The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Ɗangiwa, has underscored the relevance of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges of urbanisation.
He spoke during a meeting with delegates from Hip City Innovation Centre, at his office in Abuja today.
Hip City Innovation Centre is a research, development and advocacy organisation that focuses on strengthening youth and community resilience, fostering active citizen participation in democratic processes.
It is a member of the World Urban Campaign (UN-Habitat affiliate) and Making Cities Resilient (MCR2030).
The minister expressed readiness to partner with youth organisations in order to harness their talents and ideas, which would contribute to the creation of resilient cities and urban centers equitable and prosperous for all.
While recognising the youths as the largest demographic and the drivers of change in Nigeria, he commended their commitment to sustainable urban and housing development in Nigeria, pointing out the significance of their energy, creativity, and passion to the shaping of cities and communities.
He commended the initiative of the delegation to form a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, saying that it aligns perfectly with the ministry’s vision of inclusive and participatory governance, where every citizen has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Explaining further, Ɗangiwa recalled, “The 2024 World Cities Day event and the World Urban Forum in Cairo were important moments for us as a ministry.
“They reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of urbanisation.”
Stating the opportunities and challenges presented by the growth of Nigeria’s cities, the minister acknowledged that the young people as the dominant population of city dwellers have a unique perspective on the issues affecting urban areas, from housing affordability to transportation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
Dangiwa further assured of his commitment as the chairman of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, to inclusive urbanisation, as well as the ministry’s openness to the idea of a Youth Advisory Board.
“We will work with you to holistically review the concept that you have proposed, make necessary inputs so that it is transparent, inclusive and sustainable”, he promised.
On their part, the Executive Director of the Hip City Innovation Centre, Mr Bassey Bassey, requested the ministry to consider the constitution of a Youth Advisory Board to ensure youth participation in housing and urban development policy making, in order for their insights, priorities, and innovative ideas to reflect in national strategies.
He commended the leadership of the minister as the chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, particularly in the area of strategic plan for 2026-2029 which focuses on areas like adequate housing, issues of land, transformation of informal settlement and slum, among others.
While referencing the existence of the Youth Advisory Board at the UN Habitat level, Bassey stressed the need for the board at the national level, while further expressing desire for the board to be set up within the shortest possible time in order to position the Nigerian youths to contribute to global conversation and take local action when the strategic plan at the global level kickstarts in the year 2026.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a research publication by the Hip City Innovation Centre on Abuja as a city for hub.
