Dr. Kola Lawal, dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has advocated for the broad implementation of smart urbanism, citing a 30–40% decrease in crime rates in cities like Lagos and Abuja as evidence of its efficacy.
In order to improve sustainability, efficiency, and quality of life, smart urbanism is defined as a method of city design that incorporates digital technology like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence into infrastructure and services.
According to Lawal, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, urban insecurity is still a significant worldwide issue that has detrimental effects on Nigeria’s quickly growing cities.
Speaking on the topic of “Smart Urbanism for Safer Communities” at Tpl Olusola Odukoya’s inauguration as the new Ogun NITP chairman on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the town planning expert revealed this.
He clarified that smart urbanism bridges the gap between urban planning and security management by offering workable strategies to reduce security risks through the integration of technology, strategic planning, and policy changes.
In order to attain sustainable results, he contends that security issues must be included into city master plans and bolstered by multi-agency cooperation.
“Smart urbanism addresses crime, governance, and urban form by combining technology and security planning.” In cities like Lagos and Abuja, technologies have been shown to reduce crime by 30–40% and speed up emergency response times.
Sustainable results will be ensured by fortifying multi-agency frameworks and incorporating security into master plans. This strategy provides policymakers with useful insights while bridging the gap between urban planning and security, according to Lawal.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Town Planning, Tpl Kamorudeen Ogunfowora, on behalf of Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl Olatunji Odunlami, acknowledged the vital role of the NITP in upholding planning standards and assisting government initiatives on efficient land-use management and urban renewal in his message of goodwill.
Ogunfowora pointed out that smart city projects have greatly increased security, particularly with regard to street lighting, which improves safety and visibility.
Lighting plays a major role in the creation of smart cities. “Security improves when everything is well-lit,” he stated.
He did, however, bemoan the actions of vandals who have destroyed and damaged streetlights along several interchange roads and promised that the state government is making efforts to repair the infrastructure.
“Most of the lights installed on the interchange were removed by criminals, but efforts are ongoing to fix and restore everything so that we can move forward,” he continued.
Prof. Oluwole Daramola, the Second Vice National Secretary, spoke on behalf of the Institute’s National President, Chime Ogbonna, who urged members to maintain professionalism, integrity, inclusivity, and a distinct sense of purpose in their work.
Tpl Olusola Odukoya, the recently appointed Chairman of the state branch of the NITP, emphasized the value of professional development and capacity building in his acceptance speech, promising members ongoing training, mentoring, and knowledge exchange to guarantee both local relevance and global competitiveness.
In order to emphasize the crucial role that town planners play in sustainable development and policy creation, Odukoya also promised to increase engagement with the public, corporate sector, and government.
