By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Federal Government and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to advance affordable housing, sustainable urban development and climate-resilient cities across Nigeria.
The commitment was made when the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, received a delegation from UN-Habitat led by its Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Oumar Sylla, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Badamasi Haiba.
Speaking during the meeting, Darma commended UN-Habitat for its sustained technical support to the Ministry and several state governments, particularly its contribution to the review of the National Urban Development Policy, which he described as invaluable.
The Minister called for deeper collaboration in sustainable urban planning, affordable housing delivery, climate resilience, urban renewal, capacity building and the effective implementation of the National Urban Development Policy.
He expressed optimism that UN-Habitat would continue to provide technical expertise, promote international best practices and facilitate development partnerships to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing and urban development sector.
Addressing Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligation under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Darma assured the delegation that despite prevailing fiscal challenges, the Ministry was engaging the relevant authorities to facilitate the release of the funds and remained committed to fulfilling the country’s obligations.
He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to retaining and strengthening UN-Habitat’s presence in Nigeria, describing the organisation as a strategic partner in the country’s efforts to expand access to affordable housing and improve urban development outcomes.
The Minister expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to deliver lasting benefits through better housing, sustainable cities and inclusive urban development.
He also underscored the importance of urban renewal in driving socio-economic development and addressing insecurity in urban centres, adding that slum mapping and improved urban planning would receive greater attention.
Earlier, the UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Oumar Sylla, congratulated Darma on his appointment and described Nigeria as a critical partner in advancing sustainable human settlements and urbanisation across Africa.
Sylla briefed the Minister on UN-Habitat’s ongoing interventions in Nigeria, including programmes aimed at expanding access to affordable housing, improving land administration, supporting urban transformation, providing basic services and delivering durable solutions for displaced persons, particularly in the North-East.
He also highlighted the organisation’s growing collaboration with states such as Niger, Yobe, Adamawa and Katsina, noting that recent engagements had yielded encouraging results. He commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment to urban development.
Sylla appealed for the Ministry’s continued support for UN-Habitat’s programmes and urged the Federal Government to resolve Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligations under the Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the organisation’s Country Office in Nigeria.
He further encouraged Nigeria to participate in the forthcoming High-Level Political Forum in New York, describing it as an important platform for advancing the country’s urban development priorities and strengthening international cooperation.
