Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has emphasised the importance of integrating youth perspectives in urban planning and development to better address climate change and enhance cities’ resilience to future challenges.
In a statement, Salisu Badamasi Haiba, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, noted that Dangiwa highlighted this point during his keynote address at the 2024 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day commemoration in Abuja.
This year’s themes are “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future” for World Habitat Day and “Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities” for World Cities Day.
The Minister expressed appreciation for these themes, recognising that today’s youth are already significant contributors to sustainable urbanization through innovation and advocacy.
Dangiwa emphasised the value of creating spaces where youth ideas are respected and actionable.
He noted that with adequate support and resources, young people’s contributions could substantially enhance urban development and climate resilience.
Expressing pride in the ministry’s role in leading Nigeria’s Urban October participation, the Minister highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to addressing urbanization challenges.
Key initiatives include the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, aiming to build 50,000 housing units in its first phase, and a World Bank and IFC EDGE Green Building Workshop for ministry staff, promoting climate-smart practices in housing projects.
He further underscored the ministry’s commitment to affordable housing, mentioning efforts toward establishing the National Social Housing Fund to help low-income Nigerians access housing.
He linked these initiatives with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals on poverty, inequality, and climate action, noting that youth engagement is crucial to achieving these goals.
“By involving young people in urban planning, we can create inclusive cities that remain resilient to climate impacts,” he added, assuring that the ministry stands ready to amplify youth voices and support their efforts toward a sustainable urban future.
In his World Habitat Day message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that cities need youth energy and vision, as they represent more than half of the world’s population and contribute 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Guterres called for amplifying youth voices, investing in their ideas, and enabling meaningful participation in urban decision-making to accelerate climate action and sustainable development progress.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Honourable Abiante Awaji, represented by Vice Chairman Abdulhakeem Ado, also addressed the event, calling it an opportunity for reflection and collaboration toward sustainable urban spaces.
He noted that engaging young people’s creativity and commitment could help solve challenges like unplanned building and the conversion of residential areas for commercial use.
In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary Marcus Ogunbiyi said Nigeria’s participation aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable urbanization and encouraged stakeholders to contribute ideas and solutions.
“Let us work together to build inclusive, safe, and resilient cities where all citizens can thrive,” he urged, while also acknowledging the role of UN-Habitat in making the event possible.
