Urban planners’ perspectives of public participation in planning in Nigeria

Abstract

Public/community participation is globally recognized today as an integral aspect of urban planning. This is evident in various international, national, and local planning standards, regulations, and policies. This is no different in Nigeria where the various national and state level planning regulations incorporate this integral part of planning. This study investigates the extent of public participation in planning in Rivers State, Nigeria. Urban planners working in Rivers State were interviewed and academic papers on public participation in planning reviewed. This work finds that despite the mandatory legal provision for public inclusion in the planning process, it is largely not implemented in practice in the formal planning process. The lack of public participation in the planning process is a major reason for poor public support of plans which impacts successful execution. For Nigeria to achieve goals of having sustainable and vibrant urban communities, it is essential to begin implementing the planning laws which mandates public participation by meaningfully involving the public in urban planning processes. This will ensure a broader acceptance and instil a feeling of ownership of plans and processes among citizens which will enhance sustainable planning and development.