Honourable Ubandoma Laven, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development in Plateau State, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming its urban landscape through strategic planning and professional input.
Speaking at a seminar and workshop aimed at enhancing urban planning, Laven emphasized the importance of a well-structured city to attract investment and improve the quality of life for residents.
According to Laven, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is deeply invested in making Plateau State a model for urban planning. He noted that this transformation requires collaboration with professional bodies and stakeholders responsible for city planning to ensure a more sustainable and livable environment.
“A city that is not well planned will struggle to attract investment, and many things will go wrong. That is why this seminar is crucial—to build capacity and equip town planners with the necessary knowledge to execute their duties effectively,” Laven stated.
The commissioner highlighted the expiration of the current master plan by the end of 2025, underscoring the need for a new, updated version that prioritizes urban rejuvenation. He explained that many areas in Plateau State have suffered from unplanned settlements, inadequate infrastructure, and haphazard development, leading to inefficiency and a reduced quality of life.
To address these challenges, the Plateau State government has initiated a roundtable discussion involving experts, urban planners, and policymakers. The goal is to develop a comprehensive master plan that aligns with globally accepted best practices in urban development.
“Dubai was built by town planners. Major cities that attract investment and tourism all have structured urban planning. Plateau State has the potential to become one of those great cities if we adopt and implement proper planning strategies,” Laven asserted.
He further outlined the objectives of the seminar, which include sensitizing stakeholders on the importance of urban planning, fostering collaboration among relevant bodies, and building the capacity of town planners to adopt modern techniques and methodologies.
The commissioner also reassured participants that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development remains committed to leading the process of creating and implementing a master plan that meets the aspirations of the people of Plateau State. The ministry’s priorities include inclusivity by engaging all stakeholders, transparency in decision-making, leveraging technology for efficiency, and forming partnerships with local and international development organizations.
Laven urged all participants to actively engage in the discussions and take advantage of the expertise available at the workshop. He emphasized that the knowledge shared would serve as a foundation for long-term urban transformation in the state.
“Let us seize this opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from experts, and commit to implementing the recommendations that will emerge from this seminar,” he urged.
As part of the government’s long-term strategy, Laven revealed that a technical committee will be formed after the seminar to document and implement the ideas generated. This will ensure that the master plan is not just a theoretical document but a practical guide for urban regeneration.
He also called on local government representatives to actively participate, as the new master plan will not only focus on the metropolis but will cover all cities and local government areas within Plateau State.
“The distortion in various local governments has affected our urban plans. His Excellency wants a robust master plan that will serve as a guiding policy for expansion and regeneration across the entire state,” he added.
Laven concluded by expressing gratitude to participants and resource persons, acknowledging their contributions to shaping the future of Plateau State’s urban landscape. He assured them that their input would be instrumental in laying the foundation for a more structured, sustainable, and investment-friendly Plateau State.
“These two days are not enough, but we will have a technical committee to ensure proper documentation and follow-through. Together, we can build a Plateau State that is well-planned, attractive, and ready for the future,” he said.
The seminar marks a critical step in Plateau State’s journey toward a well-planned and economically viable urban landscape, setting the stage for long-term growth and development.
