Ondo Assembly pledges support for urban planning reforms

By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to strengthen urban renewal and ensure proper land use across the state.

The Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Fasonu, gave the assurance during a familiarisation visit to the ministry in Akure. He noted that urban and regional planning remains central to the state’s infrastructural growth, sustainable development, and internally generated revenue (IGR).

Fasonu commended the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Dr. Sunday Olajide, for his initiatives towards a master plan for cities , especially the state capital.

He advised the ministry to explore partnerships with other agencies, including the Ministry of Lands and Housing as well as the Ministry of Energy, to strengthen synergy and attract intervention funds.

The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Tope Agbulu, and other members, including Hon. Ifabiyi Samuel, Hon. Fatai Atere, and Hon. Oluwatoyin Allen, assured the Commissioner of their full support in repositioning urban centres across the state to make them more habitable and economically viable.

Members also noted that Ondo State will mark its 50th anniversary next year, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to ensure master plans for major cities and towns. According to them, sensitisation and sanctions are necessary to curb indiscriminate building without approved plans, as well as dumping of refuse in waterways, which often leads to flooding.

Earlier, Commissioner Olajide welcomed the lawmakers, describing the visit as an opportunity to familiarise the committee with the ministry’s responsibilities and challenges.

He disclosed that the state capital, Akure, currently has no master plan—a situation that has contributed to haphazard settlement patterns. According to him, the ministry is already working on new regulations and long-term urban development frameworks for selected cities, in collaboration with international partners such as UN-Habitat and Chevron.

Olajide added that the ministry is also pursuing a tourism development plan for the Araromi seaside, a regional master plan for the southern and central districts, and a proposal for an international youth centre in Akure.

He further explained that efforts were underway to improve enforcement against illegal structures and to boost the ministry’s revenue performance. However, he highlighted challenges facing the ministry, including shortages of manpower, inadequate working tools, and limited funding for effective monitoring and control.

The Commissioner also informed the lawmakers that a bill on physical planning and urban development was at an advanced stage and would soon be transmitted to the House of Assembly for consideration, seeking their assistance to ensure its accelerated passage.

He revealed that the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, had already completed a development plan for Okitipupa, while work was ongoing in Irele. The same ministry, he added, has also commenced a housing deficit survey in Akure as a pilot scheme.

Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, appreciated the committee for the visit and the assurance of support. He promised that the management and staff would continue to deliver on their mandate despite existing challenges.