FG Reaffirms Commitment to Housing Delivery and Urban Planning Reform
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to advancing affordable housing delivery and strengthening town planning systems across Nigeria. Speaking through the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, at the 56th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) in Abuja, the President affirmed that effective urban planning remains central to achieving the government’s “Renewed Hope” development agenda.
Representing the President, Minister Dangiwa announced the Federal Government’s approval of a new National Urban Development Policy, a strategic framework designed to address Nigeria’s accelerating urbanisation and infrastructure challenges. The policy, he noted, establishes clear coordination among housing, planning, and infrastructure agencies to promote coherence and accountability in urban governance.
“Rapid urbanisation and environmental pressures demand a renewed and coordinated approach to planning administration,” Dangiwa said. “Our government’s approval of the National Urban Development Policy marks a critical milestone in ensuring Nigerian cities become more liveable, productive, and resilient.”
The policy framework aligns with the administration’s broader commitment to improving land use management, advancing urban infrastructure, and delivering affordable housing through public-private partnerships.
Strengthening Collaboration with Professional Bodies
President Tinubu commended the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners for its continued advocacy and professional contribution to national planning discourse. He emphasised that the Federal Government values technical partnerships with institutions like the NITP in developing evidence-based policies and enhancing institutional capacity for planning administration.
“This government is building strong partnerships with professional bodies such as the NITP to drive evidence-based policymaking and capacity building,” the President stated through the Minister.
The collaboration is expected to enhance policy design, streamline project implementation, and support reforms aimed at curbing urban sprawl and informal settlements.
Renewed Hope Housing Programme and Implementation Outlook
The Minister reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to implementing planning regulations that support the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable homes nationwide. The programme seeks to integrate housing delivery with broader urban planning objectives, ensuring developments are well-coordinated and sustainable.
Dangiwa reiterated that effective enforcement of planning standards will not only improve urban order but also enhance the investment climate in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. By fostering livable and efficiently planned cities, the administration aims to stimulate economic activity, attract private investment, and improve citizens’ quality of life.
Conclusion: Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Cities
The government’s renewed policy direction underscores a long-term vision to reposition Nigeria’s urban landscape through structured planning, institutional coordination, and policy-driven investment. With rapid population growth and urban expansion projected to continue, Nigeria’s urban population is expected to surpass 60% by 2050, according to UN-Habitat. The full implementation of planning laws and housing reforms remains essential to ensuring sustainable development and spatial equity.
