“UN-HABITAT IS A VALUED PARTNER FOR THE RENEWED HOPE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AGENDA” – WALE EDUN, MINISTER OF FINANCE   Thursday, June 5, 2025: The Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has assured that the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a valued partner for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as it implements the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.    He commended the advisory role of the UN agency and the provision of technical assistance as critical inputs for efficient urban governance and sustainable development. He also affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the institution and fulfilling its financial obligations to enable it play a stronger role in assisting the Ministry.   The Minister stated this when the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, paid him a courtesy visit to introduce Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, the Senior Human Settlements Officer and Head of the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub of UN-Habitat, on Thursday, June 5, 2025.   In his remarks, Arc. Dangiwa emphasized that Nigeria’s partnership with UN-Habitat is not only strategic but essential. He noted that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—which prioritizes housing, land reforms, urban regeneration, and inclusive growth—UN-Habitat offers a globally connected, technically grounded, and capable platform for support.   He cited the successful collaboration between the Ministry and UN-Habitat on the recently approved revised National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) as a testament to what is possible when national efforts align with global expertise. “That collaboration demonstrated what’s possible when we work hand-in-hand with a partner whose mission aligns closely with our national priorities,” the Minister stated.   Looking ahead, Arc. Dangiwa highlighted UN-Habitat’s readiness to deepen engagement with Nigeria in several key areas, including slum upgrading, climate-smart urban planning, land administration, capacity building, and even co-financing of urban renewal projects. He called for a “whole-of-government approach” to unlock the full potential of the collaboration.   “What we are building is not just another partnership,” Dangiwa said. “It is a long-term development alliance with a UN agency uniquely positioned to help us deliver results at scale, in line with both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Renewed Hope vision of Mr. President.”   Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero commended Nigeria for the recent approval of the revised National Urban Development Policy, describing it as a progressive step toward sustainable urbanisation. He expressed UN-Habitat’s satisfaction with the development and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to support the Nigerian government in the implementation of the policy.   Mr. Spaliviero also lauded the Nigeria Land Registration, Documentation and Titling Programme (NLRDTP), highlighting its importance in achieving inclusive and well-managed urban growth. He noted that UN-Habitat possesses the technical expertise and global experience necessary to support the successful implementation of the programme, which is critical to improving land governance and economic development.   Arc. Dangiwa concluded by thanking the Hon. Minister of Finance for his continued support, particularly in helping the Ministry meet its international obligations, align financing frameworks, and facilitate resource mobilisation to deepen the collaboration with UN-Habitat.   ...

FG  Seeks Strategic Support with UN-Habitat On National Urban Development Policy   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called for deeper collaboration and implementation support from UN-Habitat as Nigeria enters a crucial phase in operationalizing its newly reviewed National Urban Development Policy (NUDP).    Dangiwa made the call during his meeting with the representative of the Regional UN- Habitat office, Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero   While appreciating the presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization by the UN-Habitat team, describing it as “eye-opening and inspiring,”  the Minister also commended the agency for its strategic partnership and technical guidance in the development of the reviewed NUDP.    He noted that the UN-Habitat presentation reaffirmed Nigeria’s ongoing urban renewal initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   "You came and did a wonderful presentation.  For us, it has opened our eyes because, as you are aware, Nigeria is undergoing a transformation in the housing and urban development sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he remarked.   Arc Dangiwa also informed that this major milestone was recorded last week with the Federal Executive Council's approval of the reviewed National Urban Development Policy, noting that it was developed in close collaboration with UN-Habitat.   He highlighted the administration’s commitment to delivering thousands of housing units through the development of Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates and Renewed Hope Social Housing, ensuring inclusive access for all income levels.    He further noted that the ministry has embarked on a National Slum Upgrade and Urban Renewal Programme, that targets vulnerable urban communities across the country, affirming that the presentation came at the right time.   He hailed the policy as a forward-thinking framework designed to guide Nigeria’s urban growth in line with global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals, New Urban Agenda and climate action imperatives.   "The policy provides a clear and forward-looking framework for guiding urban growth in Nigeria. It is in harmony with the SDGs, the New Urban Agenda, and our commitments on climate change,” he said.   Accordingly, the NUDP will be disseminated to State Governments to enable them domesticate the Policy in their respective states, and Ministries of Works, Environments and institutions, who may need the Ministry’s guidance.   Arc. Dangiwa emphasized that while the policy development phase has been successfully concluded, the real challenges lies in its implementation, appealing to UN-Habitat to transition from being a policy support partner to an implementation partner capable of providing institutional capacity and technical expertise.   "We need the right expertise and institutional support to implement this policy successfully. We still want to count on UN-Habitat, not just as a support expert but as an implementation partner. We will also require your help in recommending experts who can work with the Ministry in translating it to tangible measureable outputs at both the federal and state levels,” he stated.   The Minister also referenced ongoing efforts by the ministry in partnership with the World Bank on a National Land Registration, Documentation, and Titling Programme, aimed at addressing the issue of untitled land, which affects over 90 percent of land nationwide.    He welcomed UN-Habitat’s Strategic Action Plan on improving land governance, titling, and administration, and expressed Nigeria’s interest in technical support, pilot implementations and capacity building initiatives in selected states.   “This presentation has given us hope. One of the most inspiring aspects was your use of streets as a tool for urban transformation in slums. It shows that transforming a cluster of slums can transform an entire city,” he said.   Additionally, while affirming the Ministry’s Commitment to a continued collaboration with UN- Habitat, the World Bank and other strategic partners, Arc Dangiwa noted that the Ministry was on the right path with its  slum upgrade and urban renewal programmes.   Furthermore, Arc. Dangiwa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to UN-Habitat’s vision, including the clearance of outstanding financial obligations.   Earlier in his visual presentation on key issues to be addressed in Nigeria’s urbanization, the UN- Habitat Senior Human Settlement Officer, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, emphasized that proper financial planning, effective rules and regulations, as well as proper planning and design are fundamental to the successful implementation of the slum upgrade program. ...

