Dangiwa Advocates for Youth Inclusiveness in Urban Planning and Development 

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has underscored the need to incorporate the youth perspective into Urban Planning and Development, in order to effectively address climate change and ensure that cities remain resilient in the face of emerging challenges.

Dangiwa made this known while giving his keynote address at the commemoration of the 2024 World Habitat Day/World Cities, in Abuja.

The theme for this year’s World Habitat Day is “Engaging youth to create a better urban future” and for the World Cities Day, “Youth leading climate and local action for cities”.

The Minister appreciated the promptness of the themes for the event, pointing out that the youth of today are not only the leaders of tomorrow but are already making significant contributions to sustainable urbanization through innovation and advocacy.

While acknowledging the power of the unique insights and powerful voices of the young people in shaping the future of communities, the Minister emphasized on the importance of creating spaces where the ideas of the youth are valued and acted upon.

According to him, “By supporting their initiatives with the necessary resources, we can enhance their impact on urban development and climate resilience”.

The Minister was delighted at the Ministry’s role to lead Nigeria’s participation in the Urban October celebration, adding that the Ministry took pride in joining the international community to tackle the multifaceted challenges of urbanization, with the goal to raise awareness of the issues within Nigeria and promote collaborative action across all levels from local communities to the international stage.

Arc. Dangiwa noted some of the steps being taken in the Country under the Housing Ministry to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization to include: the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program which aims to build 50,000 housing units under phase 1; a 2-Day Workshop on Green Buildings by World Bank, IFC EDGE Programme, for technical staff of the Ministry, which is part of the drive to ensure the incorporation of sustainable and climate smart practices into housing projects.

Accordingly, he stated the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable urbanization beyond housing, siting initiatives that support the low income earners such as the ongoing work towards the establishment of the National Social Housing Fund, aimed at helping the lower income Nigerians access affordable housing.

While the Minister revealed that the efforts of the Ministry aligned closely with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty, inequality, and climate change, he acknowledged that the challenges required the support of every segment of the society, with youth playing a key role.

“By engaging youth in urban planning and decision-making, we can create cities that offer opportunities for all while remaining resilient to the impacts of climate change”, he added.

Further charging the young leaders to drive real change with their potentials, Dangiwa assured that they would be provided with the needed resources and opportunities to shape a sustainable and equitable urban future.

“We stand with you, ready to amplify your voices and support your efforts in creating cities that reflect our shared values”, he encouraged.

Similarly, he expressed optimism that the work being done at the Ministry would impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, making housing more affordable and accessible while fostering inclusive urban growth.

Earlier in his message for the day, the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres, noted that Cities needed the energy and vision of youths to champion the cause for change, being at the forefront of climate crisis with more than half of the world’s population and 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Gutteres expressed hope that empowering young people can lead to acceleration of climate action and global driven progress for Sustainable Development Goals.

“We must amplify their voices, invest in their ideas, and promote their meaningful participation in urban decision-making”, he further said.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Honourable Abiante Awaji, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abdulhakeem Ado, said the occasion offered an opportunity for reflection, action and collaboration in the strive to create a sustainable, inclusive resilient Urban space.

He stated that the challenges of lack of proper planning, building without consideration of climate change, conversion of residential areas to that of commercial, among others, being faced by Cities can be solved when young people whose energy, creativity and commitment to sustainability are engaged.

Hon. Abiante further assured that the house committee would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian Cities are planned and managed for the benefit of both present and future generations.

In his Welcome Address, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that by the event, the Country was joining the global community in the laudable venture of advancing the interest of National, regional and global stakeholders, on issues of sustainable urbanization.

He encouraged all stakeholders to contribute their ideas, share experiences and propose solutions in the their discussions.

“Let us work together to build inclusive, safe and resilient cities where all citizens regardless of background or social economic status can thrive”, he said.

Dr. Oginbiyi expressed appreciation to the UN- Habitat for their roles in making the event possible.