The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has started a campaign to address the failure of the cities to promote a sustainable environment.

The body, which holds its 46th Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Ilorin, Kwara State October 27 to 30 has fixed "Making cities in Nigeria functional" as its conference theme.

It is aimed at using the conference to create awareness on the issue.

Organising Committee Chairman and First National Vice-President of the NITP, Mr. Luka Achi, explained that the focus of this year's theme is on making settlements functional.

He however regrets that this dream has continued to be an illusion for Nigerians, as settlements of various sizes and characteristics exhibit elements of disjointed and dysfunctional space use and inter-relationship.

"The impact of this can be observed in the absence of physical plans, poor transportation and related services, absence of social amenities and services and a general neglect of the socially disadvantaged group of the society. Where these plans exist, they are either distorted or not complied with," Achi said.