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 and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on affordable housing delivery, sustainable urban planning and urban renewal initiatives across Nigeria.

The renewed partnership was announced when the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, hosted a delegation from UN-Habitat led by its Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Darma commended UN-Habitat for its continued technical support to the ministry and several state governments, particularly its contributions to the review of Nigeria’s National Urban Development Policy.

He described urban renewal as a critical component of the Federal Government’s development strategy, noting that improved city planning, slum upgrading and sustainable urban development would boost economic growth, improve living standards and strengthen security.

The minister called for expanded cooperation in affordable housing delivery, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, capacity building and the implementation of the National Urban Development Policy.

According to him, closer collaboration with UN-Habitat would support the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and accelerate efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Darma also urged the organisation to continue providing technical expertise, global best practices and strategic partnerships capable of transforming the country’s housing and urban development sector.

Addressing Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligations under its Memorandum of Understanding with UN-Habitat, the minister assured the delegation that the government was engaging relevant authorities to facilitate the release of the funds despite prevailing fiscal constraints.

“The organisation remains an important partner in our efforts to deliver sustainable housing and improve urban development outcomes. We are confident this partnership will continue to produce lasting benefits for Nigerians through better housing, sustainable cities and inclusive urban development,” he said.

Earlier, UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, congratulated Darma on his appointment and described Nigeria as a key partner in advancing sustainable urbanisation across Africa.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s housing and urban development priorities through programmes focused on affordable housing, improved land administration, urban transformation, access to basic services and durable solutions for internally displaced persons, particularly in the North-East.

Sylla disclosed that UN-Habitat has strengthened partnerships with several state governments, including Niger, Yobe, Adamawa and Katsina, with encouraging results in urban development and housing initiatives.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to sustain its support for the agency and expedite the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to ensure the uninterrupted operations of UN-Habitat’s Country Office in Nigeria.

The UN-Habitat official further urged Nigeria to participate in the forthcoming High-Level Political Forum in New York, describing it as an opportunity to showcase the country’s urban development achievements, strengthen international partnerships and attract additional support for sustainable housing and city development programmes.

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