Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has emphasised the crucial role of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges of urbanisation in Nigeria.
He asserted this during a meeting with delegates from the HipCity Innovation Centre at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja recently.
Dangiwa noted that as Nigeria’s cities continue to expand, sustainable urban development requires fresh ideas and collective efforts.
“The 2024 World Cities Day event and the World Urban Forum in Cairo were important moments for us as a ministry. They reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of urbanisation,” he stated.
He acknowledged that young people, who form the largest demographic in Nigeria, are central to shaping the future of urban centres.
“Young people, as the dominant population of city dwellers, have a unique perspective on the issues affecting urban areas, from housing affordability to transportation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion,” the minister said.
Dangiwa commended the initiative of the HipCity delegation to establish a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, describing it as a step toward participatory governance.
“It aligns perfectly with the ministry’s vision of inclusive and participatory governance, where every citizen has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” he said.
The minister further expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with youth organisations to harness their creativity and talent in building more resilient and equitable urban centres.
He assured the delegates that their proposal would receive due consideration.
“We will work with you to holistically review the concept that you have proposed, make necessary inputs so that it is transparent, inclusive, and sustainable,” Dangiwa promised.
On his part, the Executive Director of HipCity Innovation Centre, Bassey Bassey, called on the Ministry to formally establish a Youth Advisory Board to integrate young people’s perspectives into housing and urban development policies.
He praised Dangiwa’s leadership as Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, particularly for prioritising strategic planning on issues such as adequate housing, land reform, and slum transformation.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, Bassey stressed the need to position Nigerian youths for active participation in global urban development discussions.
“The Board should be set up within the shortest possible time in order to position the Nigerian youths to contribute to global conversation and take local action when the strategic plan at the global level kickstarts in the year 2026,” he said.
