CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN PHYSICAL PLANNING IN NIGERIA: THE CASE STUDY OF ABIA STATE

Abstract

Over the years, physical planning remains a critical instrument for guiding sustainable urban and rural development, land-use management, and infrastructure provision in Nigeria. Yet many states, including Abia State, continue to struggle with weak planning frameworks, deficient implementation, and rising informal settlements and infrastructural pressures. This paper examines contemporary issues in physical planning within Abia State, identifying institutional, regulatory, financial, and governance challenges. Using secondary literature, policy-review, and contextualisation within Abia, the study highlights major gaps (such as absence of up-to-date master plans, weak development control, data shortages, and public awareness deficits), explores their implications for land-use efficiency, infrastructure provision and informal urban growth, and proposes recommendations for revitalising the planning system in Abia. The findings contribute to improved understanding of sub-national physical planning dynamics in Nigeria and emphasise the need for stronger institutional capacity, legislative reform, digital spatial data systems, stakeholder engagement, and sustained funding to realise effective physical planning.