Africa-Led Vote, Shifts Global Power Dynamics As UN-Habitat Adopts Strategic Plan 

By Adamu S Ladan 
 

In a landmark but contentious decision, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has officially adopted its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029. 

The vote-based adoption—strongly championed by the Africa Group—broke from the tradition of consensus, drawing criticism from the United States but hailed by developing nations as a necessary evolution in global governance.

The Plan aims to tackle the global housing crisis, which affects an estimated 2.8 billion people, by focusing on three transformative pillars: Inclusive Prosperity, Preparedness and Reconstruction, and Climate Sustainability.

The Africa Group, with broad support from other developing regions, drove the momentum for the plan’s adoption, citing urgency in responding to mounting urban challenges across the Global South.

Speaking shortly after the vote, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, praised the process and substance of the Strategic Plan:
 

“This is a major victory for equity in global urban development. Africa’s urban needs can no longer be sidelined. The Strategic Plan gives voice to our realities and puts us on a path to sustainable, inclusive progress.”

Echoing this sentiment,  most diplomats of the Africa Group at the UN-Habitat Assembly, hailed the development as one of them said:
 

“Consensus is ideal, but justice is essential. The vote reflects a democratic affirmation of our priorities. For too long, the Global South has waited. Today, we acted.”

The United States delegation, while acknowledging the importance of the Plan’s content, sharply criticized the process by which it was adopted. A senior U.S. official described the move as “disappointing and counterproductive”, arguing that the absence of consensus undermines the spirit of multilateralism.
 

“We support the vision of inclusive urban development, but the manner of adoption threatens the cohesion necessary for implementing it effectively,” the delegate noted.

Observers suggest the U.S. may now shift focus toward influencing implementation, leveraging its financial contributions and partnerships to shape the direction of programming.

UN-Habitat Executive Director, Anaclaudia Rossbach acknowledged the division but emphasized the agency’s commitment to delivering on its mandate:
 

“ We are committed to working with all partners, regardless of the path taken to this moment.”

The outcome of the Assembly has prompted broader reflection on the state of global cooperation. Analysts view the vote as a signal of shifting power dynamics, where emerging economies are increasingly asserting their interests within multilateral institutions.

 Roosevel Chibudhom of Nigeria Mission in Kenya, and one of strong pillars of the Africa Group noted:
“That the development has real implications for how global development priorities are set and executed.”

As implementation of the Strategic Plan begins, the challenge will lie in maintaining cohesion and securing the resources necessary to deliver on its bold ambitions. The Plan’s emphasis on inter-agency collaboration and SDG alignment offers a roadmap for progress—but only if geopolitical tensions do not derail execution.

For the Africa Group and its allies, the vote marks a defining moment—proof that their collective voice can shape the global agenda. For the United States and others, it serves as a call to reengage diplomatically to preserve consensus without stifling reform.
 

In a world of deepening urban crises and shifting alliances, the adoption of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan may be remembered not just for its contents, but for how it redefined the rules of international cooperation.
 

The Easter Message from Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.

As Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I extend my warmest Easter wishes to all Nigerians. This joyous occasion reminds us of the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and love over hate.

Let us also acknowledge the struggles and challenges that many of our fellow citizens face. We must recognize the plight of those who are still searching for a safe and affordable home, a basic necessity that is essential to human dignity.

As Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, I am committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that every Nigerian has access to decent and affordable housing. We are working tirelessly to implement policies and programs that will increase the availability of affordable housing units, improve the quality of existing housing stock, and promote sustainable urban development.

Let us also renew our commitment to building a better Nigeria for all. Let us strive to create a society that is just, equitable, and prosperous for every citizen. Let us work together to ensure that our cities and towns are safe, clean, and livable for all.

Once again, I wish you a happy Easter. May this blessed occasion bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. May we emerge from this Easter season with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to building a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

-  Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
 

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AT THE STAKEHOLDER FORUM ON DEVELOPMENT OF FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR MANUFACTURERS OF LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS COMPONENTS IN NIGERIA

Protocols:

1. I want to start by underscoring the importance of building materials in the overall cost of constructing a house.

2. On average, building materials account for approximately 50% to 70% of the total cost of building a house.

3. Cement alone can account for 15% to 20% of the total cost, while steel and reinforcement materials make up another 10% to 15%.

