The Nigerian Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa has emphasised the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing urbanisation challenges.
He made this statement during a meeting with delegates from the Hip City Innovation Centre at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
HipCity Innovation Centre focuses on enhancing youth and community resilience and promoting active participation in democratic processes. They are affiliated with the World Urban Campaign and Making Cities Resilient MCR2030.
Dangiwa expressed the Ministry’s willingness to partner with youth organisations to leverage their talents and ideas, contributing to the creation of resilient cities and equitable urban centers.
He acknowledged young people “as the largest demographic and essential change agents in Nigeria, praising their commitment to sustainable urban development.”
The Minister commended the initiative to establish a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, aligning it with the Ministry’s vision for inclusive governance.
Dangiwa said; “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.”
Dangiwa recognized that youth, as a predominant urban population, possess unique insights on issues like housing affordability, transportation, and sustainability.
He further assured of his commitment as Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board to promoting inclusive urbanisation and expressed openness to 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.
The Executive Director of HipCity Innovation Centre, Bassey Bassey urged the Advisory Board to facilitate youth participation in housing and urban policy-making.
He commended the Minister’s leadership in strategic planning for 2026-2029, focusing on issues like adequate housing and informal settlement transformation.
Bassey stressed the need for a National Youth Advisory Board to position Nigerian youths for participation in global discussions and local actions with the strategic plan in 2026.
The visit culminated in the presentation of a research publication by HipCity Innovation Centre on Abuja as a hub city.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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