Alternative planning approaches and the sustainable cities programme in Nigeria

Recent arguments have been in favour of urban planning systems and innovative approaches that must function as tools for achieving sustainable urbanization. This paper examines the application of the central methodology of the Sustainable Cities Programme in Nigeria and explores how it can contribute in the shift towards alternative urban planning approaches. Data were collected using combined methods of questionnaire survey, individual interviews and document review. Progress was made in adopting broad based inclusiveness in negotiating and prioritizing issues of concern; preparing the cities' Profiles for a wider understanding of the interrelationship of development activities and the environment in addressing urban challenges; building consensus and in coordination among sectors. Cities' level of institutionalization of the common components of the process was low. Political and professional commitment, public support, education and information and a strong core of change agents are some of the contributing factors in shifting towards innovative approaches expected to respond to urban challenges. The results are directly useful in developing measures for making a major shift in policies, planning practice and education in Nigeria.