NITP CROSS RIVER CHAPTER PUSHES FOR RECRUITMENT OF YOUNG TOWN PLANNERS

 

✓ Professional body urges Civil Service Commission to revitalise planning sector for improved service delivery and state revenue

By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu.

 

 

 

Calabar – The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on the State Government to prioritise the recruitment of qualified young Town Planning graduates into the Civil and Public Service as part of efforts to strengthen physical planning and development control across the state.

 

 

The advocacy was made during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, at the New Secretariat Complex, Calabar, on Thursday, 28th August 2025.

 

 

Leading the delegation, Chapter Chairman, Tpl. Dr. Samuel Inaku Emri, underscored the urgent need to inject new professionals into the Town Planning Department, its zonal offices, and Area Planning Authorities, which have been constrained by manpower shortages.

 

 

According to him, a robust workforce will not only revitalise the system and enhance service delivery but also significantly boost the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) through effective physical planning and urban management.

 

 

The NITP further stressed that qualified planners are indispensable for ensuring orderly growth, sustainable development, and proper monitoring of physical projects in both urban and rural communities.

 

 

Responding, Sir Maurice Effiwatt commended the NITP for its proactive stance and assured that the Commission will look into their recommendations within the framework of government policies and available resources.

 

He acknowledged the strategic role of town planning in economic growth, revenue mobilisation, and creating liveable communities, noting that the state stands to benefit greatly from strengthening its planning institutions.

 

 

The visit, which had in attendance senior members of the NITP State Council, included Tpl. Ayi E. Akiba, FNITP (Chapter Secretary), Tpl. Apostle Ita O. Inyang, Tpl. Dr. Alfred Ambekeh Udida, Tpl. Dr. Benedict Ojikpong, and Tpl. A.E. Abobana, ended with a renewed commitment by both parties to foster closer collaboration towards improving physical planning services in Cross River State.