Federal Executive Council Approves Revised National Urban Development Policy To Transform Nigeria’s Urban Future * NUDP, a critical milestone in Nigeria’s urban journey -  Dangiwa    * Policy aligns with Renewed Hope Agenda,  SDGs obligations,  New Urban Agenda, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, AU Agenda 2063   In a landmark decision that underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable urbanisation, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revised National Urban Development Policy (NUDP).    The Policy provides a transformative framework to guide urban planning, development, and governance across Nigeria, over the next decade.   The revised policy, developed by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with UN-Habitat and other key stakeholders, replaces the previous 2012 edition. It reflects the pressing realities of Nigeria’s urban challenges and the country’s global development commitments.    The policy aligns closely with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as Nigeria’s obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the New Urban Agenda, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Africa Union Agenda 2063.   With over 70% of Nigeria's population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, the need for a new, integrated urban development framework has become urgent.    The NUDP responds to this challenge by introducing a "business unusual" approach that departs from fragmented, reactive planning, and embraces proactive, inclusive, and long-term strategies.    It recognises that effective urban development requires strong institutions, strategic leadership, and citizen participation.   A major focus of the policy is the strengthening of urban governance. It advocates for the creation of metropolitan commissions and regional planning bodies to manage Nigeria's fast-growing urban regions and conurbations that cut across administrative boundaries.    This includes enabling a more coherent system of cities, improved intergovernmental coordination, and decentralised urban management structures.   In terms of social inclusion, the policy embeds a pro-poor, pro-vulnerable urban design philosophy. It calls for planning and development that prioritise women, youth, persons with disabilities, and the informal sector.    By improving access to housing, infrastructure, public spaces, and basic services, the NUDP aims to create cities where all residents can live with dignity and opportunity.   Climate change is another critical pillar of the new policy. Nigeria faces escalating climate risks including flooding, drought, desertification, and extreme weather events.    In response, the NUDP mainstreams climate resilience into urban planning. It promotes green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, renewable energy adoption, and spatial strategies like compact, walkable neighbourhoods-commonly known as the "15-minute city" model-to build cities that are not just liveable but also sustainable.   Equally important is the policy's emphasis on urban economic transformation. It positions cities as engines of economic growth, job creation, and diversification beyond oil.    By promoting spatial efficiency, mixed-use development, and better integration of land use and transport systems, the NUDP seeks to harness the productivity and innovation potential of dense, well-connected urban centres.    The policy also supports improved municipal finance systems to enable cities to raise more own-source revenues and reduce over-reliance on federal allocations.   Recognising the importance of technology and data in effective urban management, the policy encourages the adoption of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) mapping, and other digital tools to support evidence-based planning, land administration, disaster preparedness, and efficient service delivery.   To ensure success, the NUDP provides a clear implementation framework with defined roles for federal, state, and local governments. It calls for capacity building, public awareness campaigns, and strong partnerships with the private sector, academia, and civil society.    Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are embedded to ensure accountability and track progress.   The approval of the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) marks a significant milestone and a major achievement for the Ministry.    In addition to this success, the Ministry is actively advancing several other key initiatives, including the National Physical Planning Standards, which is currently undergoing extensive stakeholder engagement at various levels.   Another important initiative, the National Policy on Rural Settlements Planning and Development, seeks to address the challenges of rapid urbanization by identifying development gaps in rural areas and providing targeted solutions.    This approach aims to reduce the pressure on urban centers by discouraging rural-to-urban migration through improved rural development.   Furthermore, a number of regional development plans are presently in progress across the country. These initiatives collectively demonstrate the Ministry’s strong alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an agenda that prioritizes not only housing delivery but also the broader goal of sustainable urban development.   Speaking on the significance of the policy approval, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, stated: "The NUDP is a critical milestone in Nigeria's urban journey. It provides us with a clear roadmap to plan and build cities that are productive, liveable, inclusive, and climate-resilient. With this policy, we are better positioned to harness the full potential of our urban spaces to drive national development and uplift the quality of life for all Nigerians."   The Ministry will immediately begin nationwide sensitisation and capacity-building engagements to support the effective rollout of the policy.     The NUDP document can be accessed on the Ministry’s website via https://www.fmhud.gov.ng/themes/front_end_themes_01/images/download/25060893318.pdf   ...

