Dangiwa tasks African ministers on new urban agenda 

Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has called on African housing ministers to intensify their efforts in implementing the new urban agenda initiatives, adding that they are a key part of the resolutions which led to the establishing national urban forums across Africa.

Speaking at African Ministerial Caucus of the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt, Dangiwa stressee the critical need for sustainable urban development across the continent, affirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving these goals through collaborative action, innovative financing, and robust public-private partnerships.

He explained that some African countries, including Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, and Eswatin have shared progress reports on their respective countries’ strides in implementing the New Urban Agenda.

He said, “Additionally, housing development finance institutions, including Shelter Afrique Development Bank, actively participated in discussions, underscoring the importance of financial partnerships in driving sustainable urbanisation across the continent.”

The housing minister further noted the unified stance that African nations had adopted at the recent African Urban Forum in Addis Ababa, where countries pledged to fast-track Sustainable Development Goal 11 and align it with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Member states must continue to develop and implement comprehensive national plans integrating infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and economic growth to transform our cities into engines of prosperity,” he stated.

He urged them to foster stakeholder dialogue towards sharpening national policies of member countries on urban planning, climate resilience, and economic inclusion, bolstering Africa’s ability to confront urban challenges through the Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP).

He also reiterated the need for transparent financial mechanisms and urged financial institutions to design innovative financing models that address low-income housing and promote sustainable economic growth.

He said: “Nigeria’s partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), towards mobilising concessional funding to bridge Africa’s urban development financing gap, as an example for other nations.Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is aimed at providing 100,000 housing units nationwide.”

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Dangiwa however stated that Nigeria is committed to sustainable urban development including IFC EDGE partnerships that promote green building practices, urban renewal projects, and slum upgrades, demonstrating an integrated approach to enhancing urban environments.