4. Roofing materials account for 5% to 10%, doors, windows, and finishes can take up 10% to 15%, and electrical and plumbing materials round off with 5% to 10%.

5. Sand, gravel, and aggregates contribute 5% to 10%, and blocks and bricks add another 5% to 10%.

6. These figures highlight a clear reality: the cost of building materials is a major determinant of housing affordability. If we can reduce the cost of these materials through local production and strategic fiscal incentives, we can significantly lower the overall cost of housing construction. This, in turn, will make housing more accessible to the average Nigerian.

7. The issue of boosting local manufacturing of building materials has been a longstanding one. It is worth noting that the Building Materials Producers Association of Nigeria (BUMPAN) was formally established on 24th March 2004, with the objective of identifying, mobilizing, and sensitizing small and medium domestic producers of building materials and components to the challenges and economic potential.

8. BUMPAN was envisioned to lay a solid foundation for the development of robust, effective, and economically viable small and medium-scale industries for the production of building materials.

9. It was also expected to facilitate the production of affordable, target-priced houses that would be within the reach of contributors to the National Housing Fund.

10. Similarly, BUMPAN was designed to provide backward and forward linkages in housing production, encompassing building materials and the associated small and medium-scale industries. These industries were to offer employment opportunities, create wealth, and contribute to the economic progress of the country.

11. Today, for so many reasons,  we cannot really point to what BUMPAN has achieved.

12. The local manufacturing of building materials has the potential to create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce our reliance on imported materials. By supporting local manufacturers, we can foster innovation, improve quality, and reduce costs, making housing more affordable for Nigerians.

13. Local production of building materials will directly contribute to reducing the cost of construction, thereby making housing more accessible to the average Nigerian. This aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to providing affordable housing for all.

14. As we discussed yesterday, the government is actively working to establish building materials manufacturing hubs across the country. These hubs will serve as centralized locations where manufacturers can access shared infrastructure, reduce production costs, and benefit from economies of scale.

15. The rationale behind this initiative is clear: by clustering manufacturers in designated hubs, we can create a synergistic environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. These hubs are to also provide access to modern technology, training programs, and research and development facilities, enabling manufacturers to produce high-quality materials that meet international standards.

16.  Moreover, the hubs will be strategically located to ensure easy access to raw materials and distribution networks, further reducing transportation costs and enhancing competitiveness.

17. In this regard, the suggestions yesterday  that these hubs should be established in existing free trade zone areas is worthy of serious consideration. Free trade zones already offer significant advantages, such as tax incentives, reduced regulatory burdens, and access to markets. By leveraging these zones, we can accelerate the establishment of manufacturing hubs, reduce initial setup costs, and attract both local and foreign investments.

18. Additionally, empowering producers of key materials like cement to scale up their operations at their existing locations is another viable option. By providing targeted support to these producers, such as access to affordable financing, tax incentives, and infrastructure improvements, we can enable them to increase production capacity, lower costs, and meet the growing demand for building materials without the need for entirely new hubs. This approach not only reduces the cost and time required to deploy new hubs but also maximizes the use of existing resources and infrastructure.

19. We are taking this route because we recognize that local manufacturers of building materials face several challenges, including high production costs due to inadequate infrastructure, limited access to affordable financing, competition from imported materials, and inconsistent government policies and regulations.

20. These challenges have hindered the growth of the sector and limited its contribution to the economy. That is why we are taking proactive steps to create an enabling environment for local manufacturers.

21. Fiscal incentives are one of the most effective tools at our disposal. These incentives can include tax holidays or reduced tax rates for local manufacturers, customs duty waivers on the importation of machinery and raw materials, grants and subsidies to scale up production, access to affordable financing through low-interest loans, and public-private partnerships to drive innovation and growth. I am sure that more on this will be discussed at this session.

22. In conclusion, the development of fiscal incentives for manufacturers of local building materials is not just a policy option; it is a necessity for the growth of our economy and the realization of our housing goals.

23. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to a productive discussion.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

OPENING STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF STATE, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, RT. HON YUSUF ABDULLAHI ATA AT THE STAKEHOLDER'S ENGAGEMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR MANUFACTURERS OF LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS COMPONENTS IN NIGERIA, HELD AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL, G.R.A IKEJA, LAGOS ON 20^TH FEBRUARY, 2025

PROTOCOL

Honourable Minister,

Chairman Senate Committee on Lands, Housing & Urban Development,

Chairmen of the relevant House Committees,

Permanent Secretary,

Directors and Staff of the Ministry,

Speakers at this event,

Chairmen of the Four (4) Reform Task Teams,

Stakeholders from relevant MDAs and the Private Sector,

Officials of the Lagos State Government,

Members of the Press,

Ladies & Gentlemen.

It is my honour and great previlege to give the opening statement at this very important session on the development of fiscal incentives for manufacturers of local building materials components in Nigeria. We are gathered here today to discuss how we can jointly work to enhance the production of local building materials, reduce construction costs, and, in the process, stimulate economic growth in our nation.

2.       As part of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s (FMHUD) commitment to Nigeria’s development agenda under the Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables for 2023-2027, we are focused on addressing key challenges in the housing and construction sectors. Our objectives include rapidly reforming our housing institutions, establishing a National Social Housing Fund, revising the Land Use Act, and ensuring the construction of at least 20,000 housing units annually.

3.       However, one of the key focus areas of this administration is establishing a private sector-led local building materials manufacturing cluster in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative will focus on the development of fiscal incentives to support private investors, particularly in the local production of building components.

4.       The construction and real estate sectors are vital drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth. They employ millions of people and contribute significantly to our GDP. But we face some daunting challenges in these sectors. The high cost and inconsistent supply of building materials remain critical obstacles. Import dependence on materials like cement, iron rods, tiles, glass, and roofing sheets inflates construction costs. Moreover, the production capabilities of our local manufacturers remain underdeveloped, adding to the cost burden.

5.       To meet the needs of our growing population and rapidly urbanizing communities, we must focus on increasing local production. We need to reduce reliance on imports, make building materials more affordable, and create jobs for our people.

6.       In light of these challenges, we are exploring the establishment of manufacturing hubs in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These hubs will focus on producing key building materials, such as cement, steel, roofing materials, tiles, paints, and glass etc. By boosting local production, we aim to reduce construction costs, stimulate economic development, promote regional growth, and generate employment opportunities.

7.       The hubs will be strategically placed in key locations like Ogun, Delta, Abia, Kano, Gombe, and Kwara states, with each hub serving its respective region. These hubs will not only enhance production capabilities but will also offer significant opportunities for private sector investment, vocational training, and innovation.

8        The key objective is to establish a sustainable, decentralized network of building materials manufacturing hubs across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones aimed at improving the nation’s manufacturing competitiveness. The hubs will bring together the states in the region, industry partners, local businesses, local governments, economic development agencies, and educational institutions, to collaborate and grow the required regional manufacturing.  The development of a strong local manufacturing ecosystem will ensure the hubs are driven from within the geo-political zones, based on local knowledge and insight. The ecosystem will develop over time and position the hubs to be self-sustaining, going forward.

9.       The hubs will synergize with our vocational and tertiary institutions to develop a workforce with strong skills in science, technology, and engineering and provide a significant opportunity by bringing together industry and researchers in one place to potentially work on developmental projects together. The advantages associated with the hub include the offering of significant and transformational benefits for regional manufacturing businesses including:

1. a benchmarking service;
2. saving time for business and helping manufacturers focus more on developing their products;
3. assistance to help bring products to market;
4. showcasing regional manufacturers and maximization of regional cost advantages;
5. Workforce Development and Training for businesses and employees;
6. business mentoring and coaching;  
7. developing important career pathways to and from schools and universities;
8. growing SMEs to drive growth in regional areas and job creation;
9. bringing together business and research to improve regional manufacturing capabilities

10.     The co-location strategy is to amongst others, ensure that the value added through innovations in these hubs, spread rapidly across the six geo-political zones. The hubs will be under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a central oversight committee may be established and chaired by the Honorable Minister or his representative. The Committee will be responsible for the strategic direction of the hubs, amongst others. Membership may include representatives of state governments, universities, vocational institutions, unions, and industry players.

