… Through Inclusivity and Creative Solution
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AWTPN Pioneer National Chairman, TPL Risikat Bello
The City People Real Estate Awards recently recognized outstanding players in Nigeria’s built environment. Among the honorees was Town Planner (TPL) Bello Risikat Bukola, Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), a trailblazer in the sector and the Pioneer National Chairman of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN). In this interview with Citypeople reporter, Jamiu Abubakar, she shares her journey, the vision behind the women’s wing of the profession, her passion for mentorship, and the impact of her charity foundation. Below are excerpts:
Good evening and congratulations on your award. Can you tell us a bit about your profile?
My name is Town Planner Mrs. Bello Risikat Bukola. I am a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, the Pioneer National Chairman of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN), and a Director in Office of Physical Planning (OPP) – Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Lagos State. I currently serve as Chairman of the Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of NITP and I am also President of the RISIBELLO Charity Foundation.
How do you feel about receiving this award today?
Honestly, I am honored and very proud of myself. Each time I receive an award, I see it as recognition of hard work, focus, and genuine contribution to community sustainability. It encourages me to keep doing more.
The housing and planning sector is vast. What would you say are some of your key contributions?
As a creative town planner, I am also dynamic in the digital aspects of planning. Beyond policies and physical planning designs, I was part of the pioneering team that introduced automation into planning processes in Lagos State. In fact, I led the team that delivered the first partial automation for planning permits in 2016 known as Electronic Planning Permit -ePP.
That must have been challenging. How easy was it to push through automation in planning?
The Implementation of innovative solutions often presents challenges, and adaptation of new methods particularly use of technology in the past was very tough. However, with time, the industry has not only accepted but also embraced these changes, ultimately streamlining business processes, particularly in Lagos State’s construction sector and this was recognized by World Bank Group 2017 -2018 for Ease of Doing Business Reforms.
Presently the State is working on full Automation of Physical Planning Processes which I was part of this Team before I was posted to one of the Agencies (Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority -LASISMA) in the Ministry (Year 2023) where I initiated and introduced the preparation of an Action Area Plan to address the misuse, abuse, and uncoordinated use of Informal Urban Spaces (IUS) and Incidental Open Spaces (IOS). Additionally, I initiated and developed the LASISMA Regulations for consideration. I have returned to the Ministry (Office of Physical Planning) to continue contributing to its mandates and advancing initiatives that promote effective urban planning and development.
As the Pioneer Chairman of the Association of Women Town Planners, what inspired the creation of the body?
On 7th February 2019, under the leadership of Tpl. Lekwa Ezutah, FNITP, Past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), a Coordinating Committee was established to oversee the activities of women in planning, with the goal of setting up a dedicated association with the supervision of Tpl. Mrs. Morenike Babalola FNITP. Subsequently, on 27th October 2021, an election was conducted under the leadership of Tpl. Olutoyin Ayinde, FNITP, which ushered in the Executive Committee of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN) to promote effective professional service delivery in the field of Urban and Regional Planning.
Before this time, women in the profession were often reserved and rarely stepped forward to assume leadership roles. The establishment of the Association has therefore provided a strong platform for women planners to unite, showcase their abilities, and contribute meaningfully to the sustainability of our environment.
Through the Association, we have intensified our efforts in capacity building, advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and innovative design initiatives that promote effective physical planning and sustainable development across Nigeria.
How has the association helped women in the profession?
It has helped us stay focused and task-driven. We now embrace professionalism more than ever, protecting our integrity and ensuring responsibilities are delivered promptly. It has given us visibility and a stronger voice in the sector.
You hold leadership roles across multiple professional bodies. How do you manage them all?
Honestly, it’s not easy. But passion drives me. When you love what you do, you will keep going despite the stress. My passion for making things work wherever I find myself keeps me motivated to deliver and take on more responsibilities.
Tell us about the Risibello Charity Foundation.
It is a platform to empower deserving individuals, especially best students and the less privileged students. We focus on educational empowerment, capacity building, and support for widows, the elderly, and needy individuals.
Though the foundation was officially registered just last year, I’ve been doing this for over 20 years informally. A sister and colleague, TPL Yemisi Alaka advised me to register it so I could expand and attract more support—and thankfully, my family, friends and other supporters have been very helpful in sustaining it.
Do you have specific locations for your projects?
No, we are not limited to one location. Our reach is nationwide. As a former national chairman, I have contacts across Nigeria who help us identify beneficiaries, especially best-performing students in my profession and other fields. My contact persons are the State NITP Chairmen, State AWTPN Chairpersons, Head of Departments in Tertiary Institutions, Family and Friends Nationwide. As women, we are mothers to all, so our support is not restricted to town planning alone.
What’s next for the Association of Women Town Planners before the end of 2025?
Although I am no longer the Chairman, I can confirm that by the last week of October 2025, the Association will be hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) alongside the National Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP). It promises to be an international conference that will bring together professionals, scholars, and policymakers for meaningful dialogue and impactful engagements aimed at advancing the practice of urban and regional planning in Nigeria and beyond.
Finally, as a role model to many young female professionals, what message do you have for those aspiring to reach the top?
My advice is simple: wherever you find yourself, know that you are destined to be there. Give your best at all times and strive for excellence. Whether you are a town planner, doctor, lawyer, or marketer, always see yourself as a role model to someone and a worthy ambassador of your family and profession. Remember, people are watching you—so live up to that responsibility with integrity, dedication, and professionalism. Take one step at a time, stay true to your values, and never compromise your principles. In doing so, you will not only succeed but also inspire others to rise.
Tpl. (Mrs.) Bello Risikat: Driving Innovation and Sustainable Urban Development in Lagos State
Tpl. (Mrs.) Bello Risikat Bukola, FNITP, MRTPI, is a trailblazing Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, with over 33 years of dedicated service in advancing sustainable, digital, and inclusive urban planning.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and Affiliate of the Royal Town Planning Institute (UK), she has been instrumental in the digital transformation of physical planning in Lagos — pioneering the e-Planning Permit System, automation of planning processes, and geo-referenced data management that enhanced efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation for the State.
Tpl. Bello also coordinated the World Bank Ease of Doing Business reforms, initiated the Physical Planning Museum Centre, and led key urban policy and land-use initiatives, Participated in the drafting of the LASISMA Bill and she initiated the preparation of the Lagos State Informal Urban Spaces Regulations (LASISMA).
Beyond her technical achievements, she is a visionary leader, mentor, and humanitarian — the Pioneer National Chairman of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN) and Founder of RISIBELLO Charity Foundation, through which she empowers women, youth, and vulnerable groups via education and mentorship.
Her impact has earned her multiple national and international recognitions, including the Long Service Award- Marks her 33 Years of Hardwork, Dedication, Industrious and Exemplary Conduct in the Service of Lagos State (2025). She won Lagos State Best Service Window Innovation Award for her Unit (2016), World Bank Appreciation Certificates (2017, 2028 & 2029), the National Statesmanship Productivity Merit Award, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) & Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria (AWTPN) Awards at different years and other Awards.
Tpl. Bello’s legacy within the Lagos State Government stands as a model of visionary leadership, innovation, and service, redefining urban planning practice in Nigeria and beyond.
