He made this known while delivering a lecture at the 11th Waheed Kadiri Lecture Series held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The event, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), honored former NITP President, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri, for his contributions.

Speaking on the theme, “Global Trends: Re-imagining Cities for Sustainable Development and Shared Prosperity,” Yusuf emphasized AI’s transformative role in planning.

He explained that rapid technological advancements, climate change, and evolving societal structures require innovative solutions for efficient urban development.

According to Yusuf, AI-powered predictive analytics, automated design tools, and real-time mapping can enhance the effectiveness of urban planning processes.

He cited Statista, which forecasts the global AI market to hit $243.7 billion by 2025, with Nigeria’s sector experiencing rapid growth.

The Nigerian AI market is projected to expand annually by 27.08%, reaching $4.64 billion by 2030, offering immense opportunities.

“AI is revolutionizing industries globally, and urban planning must evolve by leveraging technological advancements for enhanced efficiency,” Yusuf stated.

He also highlighted concerns about food insecurity, revealing that 33 million Nigerians face extreme hunger due to ineffective urban planning.

He urged urban planners to incorporate agricultural zones, efficient transportation systems, and processing hubs to ensure sustainable food accessibility.

Additionally, he advised professionals to analyze the behavioral patterns of Generation Z and Millennials to shape future urban environments effectively.

Also speaking, Jolaosho Babatunde, Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, urged planners to focus on economic development beyond physical structures.

“Urban planning extends beyond constructing buildings; it involves creating environments that drive economic growth and sustainable development,” Babatunde stated.

The lecture reinforced the importance of AI adoption in urban planning to create smarter, more livable, and economically viable Nigerian cities.

The post NESG Calls for AI Adoption in Town Planning appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This optimistic forecast comes from the latest NESG-Stanbic IBTC Business Confidence Monitor report authored by Dr. Olusegun Omisakin, Muyiwa Oni, and Dr. Shakirudeen Taiwo. The authors attribute this anticipated growth to easing inflationary pressures and the waning impact of the government’s flagship policies on foreign exchange liberalization and the removal of fuel subsidies.

The report outlines that the second half of 2024 will witness relatively lower inflation, a factor expected to support consumer spending and stimulate business activity. According to the authors, the improved macroeconomic environment will help propel Nigeria’s economic growth to 3.5% in 2025. They noted that the gradual adjustment to policy reforms like the fuel subsidy removal and FX liberalization is creating a more stable economic foundation.

Headline inflation, while predicted to remain sticky through the first nine months of 2025, is expected to drop below 30% by September. By December 2025, inflation is forecasted to settle at 27.1%, with an annual average of 30.5%. This projection assumes no major shocks to petrol prices and anticipates smoother global and local market conditions. Declines in inflation are also expected to coincide with improved foreign exchange stability, a reduction in fiscal deficits, and better food supply chains.

The report highlighted that the high exchange rate of the naira against major global currencies had inflated import costs in recent years, adversely affecting pricing strategies and reducing profitability for many businesses. Limited access to financing remained a structural issue throughout 2024, hindering business growth, but 2025 is expected to bring some relief in this area. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) may shift to a more accommodative stance by late 2025, easing borrowing costs and improving credit access for businesses.

While the government’s FX liberalization and subsidy reforms initially caused disruptions, these measures are now setting the stage for long-term economic sustainability. By addressing systemic inefficiencies and fostering greater investor confidence, these reforms aim to strengthen Nigeria’s economic fundamentals.

Experts believe that the easing of inflation, coupled with policy adjustments, will create an environment conducive to growth. Businesses are expected to recover from the challenges faced in 2024, supported by improved fiscal and monetary conditions. As the Nigerian economy finds its footing, 2025 could mark the beginning of a more stable and prosperous era for the nation’s financial landscape.

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