Dangiwa Champions Adequate Housing as Catalyst for Poverty Reduction, Job Creation and Climate Action at UN-Habitat Assembly   The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called on global leaders to prioritize housing as a strategic tool for tackling poverty, creating jobs, and accelerating climate action.   Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Adequate Housing for All during the resumed second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 29 to 30 May 2025, the Minister presented Nigeria’s ambitious, people-focused housing reforms as a model of inclusive and sustainable urban development.   Reaffirming Nigeria’s support for the 2026–2029 UN-Habitat Strategic Plan, Dangiwa commended the Executive Director, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, for placing adequate housing, the transformation of slums and informal settlements, and access to basic services at the heart of the Plan’s vision.   “Nigeria believes that adequate housing policies are among the most powerful tools for reducing poverty, creating jobs, strengthening climate resilience, and driving post-crisis recovery,” Dangiwa stated.   He outlined the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which targets the delivery of 50,000 homes in its first phase, with 10,112 housing units already under construction across 14 states and the FCT. This has created over 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, with the potential for much more.   To meet national housing needs and keep pace with population growth, he noted that Nigeria requires to build at least 550,000 homes annually—an effort that if executed sustainably could generate up to 13.7 million direct and indirect jobs each year thus turning a problem into an opportunity for job creation and poverty eradication. This potential for catalyzing national growth, he said, firmly positions housing as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic renewal strategy.   He also highlighted the Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates initiative, which aims to build 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, totaling 77,400 homes. This is projected to create over 1.9 million jobs and stimulate rural economies.   On affordability, the Minister emphasized that low-income households would not pay more than one-third of their income toward a social housing home, with the government absorbing the balance through targeted subsidies, tax incentives, and bulk procurement. In addition, 30% of the homes will be allocated free of charge to the most vulnerable Nigerians.   He underscored the transformational impact of the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme, which has already delivered over 150 completed projects, with more than 100 ongoing. These interventions, the Minister noted, provide clean water, sanitation, access roads, solar street lighting, and improved public facilities to underserved communities.   “When aligned with social equity, economic inclusion, and climate goals, housing becomes more than shelter—it becomes a catalyst for national development and human dignity,” Dangiwa said.   He concluded by affirming Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with UN-Habitat and other Member States to scale these solutions globally.   The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly—the world’s highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlements—brings together 193 UN Member States, alongside UN entities, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth, women, grassroots organizations, and more.   The Assembly features over 1,200 delegates, including 42 ministers, 14 deputy ministers, and 8 governors and mayors.   ...

Housing Ministry Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit   Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability with the formal inauguration of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in the ministry    Speaking at the event in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Muhammad Belgore, who was represented by the Director Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folorunsho Alabi described then induction as a significant milestone in strengthening internal oversight and ethical governance within the Ministry.   “This event marks a major step in our commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance,” Dr. Belgore said.   The Permanent Secretary charged the inductees to promote  a culture of integrity. “As ACTU members, your role is crucial in  upholding our values and promoting a culture of integrity.”   He urged the newly inducted members to carry out their duties with diligence and responsibility, identifying areas for improvement and driving reform across the Ministry.   Dr. Belgore also outlined key expectations of the unit: to demonstrate leadership in transparency and accountability, promote ethical practices, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to implement positive change.   The inauguration concluded with the formal induction of the ACTU nominees, with the Permanent Secretary expressing confidence in their ability to deliver meaningful impact.   “I wish you success and look forward to the positive changes your service will bring,” he added.   In his address, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), represented by the Deputy Director of Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Kayode Kupolati, charged the inductees with key responsibilities. These include conducting system studies, investigating complaints, and promoting the domestication of the code of ethics within the ministry.   He emphasized that the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) is an independent body and must be allowed to operate without external interference.   He also urged the ministry’s management to provide the unit with the necessary financial support and to integrate its activities into the ministry’s broader programs.   In response, the Chairman of the Ministry's ACTU, Mr. Umaru Mohammed, reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to its mandate. He pledged that the team would carry out their duties with diligence and professionalism to position the ministry as a model in the anti-corruption drive.   “We are fully prepared to carry out our responsibilities in line with the ACTU standing orders,” he stated. “We will work collectively to uphold the core values of integrity, transparency, honesty, and accountability in the discharge of our duties.”   ...