Poor Urban Planning Fueling Nigeria’s Insecurity, Says Vice Chancellor

The Vice Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, has blamed Nigeria’s growing insecurity on poor urban planning and neglected infrastructure.

Ojediran spoke while delivering the keynote address at the 12th Waheed Kadiri Lecture Series, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Ogun State Chapter.

The VC submitted that criminal activities thrive in “poorly planned neighbourhoods, abandoned buildings, unlit streets, informal transport hubs, and congested corridors that limit visibility and response time.”

Ojediran said, “Urban environments experience insecurity differently from rural and peri-urban spaces. In cities, crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence, and organized criminal activity thrive in poorly planned neighbourhoods, abandoned buildings, unlit streets, informal transport hubs, and congested corridors that limit visibility and response time.

“What this clearly tells us is that insecurity in Nigeria cannot be sustainably addressed through policing and military force alone. It is deeply embedded in how our spaces are designed, how infrastructure systems function, and how planning decisions shape human movement, visibility, access, and control.”

The VC further submitted that, “Insecurity in Nigeria is not accidental. It is closely linked to how we lay out roads, develop neighbourhoods, maintain public spaces, and deliver essential services.”

The engineering expert argued that while security agencies remain essential, modern urban development must integrate safety from the design stage.

To tackle the challenges, the VC proposed a six-point plan, including designing roads and public spaces with security in mind; installing decentralised lighting systems; and enhancing emergency communication networks.

Ojediran also recommended the usage of digital mapping to monitor crime-prone areas, involvement of communities in planning decisions, as well as safety standards in building and planning regulations.

The lecture series was held in honour of distinguished town planner and former National President of NITP and former Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, on his 75th birthday.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ogun Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tunji Odunlami, noted that the theme of the lecture was apt and focused on current issues in the country.

He advised all participants to become better informed, equipped, and to put into practice measures that will improve the security and safety of citizens.

Odunlami stated that Governor Dapo Abiodun had supported security agencies in the state by providing funds, vehicles, arms and ammunition, including drones, to ensure that residents are safe.

“We are planners and engineers, and so we should design into whatever we do, safety and security so that our environment can be livable and peaceful for our people.”

Kadiri, in his short remarks, expressed appreciation to the people who rallied round him to celebrate him.

He corroborated the speakers on the need for professionals, especially town planners, to fight insecurity through their work.

He also encouraged all stakeholders to contribute their quota in the process of fighting insecurity in the country.

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