consultation with indigenous communities, integrating their knowledge into conservation strategies and ensuring that traditional lands remain protected.

According to him, countries like Canada and New Zealand have begun incorporating indigenous-led land stewardship programmes into their urban and environmental planning frameworks. “To ensure that urban planning remains ethically sound, policies must be deliberately structured to promote sustainable, inclusive, and ecologically responsible development.

“This means implementing zoning laws that protect green spaces, designing cities that encourage mixed land use and accessibility, and investing in resilient infrastructure that mitigates climate change impacts. The challenge, however, is integrating innovation and urban growth without compromising the ethical treatment of land, ecosystems, and marginalised communities.”

Ahmed noted that indigenous knowledge offers insights into climate resilience and ecological restoration, such as forest management techniques, traditional water conservation methods, and regenerative agriculture practices.

He stated that in regions vulnerable to climate change, planners can adopt indigenous-led nature-based solutions, such as floodplain restoration, controlled burns to prevent wildfires, and the use of native plants in urban landscaping.

“By respecting and integrating indigenous land-use principles, urban planners can create cities that respect cultural heritage, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure equitable access to land and resources for all communities,” he said.

Ahmed stressed that smart cities and technological advancements can offer solutions for efficiency, connectivity, and resource management, but without an ethical framework, they risk deepening socioeconomic divides and exacerbating environmental degradation.

“While some emerging urban planning trends align with the principles of land ethics—emphasising sustainability, green infrastructure, and social equity—others pose significant threats by prioritising profit, unchecked urban expansion, and technological dominance over ecological and community well-being.

“The rapid growth of megacities, the commodification of land, and the displacement of vulnerable populations in the name of progress underscore the ethical dilemmas facing contemporary urban development,” he said.

In his goodwill message, NITP President, Chime Ogbonna, described Atebije as a man whose life and career have been defined by dedication, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence in town planning.

“He is a man of vision and unparalleled commitment to the growth of the town planning profession in Nigeria.” He said his tenure as past president was marked by unwavering dedication, strategic leadership, and a passion for advancing planning ideals in our nation. “His impact remains visible in the policies he championed, the professionals he mentored, and the advocacy he led to elevate urban and regional planning in Nigeria.

“The establishment of the Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy is a testament to his lifelong devotion to promoting sustainable planning, professional excellence, and public awareness of the significance of urban and regional planning. This foundation will undoubtedly serve as a beacon for future generations, inspiring planners and policymakers alike to work towards a more sustainable and well-planned environment.”