The Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr Kola Lawal, has called for the widespread adoption of smart urbanism, attributing its effectiveness to a 30–40 per cent reduction in crime rates in cities such as Lagos and Abuja.
Smart urbanism is described as an approach to city planning that integrates digital technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, data analytics and artificial intelligence into infrastructure and services to enhance sustainability, efficiency and quality of life.
Lawal, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, said urban insecurity remains a major global challenge, with severe impacts in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding cities.
The town planning expert disclosed this on Wednesday in Abeokuta, while speaking on the theme, “Smart Urbanism for Safer Communities,” during the investiture of Tpl Olusola Odukoya as the new Ogun NITP chairman.
He explained that smart urbanism provides practical pathways to mitigate security threats through the integration of technology, strategic planning, and policy reforms, thereby bridging the gap between urban planning and security management.
According to him, security considerations must be embedded in city master plans and supported by multi-agency collaboration to achieve sustainable outcomes.
“Smart urbanism combines technology and planning for security, addressing crime, governance and urban form. Technologies have demonstrated 30–40 per cent crime reduction and faster emergency response times in cities like Lagos and Abuja.
“Integrating security into master plans and strengthening multi-agency frameworks will ensure sustainable outcomes. This approach bridges urban planning and security while offering practical insights for policymakers”, Lawal said.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl Olatunji Odunlami, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Town Planning, Tpl Kamorudeen Ogunfowora, acknowledged the critical role of the NITP in maintaining planning standards and supporting government initiatives on effective land-use management and urban renewal.
Ogunfowora noted that smart city initiatives have contributed significantly to improved security, especially through street lighting, which enhances visibility and safety.
“Smart city development is largely about lighting. When everywhere is well-lit, security improves,” he said.
However, he lamented the activities of vandals who have damaged and removed streetlights along some interchange roads, assuring that the state government is working to restore the infrastructure.
“Criminals removed most of the lights installed on the interchange, but efforts are ongoing to fix and restore everything so that we can move forward,” he added.
Also speaking, the National President of the Institute, Chime Ogbonna, represented by the Second Vice National Secretary, Prof. Oluwole Daramola, urged members to uphold integrity, inclusiveness, professionalism and a clear sense of purpose in their practice.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inducted Chairman of the state branch of the NITP, Tpl Olusola Odukoya, highlighted the importance of professional development and capacity building, assuring members of continuous training, mentorship and knowledge sharing to ensure global competitiveness and local relevance.
Odukoya also pledged to strengthen engagement with government, the private sector and the public to reinforce the indispensable role of town planners in sustainable development and policy formulation.
