By Mbidoaka Livinus
The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Imo State Chapter, has commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for appointing Surveyor Clement Nwabichie as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, while urging urgent action to restore the integrity of Owerri’s master plan and address growing physical planning challenges in the state.
Pix caption:The commissioner for lands Surv. Clement Nwabichie with the delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (Imo state Chapter) who came for a courtesy visit.
The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the institute’s delegation to the commissioner at his office in the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning.
The leader of the delegation, Architect Amaugo Ugorji, described Nwabichie’s appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” expressing confidence in his ability to address challenges in land administration and physical planning.
Pix caption:The commissioner for lands, Surv. Nwabichie in a chat with the leader of the delegation Architect Amaugo Ugorji after the courtesy call at his office
Ugorji raised concerns over the distortion of Owerri’s master plan, particularly the development of multi-storey buildings in areas originally designated for bungalow-type residential development. He warned that such practices could lead to overcrowding, poor ventilation and unhealthy living conditions.
He urged the commissioner to review policies and practices undermining orderly urban development, stressing the need to protect open spaces and ensure compliance with approved building and planning regulations.
Responding, Nwabichie pledged to work with the institute and other relevant professional bodies to address the challenges confronting the state’s built environment.
He decried the encroachment on open spaces, describing them as essential to a healthy urban environment. He also expressed concern over the increasing conversion of buildings in Owerri into commercial and mixed-use properties, noting the associated rise in noise pollution.
The commissioner promised to support efforts towards the domestication of the National Building Code in Imo State, emphasising the need for appropriate standards to guide construction and promote orderly urban development.
Nwabichie, a former National President of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) and current Chairman of the Body of Fellows of the institute, called on architects to support the government with accurate information and honest professional advice to facilitate informed policy decisions.
He urged practitioners to uphold professional ethics and standards, stressing that integrity and a good professional reputation should take precedence over financial considerations.
The commissioner further assured the delegation that the ministry would bring relevant professional bodies together to develop practical solutions to land-use and physical planning challenges in the state.
Present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Mrs. Angelina Ohiri; some heads of departments; and members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Imo State Chapter.
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