Hon. Commissioner Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe pledges partnership, policy review, and support for Nigerian Institute of Town Planners Cross River State as Governor Otu’s housing vision gains traction.
By Amawu, Cletus Albert Amawu.
The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe, to explore areas of collaboration aimed at enhancing housing development and urban planning efficiency in the State.
The visit, which took place on Friday, 24th October 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar, provided an opportunity for the professional body to discuss key issues bordering on employment opportunities for young planners, the review of the State Housing Policy, site and services schemes, slum upgrade initiatives, and the strengthening of the Physical Planning Department for improved service delivery.
Leading the delegation was the Chairman of NITP Cross River State Chapter, Tpl. Dr. Samuel I. Emri, who underscored the importance of professional collaboration between planners and government institutions. He emphasised that such synergy is crucial to achieving sustainable urban growth and efficient housing delivery across the State.
“Planning must remain the backbone of every successful development effort. We are committed to supporting the government’s vision for a more liveable, structured, and inclusive Cross River State,” Tpl. Dr. Samuel I. Emri, Chairman, NITP Cross River State Chapter.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe, commended the NITP for its proactive engagement and professional contributions to urban management in the State. She assured the delegation of her ministry’s cooperation and support, emphasising her commitment to fostering a productive working relationship with professionals in the built environment.
“We are open to partnerships that will strengthen planning, improve service delivery, and bring sustainable development closer to our people,” Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe, Commissioner for Housing.
In her remarks, Dr Igwe reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the NITP in addressing housing challenges, improving physical planning systems, and creating a conducive environment for private-sector participation in the housing sector.
She further expressed her willingness to honour the Institute’s invitation to the 56th International Conference, Annual General Meeting, and Colloquium on the Implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law, scheduled to hold in Abuja, FCT. In addition, she pledged to sponsor the Director of Physical Planning from her ministry to attend the conference, describing it as a valuable opportunity for capacity building and professional networking.
The NITP delegation expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for her openness and commitment to collaboration, acknowledging that her leadership has brought renewed dynamism to the housing sector.
The Institute also extended gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for the establishment of the Ministry of Housing and for appointing a visionary and accomplished career woman like Dr Beatrice Igwe to steer its affairs. According to the planners, the governor’s foresight in creating the ministry demonstrates his administration’s dedication to addressing housing and urban development challenges in a structured and sustainable manner.
The visit concluded with mutual assurances of partnership, as both parties expressed optimism that the synergy between the Ministry and the NITP would yield positive results in policy reform, professional development, and community-oriented housing solutions across Cross River State.
In attendance were: Director of Administration; Permanent Secretary; Former Director of Town Planning (DTP) and Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNICROSS, Tpl. Dr. Benedict Ojikpong; Tpl. Apostle Ita O. Inyang; Hon. Commissioner for Housing, Dr. (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe; NITP-CRS Chairman, Tpl. Dr. Samuel I. Emri; Former DTP, Tpl. Dr. Ambekeh A. Udida; 1st Vice Chairman, Tpl. Dr. Hon. Otop Otop; Former DTP and Past Chairman, Tpl. Abobana E. Abobana; Chapter Secretary and Former DTP, Tpl. Ayi E. Akiba, FNITP; and Director, Physical Planning Department, Ministry of Housing, Tpl. Patrick Utimagiang.
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) is the professional body responsible for advancing the science and art of urban and regional planning in Nigeria. Established to promote orderly, sustainable, and inclusive development, the NITP works closely with government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to formulate and implement spatial plans, housing strategies, and infrastructure policies that enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Through its chapters across the country, the Institute also advocates for capacity building, youth inclusion, and professional ethics in planning practice, ensuring that urban growth aligns with global best practices and national development goals.
