TOWN planners have been urged on the need to adopt proactive approach to mitigate the negative impacts of economic shocks.
Such proactive approach, former Professor of Housing and Urban Planning at the University of Ibadan, Tunde Agbola, said would not only mitigate the negative impacts of economic shocks but also enable cities to seize opportunities that emerge from crises.
Speaking during the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners ( NITP), Lagos Chapter, Agbola pointed out that investments in resilient infrastructure or sustainable urban design could generate economic activity while promoting environmental sustainability.
With the theme: “Planning Administration in an Era of Economic Challenges”, the university lecturer cautioned town planners against short-term thinking and a reactive approach, saying they are often insufficient when it comes to planning human settlements for sustainable growth, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Present at the forum were renowned town planners comprising the past President of NITP, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, President of Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria, Mr Bisi Adedire, Chairman, Lagos chapter of NITP, Mr Tayo Awomosun; Dr. Moses Ogunleye, and Dr David Olawale, among others.
Agbolaurged planning administrators to move beyond immediate, crisis-driven responses to adopt a more proactive and strategic stance.
“Economic instability often leads to ad-hoc solutions that may address immediate concerns but fail to contribute to the long-term resilience of cities. This reactionary mode is sometimes referred to as the “drunkard approach,” where planners, overwhelmed by the crisis, take unpredictable, uncoordinated actions that lack foresight. While this may provide a temporary fix, it can compromise the sustainable development of cities.
“Moreover, cities that are better prepared for uncertainties, whether economic downturns, natural disasters, or demographic shifts, are more capable of addressing these challenges when they arise,” he said.
He pointed out that proactive planning will not only mitigate the negative impacts of economic shocks but also enable cities to seize opportunities that emerge from crises.
If planning administrators failed to act proactively, he said that they risked missing valuable opportunities to make cities more robust.
He said:”A lack of foresight in planning can result in cities becoming even more vulnerable to future crises, exacerbating existing inequalities and environmental degradation.
“This underscores the critical role of planning administrators in navigating economic challenges. Rather than being overwhelmed by immediate pressures and resorting to the “drunkard approach,” planners should engage in strategic foresight, taking bold actions that can foster resilient, adaptable urban environments.”
“This approach requires balancing short-term responses with long-term goals, ensuring that cities emerge stronger, more equitable, and more sustainable in the face of uncertainty,” he said.
He also urged planners to take on more entrepreneurial roles, as seen in the “Boundary Spanner” and “Exemplary Practitioner” models.
“During economic downturns, interorganizational collaboration becomes essential for pooling
resources and managing complexities. “Planners can act as strategic connectors and coordinators of efforts across multiple agencies. This boundary-spanning role enables planners to manage scarce resources effectively,” he said.
He advised planners to always maintain integrity, resist the temptation to compromise ethical standards and focus on equitable service delivery.
According to the professor, transparent communication and community engagement would help prevent exploitation and ensure that planning decisions reflect the public interest, even in tough economic conditions.
In this challenging time, planners are tasked not only with navigating the technical aspects of urban development but also with confronting ethical dilemmas brought on by economic strain.
He urged planning administrators to adopt adaptive, transparent, and strategic approaches that consider both the complexities of the urban landscape and the socio-political dynamics at play.
“Street-level bureaucrats play a critical role in navigating these dynamics, often caught between adhering to regulations and responding to the practical needs of the urban poor. The concept of “forbearance,” where rules are selectively enforced, highlights the tensions between political agendas and the lived realities of African cities,” Agbola said.
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