FG Seeks UN-Habitat’s Support For National Urban Development Policy

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called for deeper collaboration and implementation support from UN-Habitat as Nigeria enters a crucial phase in operationalizing its newly reviewed National Urban Development Policy (NUDP).

Dangiwa made the call during his meeting with the representative of the Regional UN- Habitat office, Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, in Abuja on Thursday.

While appreciating the presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization by the UN-Habitat team, Dangiwa described it as “eye-opening and inspiring.”

The minister also commended the agency for its strategic partnership and technical guidance in the development of the reviewed NUDP.

He noted that the UN-Habitat presentation reaffirmed Nigeria’s ongoing urban renewal initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“You came and did a wonderful presentation. For us, it has opened our eyes because, as you are aware, Nigeria is undergoing a transformation in the housing and urban development sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he remarked.

Dangiwa also said the major milestone was recorded last week with the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the reviewed National Urban Development Policy, noting that it was developed in close collaboration with UN-Habitat.

He highlighted the administration’s commitment to delivering thousands of housing units through the development of Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates and Renewed Hope Social Housing, ensuring inclusive access for all income levels.

He further noted that the ministry has embarked on a National Slum Upgrade and Urban Renewal Programme, that targets vulnerable urban communities across the country, affirming that the presentation came at the right time.

The Minister hailed the policy as a forward-thinking framework designed to guide Nigeria’s urban growth in line with global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, New Urban Agenda and climate action imperatives.

“The policy provides a clear and forward-looking framework for guiding urban growth in Nigeria. It is in harmony with the SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and our commitments to climate change.

“We need the right expertise and institutional support to implement this policy successfully. We still want to count on UN-Habitat, not just as a support expert but as an implementation partner.

“We will also require your help in recommending experts who can work with the Ministry in translating it to tangible measurable outputs at both the federal and state levels,” he stated.

Earlier in his visual presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization, the UN-Habitat Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr Mathias Spaliviero, emphasized that proper financial planning, effective rules and regulations, as well as proper planning and design are fundamental to the successful implementation of the slum upgrade programme.

FG Seeks UN-Habitat’s Support For National Urban Development Policy is first published on The Whistler Newspaper