FG's Urban Development Agenda, A Necessesity for Wellbeing of Future Genenerations - Minister Gwarzo   ** Says, sector policy initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, deliberate for collective good.   Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo has stated that the integrated urban development agenda under the housing and urban development sector was intended to provide positive transformation of urban landscafe at all levels, thereby securing the future for Nigerians.   Minister Gwarzo stated this in his closing address of the 2024 National Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations in Nigeria held at Dejavu Hotels abd Suites, Akure, Ondo State.   The address of the Minister was read on his behalf by Director Urban and Regional Development of the Ministry, Tpl Dr Olakunde Akionola David.   " It is imperative that we continue to prioritise sustainable development in all our planning and implementation efforts .... sustainable development is not just a goal, rather it is a necessity for the wellbeing of our current and future generations " Gwarzo stated   The theme for the 2024 conference is 'Effective Physical Planning as a Panacea for Integrated and Sustainable Urban Development in Nigeria "   Gwarzo who described the conference a valuable opportunity to catalogue the honest efforts of the current administration towards repositioning Nigeria's housing and urban development sector, commended the dutiful and indefatigable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the massive strides in pointedly addressing issues of housing and sustainable development.   Accordingly, the Minister appreciated the efforts of the many sector players at the states' governments level doing quite alot, saying what is remaining is to integrate and galvanize the individual efforts into a single and indivisible whole.   " By integrating sustainable practices, we can create urban environments that are resilient, inclusive and capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation " he concluded   The Minister called on the participants to have a common focus on creating green spaces, promoting energy efficient buildings and ensuring that urban planning processes are environmentally friendly, pointing out that sustainable development will not only enhance the quality of life for citizens but also position Nigeria as one of the leaders in Innovative and responsible urban development.   Ondo State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chief Bunmi Alade and Professor Albert Abegunde, a member of National Institute of Town Planners (NIPL), and Lecturer in University of Ife, attended the closing ceremony.   The three days conference was attended by 197 Participants from 31 States of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).   ...

MINISTER GWARZO JOINS SPANIARDS CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY    Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, His Excellency, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has joined Spanish community in Nigeria to celebrate this year's (2024) Spain National Day at a reception organised by the country's embassy in Abuja.   The Minister, earlier, in a congratulatory letter sent to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Juan Ignacio Sell, noted that the longstanding bilateral relation between Nigeria and Spain brought about numerous benefits to both countries.   Minister Gwarzo, praised Spaniards for preserving their rich cultural heritage which he said facilitated the country's developmental achievements, adding that the commemoration of the national day signifies the value attached to the esteemed norms of the Spaniards.   He sought more collaboration between Spain and Nigeria especially in the area of Housing and Urban Development. "I look forward to further strengthen our bond as we work towards sustainable urban solutions which will be beneficial to the two countries," the Minister stated.   During the reception, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Juan Ignacio Sell has expressed his country's appreciation to the Minister Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo whom he described as the friend of Spain.    He further hailed the existing  mutual diplomatic relations between Nigeria and his country. Mr. Sell, said the two nations will continue to work together for the attainment of the aspirations of their people.   ...

Dangiwa Charges Town Planners On Inclusive, Sustainable Cities    * Says challenges of unplanned urban sprawl, inadequate infrastructure should be addressed    * Urban centers are responsible for 27% of Nigeria’s total carbon emissions - Dangiwa    * Concerted, collaborative efforts needed to combat challenges - Ondo Governor  Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria:   The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has called on Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations in Nigeria to champion the development of inclusive, sustainable cities that promote economic growth and resilience.    Dangiwa made this charge in his keynote address at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 National Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations organized by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Akure, Ondo State from Monday 14  to Wednesday 16 October 2024.   The Minister lauded the theme of this year’s conference, " Effective Physical Planning as a Panacea for Integrated and Sustainable Urban Development in Nigeria”, noting that it has aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, which seeks to build equitable and resilient cities across the country.    Highlighting Nigeria’s rapid urbanization, Dangiwa pointed out that the nation’s urban population has risen sharply, growing from 15% in 1960 to 54% in 2022, with  projections indicating that by 2050, 70% of Nigeria’s population will reside in urban areas  On his part , Ondo State Governor,  Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated that concerted and collaborative efforts are needed to combat challenges in Nigerian cities.   The Ondo State Governor was represented by his Commissioner of Physical Planning and Urban Development,  Gbenga Olaniyi. The Governor mentioned that, Ondo State, as a case study, has taken deliberate measures which include; effective waste management and development of master plans for major cities as modalities to ensure healthy environment.   Minister Dangiwa emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenges of unplanned urban sprawl, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.   “Nigeria is urbanizing at a rate of 3.8% annually, and we are now over 50% urban. By 2030, nearly 60% of our population will live in cities. This rapid urban growth has resulted in unplanned expansion, which has negatively impacted infrastructure, mobility, and access to basic services,” Dangiwa stated.    He cited the emergence of more than 360 new urban agglomerations between 2015 and 2020 as evidence of the spatial expansion that continues across the country.   The Minister further noted that Nigeria’s cities are not only growing but are also contributing to environmental challenges, including increased carbon emissions and inadequate waste management systems.  “Urban centers are responsible for 27% of Nigeria’s total carbon emissions, with energy, transport, and industry being the main contributors. We must act now to address these challenges if we are to build sustainable and livable cities.” Dangiwa outlined the Ministry's strategic initiatives to address these challenges. These include the comprehensive review of the 2012 National Urban Development Policy, which is soon to be approved by the Federal Executive Council, as well as the development of a National Policy on Rural Settlement Planning and a National Physical Development Plan aimed at promoting integrated and sustainable urban development. He also announced the Ministry’s collaboration with the World Bank on key projects, including the Urban Livability and Mobility Programme and a National Land Registration, Titling, and Documentation Programme, which seeks to streamline land administration in Nigeria. Accordingly, he explained the ongoing efforts of the Ministry in slum upgrades, urban renewal, and the housing sector, mentioning that 6,612 housing units across 13 states and the FCT are currently under construction under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, with additional projects underway in Lagos, Kano, and Enugu. He urged participants to embrace innovative approaches to physical planning and urban governance, stressing that effective planning is key to creating cities that are resilient, productive, and capable of driving economic growth. He also challenged participants to identify and address the systemic issues that hinder Nigeria’s urban development.   “ Let us commit to building cities that work for all Nigerians – cities that are resilient, productive, and sustainable. I urge you to participate actively in this conference and take full advantage of the discussions and presentations. The future of our cities depends on the decisions we make today,” he concluded.   In a goodwill message, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Planning and Regional Development,  Hon Dr Abiante Awaji, described the theme of the conference apt and in line with providing a healthy environment    Hon Awaji blamed absence of standard master plans in cities and plans alteration causing huge challenges, encouraging partnership of stakeholders in design and development control in order to get excellence in our cities.   Easier,  in a welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi,  stated that , the Conference provides a platform for the participants to ruminate over issues that would positively reshape the human settlements ' systems of Nigeria. His address was read on his behalf  by Director Urban and Regional Development in the ministry, Tpl Dr. Olakunde Akiona Dabid   In attendance at the "Akure 2024' Conference were Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations in Nigeria,  including, officials of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC)   The 2024 National Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organizations continues over the next few days in Akure, with town planners, experts, and government officials discussing solutions to Nigeria’s urbanization challenges.   ...