The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres has said that international financial architecture must be reformed to mobilize the adequate, predictable fund so as to embark on affordable financing developing countries need to invest in housing at scale.

Gutierres who spoke virtually the commemorate 2026 World Habitat Day, explaining that we must treat housing as a public good and build a world where everyone has a place to call home even as 3 billion people are denied universal human right on housing and this is the foundation of dignity, security, and opportunity.

According to him, out of this over 1 billion lived in informal settlements and slums, and many more experience homelessness or have been displaced by conflict, disasters, and climate change.

The United Nations Secretary General noted that investing in adequate housing and transforming informal settlements can reduce poverty, tackles inequality, builds climate resilience, and fosters peaceful and inclusive societies.

He therefore maintained that this demands coordinated action at every level, with national and local governments shaping bold policies, building partnerships, and grounding decisions in sound data.

Also, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma said the gathering will provide an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to adequate housing, sustainable urbanisation and the development of inclusive, resilient and prosperous human settlements across Nigeria.

Darma said that Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation presents significant opportunities for economic
growth and innovation but also places increasing pressure on housing supply, land,
infrastructure, transportation, sanitation and environmental management.

He explained that addressing these challenges requires coordinated policies, effective institutions,
sustainable financing and strong partnerships among all levels of government and other stakeholders,highlight the need to expand access to decent and affordable housing while improving the quality of our existing cities and communities.

“Housing is more than a physical structure. Adequate housing must be affordable, safe, accessible and well located, with secure tenure
and access to infrastructure, transportation, employment and essential social services,” he remarked.