The federal government celebrated the 2024 World Habitat and World Cities Day, reaffirming its commitment to providing affordable housing for Nigerians through ongoing construction projects in 14 states.
During the event in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, noted that the UN General Assembly designated October as a month to address the challenges and opportunities of urban development back in 2013.
Since 2014, countries around the globe have participated in this initiative, using October to engage in important discussions and activities focused on sustainable urban planning and resilient cities. This year’s themes are “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future” for World Habitat Day and “Youth Leading Climate Action for Cities” for World Cities Day.
Dangiwa expressed Nigeria’s pride in joining the international community to confront the complex challenges of urbanization, aiming to raise awareness of these issues domestically and encourage collaborative efforts at all levels.
“We gather today with a common goal: to create cities that serve everyone, where housing is affordable, infrastructure is effective, and communities are safe and vibrant. Today’s event provides an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our role in shaping the future of urban areas. Sustainable urban development transcends mere construction; it involves fostering communities that empower individuals and families to achieve their aspirations and lead fulfilling lives. Whether we are policymakers, community leaders, urban planners, or citizens, we all have a role in ensuring our cities are hubs of opportunity and inclusivity,” he stated.
He emphasized that this year’s Urban October themes—“engaging youth and recognizing their leadership in climate action”—are both timely and essential.
“Today’s youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are already making significant strides in sustainable urbanization through innovation and advocacy. Empowering them to take the lead is crucial for effectively tackling climate change and ensuring our cities remain resilient in the face of emerging challenges,” he added.
Additionally, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, remarked that by hosting this event, Nigeria is aligning itself with the global community in promoting the interests of national, regional, and global stakeholders regarding sustainable urbanization.
“Given the rapid pace of urbanization in our country, this collaboration is both timely and relevant for Nigeria. It has been projected that Nigeria’s urban population will continue to grow significantly in the coming decades, and it is in our collective interest to address the challenges this growth presents.
“As our cities and towns continue to drive economic growth, it is essential to focus on the overall well-being of these urban areas, ensuring adequate and affordable housing, access to basic services, and sufficient infrastructure, as well as fostering a supportive economic and social environment,” he stated.