Housing Ministry Presents Awards to Sports Club Members for Winning FEPSGA Medals    * Inaugurates Staff Bus Committee The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has presented awards to the sports staff members of the Ministry who won medals at the Federation Public Service Games (FEPSGA) 2024, which took place at the Sharks stadium, Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.   The Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore presented  the awards at a specially organised ceremony that took place in his conference room.   The medals won includes four (4) golds, six (6) silver and four (4) bronze medals, from different categories of sport games they participated.    In his address, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, expressed profound congratulations to the sports club members of the Ministry for their outstanding achievements at the FEPSGA 2024.   While praising the team for their dedication and team work, Belgore revealed his extreme keen interest in sporting activities, mentioning his past active participation in football game as well as his current involvement in squash game.   He declared his love for success in sports, emphasizing on the health, brain and social benefits of sports; “it builds a spirit of competitiveness that you will bring into your endeavors in life. It is very important for humans to play”, he said.   He also expressed pride in the teams performance, and the  representation given to the Ministry not just at the FEPSGA game, but also at the just concluded May 2025 edition of the monthly walking Jogging exercise where the team won two Trophies in the categories of best Kitted Ministry, and the third highest in attendance.   He called on the team to encourage other staff members who were not already involved in the sporting activities to join.   While presenting the medals to the winners, Belgore announced that the gold medal winners will get a hundred thousand naira (₦ 100,000), the silver medal winners, seventy five thousand naira (₦ 75,000), and the bronze winners fifty thousand naira (₦ 50,000).   Accordingly, Belgore promised to provide necessary support, facilities, and allowances for the team, while wishing them continued success and injury-free performances.   Earlier, the Director Human Resource Management (HRM), Adesina Akinola, informed that the medals won by the sports team at the May 2025 edition of the monthly walking Jogging exercise, was the first in the history of the Ministry.   While congratulating the team, he acknowledged their commitment and hard work, further appreciating the support of the Permanent Secretary in providing the resources.   Mr. Adesina also expressed optimism in the future achievements of the sports team.   In his remarks, the Team Manager of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Sports Club, Comrade Salisu Achineje, said that the event was not just collection of individual achievements but a testament to the unwavering dedication, relentless effort, and exceptional teamwork that defines the group of athletes.   He thanked the Permanent Secretary for his support and belief in the sports club, as well as resources, encouragement, and vision provided, which has enabled the team reach great heights.   Mr. Achineje further congratulated his team members and looked forward to building on the successes achieved to make the Ministry more proud in the future.   The high point of the ceremony was the decoration of the Permanent Secretary as the Grand Patron of the sports club, and presentation of a certificate of appreciation to him, as well as to the Director of Human Resource Management, for their support.   In another development, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Belgore inaugurated a ten-member bus committee who would oversee matters concerning the Ministry's staff buses.   The committee has the Director, Human Resource Management as the chairman; other members are;  i) Ayodele Ademola -D (PA-PS) ii) Hikmat A. Aderibigbe- D ( ES) iii) Stephen Jude -DD (SW&T Iv)) Hajiya Hussaina Sarki AD (SW) V) Salamatu M. Omar CAO (SW) Desk Officer Vi) Com. Eno Efughi Chairperson (JUC)  vii) Com. Davou Ezeikel Chairperson (AUPCTRE)  Viii). Com. Okeowo Alaba (NUPSRAW)  ix) Com. Afiniki Yerima (ASCSN   The committee is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring proper accountability, technical oversight, and maintenance of the staff buses.   In his remarks, the  Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry was already in the process of acquiring some new staff busses.   While thanking the committee for their efforts, he emphasized on the importance of maintaining the buses for staff use.   Belgore strictly warned on the usage of the buses, saying that they are not to be used for personal or external trips such as burials, naming ceremonies, and the likes, in order to ensure their longevity.   He urged the committee to work conscientiously towards maintaining the buses and ensuring they are used only for ministry activities.   Accordingly, The Permanent Secretary informed that the committee is expected to generate revenue by charging token fees for trips, which will be reinvested into maintenance and potentially used to purchase more buses. ...