FG reiterates commitment to sustainable urban development

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, says the Federal Government is implementing several initiatives toward achieving inclusive and integrated urban development.

Dangiwa stated this in his address at the 2024 Conference of Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organisations in Nigeria on Tuesday in Akure.

The minster said one of the foremost efforts was the comprehensive review of the 2012 National Urban Development Policy, which was ready for approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Dangiwa also said the ministry was actively involved in the implementation of transformational physical programmes targeted at promoting sustainable settlements growth and development across Nigeria.

He said the ministry had made substantial progress in increasing the stock of affordable and decent housing stock for Nigerians with the ground-breaking of 6,612 housing units across 13 locations nationwide.

According to him, the programme is under the ministry’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

”The programme includes; 3,112 housing unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana Abuja, under Public Private Partnership (PPP).

“Twelve other locations are being funded under the 2023 Supplementary Budget and they include the 500 Renewed Hope City in Kano and 250 Renewed Hope Estates in Katsina.

”Other’s are in Yobe, Gombe, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Benue, Nasarawa, Osun and Oyo,” he said.

Dangiwa said the cities would be designed and managed in a way that fosters integration, sustainability and inclusivity.

“As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation, let us commit to building cities that work for all Nigerians – cities that are resilient, productive and sustainable.

“Once more, I challenge you all to participate actively and maximise the benefits accruable from discussions at this meeting. I look forward to receiving your decisions and conclusions,” he said.

Speaking, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, urged the Directors and Heads of Town Planning Organisations to build a system of accountability that would seamlessly see to the running of the activities of the country.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Urban and Regional Planning, Mr Gbenga Olaniyi, said effective physical planning was a tool to control flooding.

This, he said, would enhance the projections on global warming and spatial land use management in Nigeria.

“We need to remedy many of our spatial challenges, such as land management and resource handling, without which no development can be attained.

“Integrating this for equitable sustainability calls for all hands to be on deck at the accurate application of land planning tools and spatial land use.

”This will give us the pathway to sustainable planning development in Nigeria,” he said.