National Urban Development Policy to Transform Nigerian Cities into Sustainable, Resilient '15-Minute Cities' - Dangiwa   -    Calls for Annual National Urban Forum -    Says New Urban Agenda to Promote Public Health, Tackle Climate Change   Gombe, November 14, 2024 - The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has said that the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) when introduced will transform Nigerian Cities into sustainable, resilient, '15-minute Cities'.   Delivering the keynote address at the 13th meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development holding in Gombe, the Minister said rapid urbanisation which will see the nation's population rise to 70% by 2050 has made effective planning through innovative and sustained policies a priority.   Noting that the NUDP is currently awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council, he said such a policy is necessary for Nigeria's sustainable future as it can promote public health, mitigate climate change, and create a safe, resilient, and progressive ecosystem for all to thrive.   "The NUDP's vision is clear: to transform Nigeria’s cities into well-functioning, prosperous, resilient, secure, and livable spaces for all. Achieving this vision demands a 'Business Unusual' approach, one that replaces 'Urban Pessimism' with 'Urban Optimism.' This means embracing high-density urban development over sprawl, safeguarding agricultural land and resources, and adopting integrated, evidence-based urban policies.   "The NUDP also promotes a 'Healthy Cities' concept, integrating environmental health with secure, resilient urban spaces. This involves essential services like waste management, water, sanitation, and local public health systems. As the recent pandemic has shown, resilience in city design is critical for public health and community well-being. Models like the '15-minute city'— where essential services are within walking distance— offer accessible, self-sufficient neighborhoods that promote health and connectivity," he said.   Dangiwa emphasised that the need for an Urban Policy is long overdue considering the fast pace at which the nation's Urban population is increasing. He, therefore, called for an Annual National Urban Forum, which he says was part of the resolutions reached at the recently concluded World Urban Forum in Egypt.   "We must grasp the scale of our urban growth and the profound challenges it brings. Nigeria’s urban population is expanding rapidly, driven by an annual growth rate of 4.1%. From just 9.4% in 1950, our urban population now exceeds 52%, with projections indicating a rise to 70% by 2050. By then, Nigeria will likely be the world’s third most populous country, with over 400 million people."   According to him, Nigeria has eight cities with a population above 1 million people each, and another 81 Cities each with a population ranging from 100,000 to one million, and yet with 58.8% of these urban dwellers living in Slum conditions. He added that the goal of the NUDP is to provide a framework that guides long-term, sustainable urban growth, addressing not only housing and infrastructure needs but also creating the foundation for economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities.   Explaining the nexus between effective urban planning, public health, and climate change, Dangiwa said proper planning will ensure better sanitation, disease control and containment, quicker access to health facilities, as well as smart city designs which support climate action.   "NUDP also prioritizes climate responsiveness. Climate change poses a severe threat, with impacts like drought, flooding, and extreme weather intensifying. Without adaptation, climate change could cost Nigeria between 6% and 30% of its GDP by 2050. Therefore, urban planning is a frontline defense in building climate resilience and economic security," he observed. The Minister called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to embark on urgent collective action towards the implementation of the policy when it comes on stream, noting that while massive housing construction and new cities development are urgent priorities at this time, they must be done alongside effective urban planning.   He commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the last one year, especially in the area of Housing development, noting that the ministry has more houses under construction in one year than it built in the previous eight years put together. He also said the ministry's strategy of embracing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) is crucial to that success, but admitted that the country is still only scratching the surface compared to its housing requirements.   "We recently returned from the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt. What we observed there was inspiring and should motivate us as a nation to do more. The Egyptian government is constructing a New Cairo City, an urban development estimated at 500 billion Egyptian Pounds (around $10.6 billion). This includes massive housing, road construction, shopping malls, rail systems, and more.   "While part of the funding comes from entities like the World Bank and IFC, a significant portion is government-sourced through the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), the overseeing authority. We also met with India’s Housing Minister, who shared that India has built over 1 million housing units entirely through government funding.   "We noted similar large-scale, government-funded housing efforts in South Africa and other African nations. The message is clear: while we will continue to drive PPPs, our government needs to do more to finance affordable and social housing for our citizens," he added.   He called on governments at all levels to invest more in housing provision as this was the only way to make housing delivery affordable for low- and middle-income earners, who form the majority of the nation's population.   ...

