The Federal Government and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have called for innovative approaches to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit through affordable, inclusive and sustainable communities.

The call was made at the 2026 World Habitat Day celebration held at ABU, Zaria, under the theme, “Adequate Housing for All.”

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Motoka Daruma, said the government was committed to expanding access to adequate housing while developing inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.

Daruma, represented by Mr Danbaba Yahaya, said adequate housing must go beyond providing shelter to guarantee security, dignity, affordability, infrastructure and access to essential services.

FG Highlights Renewed Hope Housing Initiatives

The minister said rapid urbanisation, housing shortages, rising construction costs and infrastructure deficits required coordinated interventions to address Nigeria’s growing housing needs.

According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing its Renewed Hope Agenda through initiatives including Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates and social housing programmes.

He said the initiatives were designed to increase housing supply, complete ongoing projects, provide supporting infrastructure and social amenities, and improve access to mortgage finance.

Daruma added that the government was exploring innovative financing mechanisms to help more Nigerians, including people in the informal sector and members of the diaspora, access decent and affordable housing.

He also said reforms in land titling, registration, documentation and digitalisation were being pursued to strengthen security of tenure, attract investment and improve land administration.

Government Promotes Local Building Materials

The minister said the government was promoting local production of building materials across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at reducing construction costs, creating jobs and strengthening domestic manufacturing.

He said the interventions were guided by the National Urban Development Policy 2025, which seeks to promote inclusive, resilient, productive and sustainable cities across the country.

ABU Offers Research Support

In his welcome address, ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Bello Sabo, pledged the university’s research and professional expertise to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges.

Ahmed said ABU would focus on developing and commercialising locally sourced, climate-resilient building materials.

The university would also generate spatial data for urban planning and land administration while training professionals to respond to emerging challenges.

He said ABU intended to position itself as an active catalyst for addressing Nigeria’s housing crisis rather than treating the issue solely as an academic subject.

The vice-chancellor urged private developers, manufacturers and financial institutions to partner with university laboratories to test, standardise and scale affordable and environmentally friendly building technologies suited to Nigeria’s climate and soil conditions.

Stakeholders Call For Sustainable Communities

Former ABU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu-Usman Abdullahi, represented by former IBB University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A.K. Adamu, urged stakeholders to shift their focus from simply constructing houses to developing sustainable communities.

Abdullahi said adequate housing must be complemented by security of tenure, infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, employment opportunities, public spaces and a healthy environment.

He said rapid urbanisation and population growth had intensified challenges around housing affordability, land administration, infrastructure, transportation, environmental sustainability and urban governance.

He called for inclusive housing policies and innovative financing mechanisms that address the needs of low-income households, students, young families, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

The speakers agreed that tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit would require sustained collaboration among government, academia, the private sector, professional bodies, communities and development partners.

They also stressed that the quality of Nigeria’s housing and urban settlements would have significant implications for social stability, economic resilience and citizens’ quality of life.

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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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The Federal Government has strengthened its collaboration with UN-Habitat to accelerate affordable housing delivery and promote the development of resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities across Nigeria.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed this during a meeting with a UN-Habitat delegation in Abuja, noting that both parties are advancing Climate Responsive Housing Initiatives aimed at expanding access to sustainable homes while addressing climate risks.

Dangiwa said Nigeria recognises the strategic value of the partnership, particularly in facilitating access to international climate finance from global funding institutions. He added that the collaboration would help mobilise resources for social housing programmes targeted at vulnerable populations, including women who are disproportionately affected by climate change and conflict-induced displacement.

The minister also expressed appreciation to the European Union-funded Sustainable Integrated Development Programme for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (SIDPIN) for delivering housing solutions and strengthening community integration in Adamawa, Kano and Borno states. He said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s priority of rebuilding livelihoods and fostering social cohesion in post-conflict areas.

According to him, the Federal Government remains mindful of its obligations under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN-Habitat and is committed to meeting those commitments while leveraging opportunities within the framework.

Dangiwa further revealed that mechanisms are underway to review the National Urban Development Policy as part of broader planning reforms designed to reposition Nigeria’s built environment and promote sustainable urbanisation.

The renewed partnership underscores Nigeria’s push to bridge its housing deficit, enhance urban resilience, and align national housing strategies with global climate and sustainability standards.

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