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Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate and urban development sector have thrown their weight behind the federal government’s renewed partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), describing the collaboration as critical to addressing the country’s growing urbanisation challenges and expanding access to sustainable housing.
The experts said Nigeria’s cities will continue to attract more people in search of economic opportunities and better living conditions, making it imperative for governments at all levels to adopt proactive urban planning strategies capable of accommodating the increasing population.
They argued that without deliberate investment in infrastructure, housing and urban renewal, rapid population growth would continue to overstretch existing facilities, worsen traffic congestion, increase the spread of informal settlements and undermine the quality of life in major cities.
A property developer based in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, Chief Anthony Izuagbe, noted that urban centres naturally attract people because of better infrastructure, employment opportunities and social amenities.
According to him, governments must anticipate population growth and expand infrastructure ahead of demand rather than reacting after facilities have become overstretched.
“The government should always be proactive in taking decisions because that is the way to manage population density. If a bridge is built with intentions to carry 50 cars on a standstill and due to population surge it starts to carry 100 cars on holdup, the bridge will definitely collapse,” he said.
Also speaking, a retired Julius Berger official, Mrs. Chinonye Onyekoji, stressed the need for long-term planning, particularly in Lagos, which remains Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
She observed that the city continues to witness a steady influx of people seeking better economic opportunities, placing enormous pressure on transportation, housing and public services.
According to her, if authorities fail to make adequate provisions for the growing population, managing the daily activities of residents would become increasingly difficult.
The stakeholders’ comments came as the Federal Government and UN-Habitat reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at promoting sustainable housing and inclusive urban development across Nigeria.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, gave the assurance while receiving 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.
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Darma commended the agency for its sustained technical support to the ministry and several state governments, particularly its contributions to the ongoing review of the National Urban Development Policy.
He described the support as invaluable and said the partnership remains central to achieving orderly urban growth and improving living conditions across Nigerian cities.
The minister identified urban renewal as a key driver of socio-economic development, noting that properly planned cities can significantly reduce insecurity, improve access to services and stimulate economic activities.
He added that the renewed collaboration would also prioritise slum mapping, urban planning and other interventions designed to make Nigerian cities more resilient and inclusive.
Darma called for deeper cooperation in areas such as sustainable urban planning, affordable housing delivery, climate resilience, urban renewal, institutional capacity building and the implementation of the National Urban Development Policy.
He expressed optimism that UN-Habitat would continue to provide technical expertise, share global best practices and mobilise development partnerships that would support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing and urban development sector.
On Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligations under the existing Memorandum of Understanding with the organisation, the minister acknowledged the country’s fiscal constraints but assured the delegation that the ministry was engaging the relevant authorities to facilitate the release of the funds.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to meeting its obligations and sustaining the long-standing relationship with the UN agency.
Darma also assured the delegation that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening UN-Habitat’s presence in Nigeria, describing the organisation as a strategic development partner in the country’s efforts to expand access to quality housing and build sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities.
He expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would deliver lasting benefits for Nigerians through improved housing, better urban planning and stronger urban governance capable of supporting the country’s rapidly growing population.
