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.   ...

BPSR Names Housing Ministry Best Federal MDA in Innovative Use of Technology ..... As Minister Dangiwa  Receives Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer Award The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPRS) has named the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development "Best Federal MDA in Innovative Use of Technology, 2024. To this end, the BPSR has also honoured the Honourable Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, with the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer Award” The event named " Nigeria GOVTECH Public Service Awards 2024" with the theme "Digital Innivations As Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda " was held at Nicon Luxury , Abuja, Friday,  October 11th, 2024 at Gala Night Dinner. BPSR, organized the event in partnership with; Nigerian Commuincations Commission (NCC), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Crystal Edge,  Kaduna State Government and Embassy of Ireland Republic in Nigeria. The Awards on the Minister, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development were presented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume represented by Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri The Director General BPSR, Dr Aribi stated that the awards were in recognition of the Ministry’s “outstanding leadership in advancing technology initiatives and digitization programmes that contribute to the digital transformation agenda in the public sector and enhance service delivery.” Specifically, BPSR highlighted the launch and efficient operation of the innovative Online Renewed Hope Housing Portal (www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng), by the Ministry, which has made it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to own homes under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.  The online housing purchase platform, a One-Stop-Shop Housing Delivery Solution, provides a transparent, easy-to-use, integrated web-based application for the sale of homes, from application to payment. The Bureau has also cited the Ministry’s Electronic Certificate of Occupancy Technology System, which has simplified the process of signing and issuing titles for federal real estate, making it faster, easier, transparent, and secure as another breakthrough innovation by the ministry of housing under Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa. In response, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, expressed his appreciation to BPSR for the recognition. " On behalf of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, I would like to thank the Bureau of Public Service Reforms for selecting our Ministry as the ‘Best Federal MDA in Innovative Use of Technology.’ We are truly delighted that our efforts to leverage technology to improve service delivery, enhance operations, and increase performance to more effectively fulfill our Ministry's mandate have been recognized,” he noted. Dangiwa also appreciated the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, for his effective leadership as the head of the civil service structure in the Ministry, and commended the hardworking and innovative staff of the Ministry for their dedication to duty. “You all made this recognition and award possible,” he said The Minister further noted that the Ministry is encouraged and motivated by the award and will continue to work hard to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for housing and urban development. ...

Dangiwa Assures Zamfara State Citizens  Affordable Housing   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa  has assured  Zamfara State Governor of the ministry's commitment to ensuring that its citizens have  access to affordable housing in the state. Dangiwa gave this assurance when Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of the State paid a  courtesy visit to his office in Abuja,  Thursday, 10th October,2024. "At the ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we want to assure that we will provide all the support you required in your efforts to enhance decent, quality and affordable housing to your citizens,' the minister stated.  The Minister acknowledged and appreciated Governor Dare for the 50 hectres of land provided for the Renewed Hope Estate at no cost to the ministry, saying that free land, will make the houses affordable to the citizens  Accordingly, Dangiwa also assured the Governor that Zamfara state would be on the priority list of the ministry to benefit from subsequent  building programmes of the ministry. "Let us assure your Excellency that the ministry will ensure that Zamfara state is included in the next batch of the  states to benefit from the programe," Dangiwa remarked. On National Housing Programme, NHP, the Minister said " I have also been informed that our officials are engaging with your team to which next week they are coming again regarding your interest in purchasing the unsold housing units under the National Housing Program in your state." He noted that though the  ministry had done a downward review of  the  prices of the houses as requested by the state government of Zamfara, he would look in to it as to see how it could be further reviewed downward, revealing the ministry was not making profits from sales of the houses.  Dangiwa also affirmed that the cost expended on infrastructure on the houses have been written - off to ensure affordability, mentioning that the ministry was aware  that  Zamfara state government would further subsidised for its citizens after buying them to ensure affordability.  He added, "our aim is just to recover the cost of constructing these houses so we can build more for other Nigerians to benefit."  Similarly, the minister who affirmed  that  Zamfara state  would benefit from the housing construction under PULAKU Initiative Housing Project  of  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at addressing the grievances and social exclusion of Fulani in the north west and to also address the cause of banditry in the nation, revealed that  the ground breaking for Zamfara state would  soon be done. While acknowledging that Zamfara state government has also provided land for construction of houses for actualization of PULAKU Initiative in the state in addition to the land provided for  Renewed Hope Estate, the Minister  gave assurance that the  ministry will always collaborate with the state government.   Speaking earlier, Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal Dare, said  they were in the ministry to appeal to the minister for his  intervention to fast track the completion of the agreement between the ministry and Zamfara state on purchase of the NHP housing units in the state as it  would enable the state take over the structure.  Dare noted the Zamfara state being bedeviled with many challenges like insecurity, lack of infrastructure, housing care among others would need the intervention of the ministry to provide decent, quality and affordable houses for its citizen because tackling the challenges has taken a toll on the state's finances. He said, "I want to appeal that Zamfara state should always be considered as one of the first in any structured you are going to put in place bearing in mind some of the situations the state is facing." ...