Dangiwa Advocates Inclusive Urban Planning, Fair Land Management Strategies at World Bank Land Conference in Washington   At the World Bank Land Conference held in Washington, DC, from 13th to 17th May 2024, the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development of Nigeria, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa urged African governments to prioritize inclusive urban planning and fair land management strategies as part of measures to combat the effects of climate change, urbanization, and conflicts.    Speaking at the high-level Ministerial Africa Regional Workshop on the future of land administration in addressing urbanization, climate change, conflicts, and food security, Dangiwa stated that the way Africa countries manage land in the future needs to consider everything from how cities are growing, to climate change, conflicts and ensuring food sustainability.  He detailed Nigeria’s ongoing and future land reform initiatives. “In Nigeria, we have embarked on a comprehensive land reforms programme that aims to make access to land easy, accessible, and equitable,” Dangiwa said. “A couple of months ago, we set up a Land Reforms Task Team with the mandate to produce a comprehensive blueprint for these reforms. The team comprises sector experts, traditional institutions, and state governments who are custodians of the land.”   A crucial part of this initiative is the review of the Land Use Act of 1978, the governing law for land administration in Nigeria. The Act is obsolete, and we aim to review it. As part of the reform process, we also want to set up a National Land Commission to operationalize the law after it has been reviewed.” He emphasized that these efforts are essential for the new government as they prepare the blueprint for implementation.   To address the broader challenges, Arc. Dangiwa highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive and holistic approach to land administration. He stated that inclusive urban planning and fair land management strategies must be prioritized. This involves ensuring efficient land allocation and titling systems, as well as integrating informal settlements into formal urban frameworks to provide access to basic services and infrastructure for all citizens.   Furthermore, with climate change causing problems like desertification and flooding, the Hon. Minister stressed the need to invest more in sustainable land practices and resilient infrastructure. This includes planting more trees, adhering to green building standards, and incorporating nature-based solutions in city planning to reduce environmental risks.   Regarding conflict resolution, Dangiwa pointed out that conflicts over land ownership are common in Nigeria and other African countries due to weak legal frameworks. He called for better land governance and fair dispute resolution mechanisms to promote social harmony and prevent violent clashes.   In terms of food security, he highlighted the importance of optimizing land utilization for agricultural purposes amidst population growth and environmental pressures. This involves supporting smallholder farmers with secure land tenure, facilitating access to credit and inputs, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity while safeguarding natural resources.    The Hon. Minister stressed the importance of a multifaceted approach to land management. He stated, “The way we manage land in the future needs to consider everything from urban growth to climate change, conflicts, and food security. We can achieve this by including everyone in decision-making, being mindful of the environment, and ensuring fairness. This approach will help us tackle these challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous future for all.”   The Africa Regional Workshop was chaired by Iain Shuker (Regional Director for Sustainable Development in Eastern and Southern Africa, World Bank) on the closing day of the World Bank Land Conference, Friday 17th May 2022.   Other speakers at the panel discussion included  the Eunice Andrade Silva, Minister, of Housing Cape Verde, Ethiopia: Fenta Dejene, State Minister for Urban Development and Construction, Malawi: Deus Gumba, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Sierra Leone: Turad Senesie, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Country Planning and Uganda: Judith Nabakooba, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development.   ...

MINISTER GWARZO ADVOCATES INCLUSIVITY TO PROMOTE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT    The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has urged stakeholders in construction industry to invest in initiatives that can encourage gender equality and creates an environment where women can excel.   The Minister was speaking as a Special Guest at a conference hosted by Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors on "ARe - SuRe - Gender Diversification of Construction Industry Workforce: Attracting, Recruiting, Supporting, and  Retaining  Women Graduates" a research project aimed at understanding the obstacles hindering women from taking up employment in the construction workforce in Nigeria.   According to him women bring unique skills, perspectives, and problem solving that can enhance construction projects, promote sustainable practice, and foster a collaborative working environment.    To this end the Minister said the Conference was a significant platform to address the longstanding underrepresented of women in the construction sector, adding that embracing diversity means upholding fairness and equality while it will unlock a wealth of untapped potential to drive the industry forward.   He therefore called on the participants explore strategies and initiatives that will foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce that will harness the immense potential that women can bring into the sector.   Minister Gwarzo then commended the resilience and commitment of the organisers of the conference for aligning with President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusivity saying it will reshape the industry, foster culture of inclusivity, respect, and opportunity.   On his part the chairman of the Conference Professor Muhammad  A. Mainoma, mni Vice Chancellor Prime University, Abuja  has said that community engagement and outreach are essential aspects of promoting gender diversification in the construction industry workforce.   Professor Mainoma further stated that leadership commitment is vital to set the tone for the entire industry and create an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.   ...

Retirement Offers Exceptional Individuals Enjoy Fruits of their Labour - Gwarzo  Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has described retirement as a deserved opportunity for exceptional individuals to rest, reflect and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The Minister made the remarks at the send forth ceremony organised by the Ministry for a retiring Director and Head of Department of Engineering Services,  Engr Cyril Ogu Onyeneke  Engr. Onyeneke retired from Federal service after completing his normal service life cycle at 60 years Gwarzo described the outgoing director as an exceptional and humble man, who  dedicated his life to the service of the Nation. He also commended the Director for the proficiency he exhibited in his skills throughout his service years, stating that he was leaving a vital role in the Engineering department of the Ministry. While expresing sadness that the Director would be greatly missed, he further wished him a retirement filled with peace, happiness and fulfillment of expression and best of luck in his future endeavors. “As we bid you farewell from the civil Service, we do so with deep gratitude and profound respect, your contribution has left an indelible mark in our Ministry and the Nation at large;  As you embark on this journey, I have full confidence that your wealth of knowledge and experience would continue to positively impact the society in different capacity” Gwarzo stated Earlier in a welcome remark, Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Bala Muhammad Saulawa who represented the Permanent Secretary,, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, wished Engr. Onyeneke a very happy, successful and enjoyable life after retirement. He prayed that those still in service will also live to celebrate a successful retirement in due time. Delivering his vote of thanks, the retiring Director Engr. Cyril Onyenke expressed happiness that he was leaving the service in a glorious way and a satisfied Man. He thanked the Honorable Ministers for their tutelage, the Permanent Secretary, his fellow directors as well as his subordinates in the engineering department for their cooperation during the course of their work. The event was graced by some retired Directors, serving Directors and staff of the Ministry, family, friends and well wishers of the celebrant, who wished him well in his future endeavours. ...