By: Moses Morenikeji
Physical planning and inclusive slum upgrading have been identified as important strategies for improving urban security and the quality of lives in Nigerian cities.
A Lecturer in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun state, Nigeria, TPL. Dr. Olumuyiwa Sola Atoyebi, made the submission during the maiden Webinar series of Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners-Young Planners Forum (NITP-YPF), titled “Urban Security Through Physical Planning and Slum Upgrade,”.
In his presentation, TPL. Dr. Atoyebi examined how urban development, provision of infrastructures and neighbourhood design influence public safety.
He explained that poorly planned urban growth can contribute to traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, restricted emergency access and poorly lit public spaces, saying these conditions were capable of complicating crime prevention and emergency response thereby creating vulnerabilities that undermine neighbourhood safety.
He emphasised that urban security extends beyond conventional policing to include effective land-use planning, accessible roads, reliable public services, environmental design and community participation.
"Street lighting, connected road networks, clear sightlines and active public spaces are practical interventions that can improve neighbourhood accessibility and support natural surveillance," he emphasised.
On informal settlements, Atoyebi advocated upgrading existing neighbourhoods rather than making residents’ displacement the default approach, highlighting the need to improve access to clean water, electricity, waste collection and stormwater drainage, while strengthening land tenure security and protecting established community networks.
TPL. Dr. Atoyebi also stressed the importance of involving residents in identifying local security concerns, mapping infrastructure deficiencies, prioritising interventions and maintaining public facilities.
According to him, urban security requires collaboration among planning authorities, local governments, law enforcement agencies, service providers and community groups, adding that trust, sustained communication and local knowledge were essential elements of such partnerships.
Atoyebi proposed a practical implementation framework involving neighbourhood assessment, collaborative planning, prioritisation of interventions, project delivery and periodic evaluation for safer cities.
"Safer and more liveable cities require coordinated action that combines sound physical planning, adequate infrastructure, inclusive neighbourhood upgrading and trusted community partnerships," he explained.
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