By Onwa Ekor
The Cross River government has pledged stronger collaboration with professional bodies to drive sustainable physical planning, efficient land administration and orderly urban development across the state.
Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, made this known during a strategic meeting with the leadership of the State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) held at the Conference Hall of the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA) in Calabar.
Convened by NITP and hosted by CRGIA Director-General, Mr. Williams Archibong, the meeting had in attendance the State Chairman of NITP, Edim Abobana, executive members of the Institute and senior officials of CRGIA.
Describing town planners as critical to building functional, resilient and sustainable communities, Ekpang said the ministry remains committed to working with professional institutions to ensure physical development and land use conform to planning standards and global best practices.
“The Ministry remains committed to partnering with relevant professional institutions and stakeholders to ensure that physical development and land use across the state conform to established planning standards and global best practices,” he stated.
The Commissioner added that the administration of Prince Bassey Otu, prioritizes strategic planning, efficient land management and the deployment of modern technology in land administration as key drivers of sustainable development.
The Commissioner also commended NITP for promoting professionalism, ethical practice, and capacity building in the planning profession, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration would enhance urban renewal, infrastructure development and environmental sustainability in the state.
In his remarks, Abobana thanked the Commissioner for honouring the Institute’s invitation and reaffirmed NITP’s readiness to work with the Ministry of Lands and other agencies to advance sound physical planning.
Archibong, on his part, noted that improved collaboration among relevant institutions would strengthen land information management, planning processes and service delivery in the state.
The meeting concluded with a joint resolution by the Ministry of Lands, CRGIA, and NITP to work closely in promoting orderly, sustainable and technology-driven physical development across the state.
