Abule Ado explosion: Institute calls for urgent implementation of town planning laws

By Ladi Patrick
Following the recent pipeline explosion in Abule Ado area of Lagos State that claimed lives and property, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, has urged government at all levels to urgently implement town planning laws, regulations, standards and specifications, especially in relation to pipeline and other utility rights-of-way and building development to avert such crisis in the future.
The institute in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, TPL Sani Daniel in Abuja, also reiterated its commitment to partner with government at all levels to ensure adherence to the principles of urban planning and development of neighborhoods, settlements and cities in order to enhance national development.
“The institute advises that government on its part should as a matter of urgency demonstrate commitment to the implementation of town planning laws, regulations, standards and specifications especially in relation to pipeline and other utility rights-of-way and building development to avert such crisis in the future.”
He advocated for the immediate and remote causes of the explosion to be ascertained through investigation/inquiry.
Daniel noted that the tragic incident is a wake-up call on government at all levels and other key stakeholders like the downstream sector, corporate organizations, developers and indeed citizens to join hands in promoting UPD of our human settlements.

The statement reads in part, “the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners mission is to see man as the beneficiary of all development activities and ensure an environment that is livable, healthy, friendly, efficient and economically viable.
“The institute will continue to look forward to the enthronement of order in the development of human settlements and hopes that ultimately, we will have settlements where citizens can live, work and play without fear of personal or property safety.
‘‘NITP commiserates with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, the good people of Lagos State, families of victims of the unfortunate explosion and others who were adversely affected by the incident.’’
The institute commended the quick response and attention given to the incident by the Lagos State Government, first responders, security agencies, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to bring the situation to normalcy and provide succour to those affected.
It would be recalled that on Sunday, March 15, there was a pipeline explosion in the Abule Ado area of Lagos State.
The unfortunate incident led to the loss of about 23 lives, with several people injured and about 500 persons displaced. It also affected about 50 buildings.