FG Partners World Bank To Develop National Land Digital System   * initiative will increase investor confidence, unlock untapped economic potentials related to land property   The Federal government of Nigeria is set to partner with the World Bank to modernize land administration in Nigeria, by developing a National Land Digital System (NLDS) for the optimization of land transactions, that would enable transparency, efficiency and accessibility.   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa made the revelation for the partnership in his remarks during the meeting with States Commissioners responsible for lands and housing matters at the13th National Council on Housing, Lands and Urban Development in Gombe, Gombe State.   Dangiwa said that the digital initiative will solve the long standing challenges currently faced in land registration, as well as boost economic activity and enhance property rights protection, with a goal of increasing formal land transactions from less than 10% to over 50% within a decade.   According to the Minister, the pivotal decision will tackle the challenges obstructing effective and efficient land registration in the country, adding that both parties were finalizing the operational framework and investment commitment for the initiative.    Explaining further, Dangiwa said the system will serve as a comprehensive, accessible digital registry, enabling Nigerians to verify land ownership securely and efficiently; further affirming that by enhancing transparency and reducing fraud, the NDLS will increase investor confidence and unlock up to $300 billion in untapped economic potentials related to land and property.   He also informed participants at the Council meeting of the Federal Government’s readiness to work with State Governments to register, document, and title all land parcels, clarifying and securing land ownership to unlock development and investment.   "Currently, over 90% of the country’s land remains unregistered, representing an estimated $300 billion in untapped capital," he said.   Outlining the significance of effective land administration as regards to Nigeria's  economic growth and development, Dangiwa noted that by ensuring clarity, security, and accessibility in land ownership and transactions, the country is laying  foundation for increased investment, both domestic and international.   He emphasized that transparent land administration would enhance property rights, reduce conflicts, and encourage sustainable land use practices, which together foster a stable environment for economic activities.   On rapid urbanization in Nigeria, the Minister explained that steps to address the issue has been outlined in the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) waiting approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), adding that the policy is designed to create resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities across Nigeria.     Dangiwa informed participants that Africa  now has an Africa Urban Forum, which was recently held this year in Addis Ababa, noting that all African Member Countries, including Nigeria at the forum, agreed to organize an Annual National Urban Forum in the declaration.    He emphasised on the importance of collaboration among federal, states and local government, to transform urban spaces for the benefit of Nigerians, directing delegates to begin the process of domesticating Africa Urban Forum in Nigeria by organising Annual National Urban Forum in line with the Addis Ababa  declaration, where leaders and  professionals in the housing sector will meet to discuss Nigeria’s Urban Agenda for Nigeria.   "Our goal is to provide a framework that guides long term sustainable growth, addressing not only housing and infrastructure needs but also creating the foundation for economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities," he remarked.   On tackling Nigeria’s massive housing deposit, Dangiwa said that the Ministry is advancing the construction of over 10,000 housing units across 14 locations nationwide, highlighting the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in accelerating housing delivery, especially for middle- and high-income earners.   "We have also acquired land in Enugu and Borno for the development of 2,000-unit Renewed Hope Cities under a PPP arrangement. Planned locations for additional cities include Nasarawa and Rivers States with 2000 units each, respectively.  “Our goal is to establish at least one Renewed Hope City in each geo-political zone and the FCT”, Dangiwa revealed.   While focusing on the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing for the low-income Nigerians, the Minister urged all Commissioners to encourage their state and local governments to allocate a substantial portion of their revenues to affordable housing delivery, pointing out that PPPs alone cannot deliver affordable housing for the majority of Nigerians, given that the high costs of private-sector construction financing drive up prices as developers  payment of loan is double digit.   Dangiwa also affirmed that the Ministry, in  collaboration with the World Bank, has introduced a new compensation framework for individuals affected by land acquisition. This updated system according to the Minister, addresses the 18-year gap in compensation policy, ensuring fair and equitable recompense for those impacted by infrastructure and housing development projects.   He sited some examples under the revised rates for matured trees in the North Central Zone as follows; i. Cashew which increased from N2,000 per matured stand to N45,000 and N5.5M for a hectare, ii. Mango increased from N4,000 per matured stand to N105,000 and N13M per hectare and iii. Cocoa which also increased from N3,000 per matured stand to N160,000 and N160M per hectare.   In his address, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, urged Council to come up with policies that could make  mortgage options more accessible, promote eco-friendly local materials, and create incentives for private investment if Nigeria must make advances in sustainable development, adding that streamlining land administration processes and continuous innovation in construction materials as well as techniques were essential to realizing a shared vision of affordable housing for all Nigerians.   Governor Yahaya also emphasized on actionable plans towards achieving president Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Cities and Estate for all citizens, reminding participants that all deliberations at the council should be backed up with actions.   In a goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Hon. Abiante Awaji, drew the attention of participants to how rapid urbanization is transforming Nigerian cities, urging them to consider adopting climate-resilient designs and structures that protect Nigerian citizens.   Hon. Awaji added that Climate-resilient urban development safeguards people and their investment by incorporating sustainable building materials, energy -efficient designs, and green spaces that manage heat and promote biodiversity.   Minister of Housing and Urban Development is the Chairman of the Council of the 36 States' Commissioners responsible for lands and housing matters in Nigeria    ...

