The plethora of planning authorities in most urban areas in most developing countries has contributed to the
emergence of more complex problems. Three key elements have been identified; roles are not clear, functions
are overlapping, and responsibilities not fully discharged. This paper evaluates the activities of the planning
authorities in Jos metropolis, Nigeria, by identifying and comparing their roles, functions and responsibilities as
they impact the growth and development in the region. The convenience sampling technique was used, and one
board, two ministries and six lands sections under the Works Department in the six local government areas in Jos
metropolis were identified for the study. Archival data and document review were used. Face-to-face interviews
with nine experts in the built environment from the nine planning authorities in achieving proportional
development in Jos metropolis were also used to augment data for the study. The results show that each planning
authority has a clear role, function and responsibility but there is always conflict at various levels (tiers of
government) as there is no linkages between them, and that some decrees are obsolete and forms a barrier to
effective discharge of roles, functions and responsibilities of the planning authorities. The paper also proffers
some recommendations for planning authorities and academia.