11.     The Role of Fiscal Incentives in Boosting Local Manufacturing: As we discuss the role of fiscal incentives in driving the success of these manufacturing hubs, we recognize that it is critical for the government to provide robust and targeted support. The following incentives are currently under consideration:

1. Tax Incentives: As a Ministry, we intend to push for tax holidays or exemptions for new and expanding building materials factories and we believe that, reduced corporate tax rates and investment tax credits will make it easier for manufacturers to invest in technology, machinery, and capacity building.
2. Subsidies and Grants: We are considering subsidies for the importation or local procurement of raw materials, as well as government grants for research and development initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and reducing production costs.
3. Access to Cheap Financing: In synergy with other government agencies, we will work with local banks and development finance institutions to provide low-interest loans, credit guarantee schemes, and financing to encourage manufacturers to expand their operations.
4. Infrastructure Development: The government will focus on improving energy supply, transportation, and logistics infrastructure. This includes ensuring reliable power supply and upgrading key transport networks to reduce the cost of raw material supply and distribution.
5. Local Content Policies: We are exploring policies to provide preference for locally produced materials in government construction projects, encouraging manufacturers to increase production to meet the growing demand.
6. Duty Waivers on Equipment Imports: We will also synergize with relevant MDAs to consider offering duty-free or reduced duties on essential manufacturing equipment and raw materials to help reduce initial capital expenditure for manufacturers.
7. Building Material Manufacture Hubs (Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones (SEZs)): The Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs under reference are being contemplated as industrial parks, specifically designed for building materials manufacturers, where they can benefit from tax incentives, shared infrastructure, and improved access to raw materials.
8. Capacity Building and Skills Development: In addition to fiscal incentives, we understand the importance of skills development. Training programs and vocational schemes will be rolled out to ensure that we have a well-equipped and highly skilled workforce to support the growth of the manufacturing hubs. This collaboration with educational and technical institutions will ensure that local manufacturers benefit from continuous skills development, which will in turn help improve product quality and operational efficiency.
9. Export Incentives: To further encourage growth, we will also explore export incentives, such as export subsidies, tax exemptions on profits from exported goods, and assistance with navigating international markets. This will allow our local manufacturers to scale up production and tap into regional and global markets, boosting the competitiveness of Nigerian-made building materials.
10. Collaboration and Support for Research and Innovation: As a Ministry, we recognize the role of research, development, and innovation in driving long-term success. Through government support for R&D, we aim to encourage the development of new technologies that will improve the sustainability, cost-efficiency, and competitiveness of local manufacturers.

12.     Nigeria is already witnessing promising success stories in this sector. Companies like X Engineering Ltd and Green Build Nigeria have championed innovative solutions, producing high-quality cement alternatives and eco-friendly bricks using locally sourced materials. Through strategic partnerships and government support, these enterprises have demonstrated the viability and competitiveness of our local manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the adoption of indigenous materials such as stabilized earth blocks, bamboo-reinforced concrete, and locally sourced roofing materials has led to cost reductions of up to 30% in some housing projects.

13.     In the Northern Region, communities have embraced interlocking compressed earth bricks, significantly reducing dependency on imported alternatives. Similarly, in the Niger Delta, the use of recycled plastic as a construction material is not only tackling waste management issues but also providing affordable housing solutions.

14.     Finally, I will like to thank and specially recognize Arc. Nuhu S. Wya and his Task Team on the establishment of the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs for their detailed work and guidance. The establishment of local building materials manufacturing hubs and the development of fiscal incentives are critical to addressing the challenges in the construction sector. These efforts of the FGN, will not only lower the cost of building materials but will also create jobs, stimulate regional development, and reduce our reliance on imports.

15.     We look forward to engaging with you, our esteemed stakeholders, to explore the best ways to implement these initiatives. Together, we can ensure that Nigeria’s construction industry becomes more self-sufficient, efficient, and competitive, contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of our nation.

16.     Thank you for your time and participation. We look forward to a fruitful and productive session.