A past president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nathaniel Atebije, has urged planners to grow beyond the rudimentary and traditional approaches and embrace a 21st-century design of livable cities.

Represented by a past president of the institute, Mr Toyin Ayinde, Atebije noted that as practitioners, sustainable town planning consultancy in the 21st century demands a paradigm shift to more inclusive, adaptable and environmentally conscious practices.

He spoke at the 2025 yearly general meeting of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) Lagos branch held at Ikeja. The meeting included the unveiling of a planning advocacy video, jingles and a new membership lapel pin by Dr Moses Ogunleye, a fellow of the institute.

Atebije argued that in the face of increasing urban challenges due to rapid urbanisation, climate change and socio-economic disparities, consultants must evolve as strategic partners in shaping resilient and livable cities.

He charged the practitioners to embrace technological innovations, foster stakeholders’ collaboration and uphold ethical standards that prioritise the long-term well-being of the people and the planet.

Speaking on the theme:” Sustainable Town Planning Practices in the 21st Century: Wake up Call to Consultant Town Planners”, Atebije said the future of sustainable town planning consultancy lies in the ability of practitioners to lead transformative change integrating ecological balance, economic viability and social equity into every aspect of the planning process. He urged them to place a premium on productivity by being a specialist and producing quality products.

Outgoing Chairman of the branch, Dr David Olawale, said the journey has been challenging in view of the economic situation, which extended to professional practice. Despite this, he said the association is meeting its targets, improving standards of practice and membership strength. He urged members to support the new leaders and help in the implementation of decisions taken by the leaders by contributing ideas and suggestions.

Apart from these, he encouraged members to engage in constructive criticism and sharing knowledge and influences.“A crucial role of followers is to also hold the leaders accountable for their actions, inactions, decisions and indecisions. With all these, the leaders should also accept that followers play vital roles in the success of a group and their contributions should not be overlooked or taken for granted.

ATOCPCON President, Dr Bisi Adedire, said it is imperative for the profession to evolve with global realities, interrogate methods, reimagine practices and realign consultancy approaches with sustainability principles, digital innovation, ethical standards and inclusive development models.

He charged the consultants to recalibrate towards resilience, innovation and sustainability. Adedire lauded the outgone administration for mobilising financial support from members and organising impactful capacity-building workshops, adding that it stands as a model for others to emulate.

Earlier, Chairman of occasion and former NITP president, Waheed Kadiri, urged the practitioners to recommit to ethical practices, integrity and keep themselves abreast of the latest trends in town planning consultancy.