With most Nigerian rural areas remaining underserved and roughly 80 per cent of residents living in poverty, newly established non-governmental organisation, SlumPact Initiative, has made a strong commitment to transforming underserved and informal urban communities across the country.

Recently launching in Nigeria officially, it enters the development space at a critical time when millions of Nigerians living in slum environments continue to face significant challenges, including poor housing, limited access to healthcare, unemployment and social exclusion. Armed with the belief that communities are often defined by deprivation also possess immense potential, SlumPact Initiative is set to deliver sustainable, community-driven interventions that improve quality of life and promote inclusive growth.

The organisation says it will focus on empowering vulnerable populations, especially women, youth, and children, through targeted programmes that address both immediate needs and long-term development goals.

Speaking at the launch, SlumPact Initiative founder, Prof Davies Adeloye, stated that they intend to bridge the gap between underserved communities and opportunities for social and economic advancement.

According to him, the initiative is not just about addressing poverty, but about unlocking potential, amplifying voices and fostering dignity within communities that are often overlooked. The strategy, he said, is anchored on collaboration, working closely with local communities, government institutions, development partners and private sector stakeholders to ensure that interventions are impactful and sustainable. Its programmes will span key areas such as community development, youth empowerment and skills acquisition, public health awareness and advocacy for inclusive urban policies.

The launch has been widely regarded as timely, given the increasing need for structured and scalable interventions in Nigeria’s rapidly growing informal settlements. Stakeholders noted that the organisation’s focus aligns with national development priorities and global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction, sustainable cities, and reduced inequalities.

SlumPact Initiative also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable impact, pledging to ensure that all resources are efficiently deployed to benefit the communities it serves.

They called on partners across sectors, including government agencies, development organisations and individuals, to support their mission of building resilient communities and creating pathways out of poverty.