Housing Ministry Introduces Monitoring, Review Mechanism on Housing Council Resolutions    * Concerned about non implementation of Council resolutions over the years    Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is set to introduce a mid term monitoring and review mechanism that will ensure effective implementation of resolutions of the meeting of National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development being organised by the Ministry, annually.   Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi stated this in his remarks during the meeting of the body of Permanent Secretaries at the ongoing 13th meeting of the Council in Gombe state. Wednesday, November 13th, 2024.   The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is the Chairman of the body of Permanent Secretaries in the Council, and it's resolutions will be presented to the ministerial body of states commissioners for deliberations and adoption.   Ogunbiyi explained, that the Ministry is setting up measures to ensure comprehensive compliance with Council resolutions by all stakeholders in the housing sector, in order to advance the nation’s housing agenda.   The theme for the 13th (2024) meeting is "Housing the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience and Urban Development".   " Concerned with the non-implementation of Council resolutions over the years, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development sponsored a memo this year to seek the approval of Council for the mid-term monitoring of the implementation of Council resolutions.  I am happy to inform you that the Technical Session held yesterday accepted the prayers and this will be presented to the body of Permanent Secretaries today", he stated.   He reminded the Permanent Secretaries that the meeting serves as a powerful reminder on collective responsibility to advance the development of the Housing and Urban Development sector in Nigeria.   Outlining some challenges facing the housing sector, Ogunbiyi listed, shortages of affordable housing, rapid urbanization, and poor access to land.   He then highlighted the initiatives of the Ministry to tackle the challenges to include; Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme, which he noted has seen significant progress in housing development across all geo-political zones of the country.   In addition, he stated the initiative of the ministry to establish the National Housing Data Center aimed at creating a comprehensive housing data framework to support housing policy and planning.    He explained that the Steering Committee on the Housing Data which he chaired was charged with the responsibility of providing direction and oversight for the collection of National Housing Data from Public and Private Institutions and creating access to housing data in Nigeria for Policy, Planning and decision-making.     “This Committee has already mandated its Technical Working Group (TWG) to come up with the Governance and Data Gathering Frameworks and modalities for setting up the National Housing Data Center (NHDC).  This Programme is among some of the key initiatives of the Ministry geared towards the achievement of our mandate", he remarked.   Stressing the need for stronger public-private partnerships, innovation, and community engagement to meet the urgent demands for affordable and sustainable housing, he described the theme of the Council meeting as a call to action and not just a topic for discussion, urging stakeholders to bring their expertise to drive meaningful development    Speaking earlier, the Commisioner Ministry of Works, Housing and Transporrtation, Gombe, Engr. Usman Kallamu, said the council meeting affords delegates to identify the importance of affordability in Nigerian’s economic and urban development, urging participants to actively participate, share their insights and collaborate towards achieving the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Paper pesentations on: Building Collapse and Mortgage Registry Administration were respectively made by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). On building collapse, it was noted that failure to engage appropriate building supervisors, pressure to rush the design, non-engagement of professionals, lack of appropriate technology and professionals manning the building permit agency, use of substandard building materials, among others are causes of building collapse in Nigeria.   ...