FG Commends UN-Habitat Support for Displaced Persons 

* Pushes For Expanded Climate Responsive Housing Initiatives

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the European Union-funded Sustainable Integrated Development Program for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (SIDPIN), praising it for delivering durable housing solutions, strengthening community integration, and improving living conditions for displaced persons and host communities.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa made this commendation in a meeting with a delegation from the UN-Habitat, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

While acknowledging the UN-Habitat’s ongoing support through SIDPIN in Adamawa, Kano, and Borno states, he emphasized their alignment with the Ministry’s priority of rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening social cohesion in post-conflict areas.

Dangiwa also recognized the program’s support in reviewing the National Urban Development Policy, alongside its 
contribution to planning reform, and the offer of a consultant for the National Land Registration Documentation and Titling Programme (Land4Growth), urban renewal initiatives, and slum upgrading program’s.

“These interventions are vital as Nigeria confronts rapid urbanisation that demands coordinated planning, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-responsive development”, He said.

The Minister highlighted the importance of interventions in sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and resource management, emphasizing on the need for coordinated planning and sustainable infrastructure in the face of rapid urbanization.

He, however, regretted that budgetary constraints were hampering the Ministry’s clear policy direction and strong ambitions, slowing the pace and limiting the scale of implementation, particularly in the delivery of climate-responsive housing and urban resilience initiatives.

According to the Minister, this reality compels the Ministry to explore innovative financing mechanisms beyond traditional budgetary allocations.

He noted that while the Ministry recognizes the numerous opportunities presented by its partnership with UN-Habitat, it is also mindful of the challenges involved in meeting its obligations under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Arc. Dangiwa mentioned some of the   opportunities to include facilitating access to international climate finance from global funding institutions, mobilising resources for social housing programmes targeting vulnerable populations, and advancing women-focused housing initiatives, acknowledging that women are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts and conflict-induced displacement.

He expressed the ministry's deep appreciation for its collaboration with UN-Habitat and the potential for accelerating affordable housing delivery and the development of resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities.

Responding to the UN- Habitat’s invitation to the up coming Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, and the World Urban Forum in May, the Minister acknowledged both as important events for which the ministry will ensure representation.

Earlier in his remarks, the Head (UN Habitat) West Africa Hub Dakar, Senegal Mr. Mathias Spaliviero reaffirmed the agency’s strong institutional partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, emphasizing that collaboration remains a priority regardless of funding cycles.

He provided updates on ongoing interventions by the UN-Habitat, highlighting a major joint programme being implemented in collaboration with International Organization for Migration and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 

He noted that the initiative focuses on delivering sustainable, durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) through structured urban integration strategies across Kano, Yobe, Adamawa, and Benue States.

According to him, the programme adopts a multi-scale planning approach and has recorded encouraging progress, with state governments demonstrating increasing ownership and responsiveness.

Mr. Spaliviero further extended an invitation to the Honourable Minister to participate in the upcoming Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as the forthcoming World Urban Forum convened by UN-Habitat.