The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) as it prepares to implement the newly approved National Urban Development Policy.
According to a statement signed by the ministry, “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 operationalising its newly reviewed National Urban Development Policy.”
Dangiwa lauded the agency for its technical support in the review process of the policy and appealed for sustained partnership as Nigeria transitions from policy formulation to implementation.
“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,” Dangiwa stated.
The minister met with Mr Mathias Spaliviero, Senior Human Settlement Officer at UN-Habitat, who delivered what Dangiwa described as an “eye-opening and inspiring” presentation on Nigeria’s urbanisation challenges and opportunities. Dangiwa praised the presentation, saying it reaffirmed the government’s commitment to urban renewal under Tinubu’s administration.
The newly approved National Urban Development Policy, passed last week by the Federal Executive Council, is designed to serve as a strategic framework for guiding Nigeria’s urban growth in alignment with international standards.
“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 on climate change,” Dangiwa affirmed.
As part of its strategy, the ministry plans to disseminate the policy to state governments, encouraging its domestication across Nigeria, as well as to key stakeholders such as the ministries of works and environment and relevant institutions.
However, the Minister emphasised that the real challenge lies in the successful implementation of the policy and made a strong appeal to UN-Habitat for expanded technical and institutional support.
“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 said.
In addition to the NUDP, Dangiwa highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives, including the development of Renewed Hope Cities, Estates, and Social Housing projects aimed at ensuring inclusive access to housing across all income brackets.
He also discussed the National Slum Upgrade and Urban Renewal Programme, which targets vulnerable urban communities, noting that the UN-Habitat presentation could not have come at a timelier moment.
“This presentation has given us hope. One of the most inspiring aspects was your use of streets as a tool for urban transformation in slums. “It shows that transforming a cluster of slums can transform an entire city,” Dangiwa remarked.
Further, the minister revealed a strategic partnership with the World Bank on a National Land Registration, Documentation, and Titling Programme to address the issue of untitled land, which affects over 90 per cent of land nationwide.
He welcomed UN-Habitat’s proposed Strategic Action Plan on land governance and expressed interest in technical support, pilot programmes, and capacity building in selected states.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to its obligations, Dangiwa also pledged to clear all outstanding financial commitments to UN-Habitat.
On his part, UN-Habitat’s Mathias Spaliviero emphasised that “proper financial planning, effective rules and regulations, as well as proper planning and design” are critical to the success of any slum upgrade initiative.
