FG  Seeks Strategic Support with UN-Habitat On National Urban Development Policy

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called for deeper collaboration and implementation support from UN-Habitat as Nigeria enters a crucial phase in operationalizing its newly reviewed National Urban Development Policy (NUDP). 

Dangiwa made the call during his meeting with the representative of the Regional UN- Habitat office, Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero

While appreciating the presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization by the UN-Habitat team, describing it as “eye-opening and inspiring,”  the Minister also commended the agency for its strategic partnership and technical guidance in the development of the reviewed NUDP. 

He noted that the UN-Habitat presentation reaffirmed Nigeria’s ongoing urban renewal initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"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,” he remarked.

Arc Dangiwa also informed that this major milestone was recorded last week with the Federal Executive Council's approval of the reviewed National Urban Development Policy, noting that it was developed in close collaboration with UN-Habitat.

He highlighted the administration’s commitment to delivering thousands of housing units through the development of Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates and Renewed Hope Social Housing, ensuring inclusive access for all income levels. 

He further noted that the ministry has embarked on a National Slum Upgrade and Urban Renewal Programme, that targets vulnerable urban communities across the country, affirming that the presentation came at the right time.

He hailed the policy as a forward-thinking framework designed to guide Nigeria’s urban growth in line with global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, New Urban Agenda and climate action imperatives.

"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,” he said.

Accordingly, the NUDP will be disseminated to State Governments to enable them domesticate the Policy in their respective states, and Ministries of Works, Environments and institutions, who may need the Ministry’s guidance.

Arc. Dangiwa emphasized that while the policy development phase has been successfully concluded, the real challenges lies in its implementation, appealing to UN-Habitat to transition from being a policy support partner to an implementation partner capable of providing institutional capacity and technical expertise.

"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 measureable outputs at both the federal and state levels,” he stated.

The Minister also referenced ongoing efforts by the ministry in partnership with the World Bank on a National Land Registration, Documentation, and Titling Programme, aimed at addressing the issue of untitled land, which affects over 90 percent of land nationwide. 

He welcomed UN-Habitat’s Strategic Action Plan on improving land governance, titling, and administration, and expressed Nigeria’s interest in technical support, pilot implementations and capacity building initiatives in selected states.

“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,” he said.

Additionally, while affirming the Ministry’s Commitment to a continued collaboration with UN- Habitat, the World Bank and other strategic partners, Arc Dangiwa noted that the Ministry was on the right path with its  slum upgrade and urban renewal programmes.

Furthermore, Arc. Dangiwa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to UN-Habitat’s vision, including the clearance of outstanding financial obligations.

Earlier in his visual presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization, the UN- Habitat Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, emphasized that proper financial planning, effective rules and regulations, as well as proper planning and design are fundamental to the successful implementation of the slum upgrade program.