Stakeholders in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector have endorsed the Federal Government’s renewed partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), describing the collaboration as a significant step towards addressing rapid urbanisation, expanding access to affordable housing, and promoting sustainable city development.

The experts noted that Nigeria’s urban population continues to grow as more people migrate to cities in search of employment and better living conditions. They warned that without strategic planning and sustained investment in infrastructure, housing, and public services, cities will face increasing pressure from traffic congestion, inadequate housing, informal settlements, and overstretched social amenities.

A property developer, Chief Anthony Izuagbe, urged governments to adopt proactive planning by expanding infrastructure ahead of population growth rather than reacting after existing facilities become overwhelmed. He stressed that anticipating future demand is essential for building resilient and liveable cities.

Similarly, retired infrastructure professional Mrs. Chinonye Onyekoji highlighted the need for long-term urban planning, particularly in Lagos and other rapidly growing cities. She said strategic investments in transportation, housing, and public infrastructure are necessary to accommodate population growth and improve residents’ quality of life.

The endorsement follows a meeting between the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, and the UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, during which both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on sustainable urban planning, affordable housing delivery, climate resilience, slum upgrading, institutional capacity building, and the implementation of Nigeria’s National Urban Development Policy.

The minister described urban renewal as a key driver of economic growth, improved security, and better living standards. He expressed confidence that continued collaboration with UN-Habitat would provide Nigeria with technical expertise, global best practices, and stronger development partnerships needed to build inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.

Urban development experts believe that strengthening the partnership between the Federal Government and UN-Habitat will accelerate housing delivery, improve urban governance, enhance land-use planning, and support climate-resilient infrastructure capable of meeting the needs of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding urban population.

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Urban planning experts have warned that increasing violations of planning permit regulations are undermining orderly physical development across Nigeria, contributing to building collapses, flooding, environmental degradation, and significant economic losses. They say the growing trend of commencing construction without obtaining statutory approvals is weakening the country’s urban planning framework and exposing communities to avoidable risks.

According to industry stakeholders, many developers and property owners continue to adopt a “build first, regularise later” approach, largely due to lengthy approval processes, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the high cost of obtaining planning permits. Experts argue that while these challenges exist, bypassing planning regulations compromises public safety and sustainable urban growth.

Professionals in the built environment noted that planning approvals are essential because they ensure developments comply with approved land use, structural standards, environmental requirements, and safety regulations before construction begins. They stressed that proper supervision by planning authorities throughout the construction process significantly reduces the risk of structural failures and other hazards.

Recent enforcement actions by several state governments, particularly in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory, have targeted illegal developments through building seals, demolitions, permit regularisation programmes, and digital approval systems. Authorities believe these measures will improve compliance while promoting safer and more organised urban development.

Experts have also recommended the adoption of fully digital planning permit systems, transparent approval charges, public awareness campaigns, and stronger enforcement to encourage voluntary compliance. They believe technology-driven approval processes can reduce delays, minimise corruption, and make regulatory compliance more accessible for developers and homeowners.

Stakeholders maintain that strengthening planning permit compliance is critical to protecting lives and property, improving infrastructure delivery, and supporting sustainable housing and real estate development across Nigeria’s rapidly growing cities.

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