The Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr Kola Lawal, has called for the widespread adoption of smart urbanism as a strategy to address insecurity in Nigerian cities, citing evidence of a 30–40 per cent reduction in crime rates in places such as Lagos and Abuja.

Lawal made the call on Wednesday in Abeokuta while speaking on the theme “Smart Urbanism for Safer Communities” at the investiture of Tpl Olusola Odukoya as the new Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP).

Smart urbanism refers to a modern approach to city planning that integrates digital technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence into urban infrastructure and services to improve efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life.

A member of the NITP, Lawal described urban insecurity as a major global challenge with far-reaching consequences, particularly in Nigeria’s rapidly growing cities. He noted that smart urbanism offers practical solutions by combining technology, strategic planning, and policy reforms.

“Smart urbanism combines technology and planning for security, addressing crime, governance, and urban form,” he said.

“Technologies have demonstrated a 30–40 per cent reduction in crime and faster emergency response times in cities like Lagos and Abuja.”

According to him, security considerations must be deliberately embedded into city master plans and backed by strong collaboration among relevant agencies to ensure sustainable outcomes.

“Integrating security into master plans and strengthening multi-agency frameworks will bridge the gap between urban planning and security management while offering practical insights for policymakers,” Lawal added.

In a 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 role of the NITP in upholding planning standards and supporting government initiatives on land-use management and urban renewal.

Ogunfowora noted that smart city initiatives, particularly street lighting, have significantly improved security across urban centres.

“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 affected 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 NITP, Chime Ogbonna, represented by the Second Vice National Secretary, Prof. Oluwole Daramola, urged members to uphold integrity, professionalism, inclusiveness and purpose in the practice of town planning.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inducted Ogun State NITP Chairman, Tpl Olusola Odukoya, emphasised professional development and capacity building, pledging continuous training, mentorship, and knowledge sharing to ensure both global competitiveness and local relevance.
 

Odukoya also promised to deepen engagement with the government, the private sector, and the public to reinforce the critical role of town planners in sustainable development and policy formulation.