Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development has revealed the ministry’s readiness to work with youth organisations to harness their talents and ideas, aimed at contributing to creation of resilient cities and urban centers equitable and prosperous for all.
While recognizing the youth as the largest demographic and the drivers of change in Nigeria, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa underscored the relevance of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges of urbanisation.
He commended the commitment of the youth to sustainable urban and housing development in the country, pointing out the significance of their energy, creativity, and passion to the shaping of cities and communities.
“We will work with you to holistically review the concept that you have proposed, make necessary inputs so that it is transparent, inclusive and sustainable”, Mr. Dangiwa said in a meeting with delegates from Hip City Innovation Centre, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, Wednesday, 5th February, 2025.
He commended the initiative of the delegation to form a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, saying that it aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s vision of inclusive and participatory governance, where every citizen has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
Dangiwa recalled that the 2024 World Cities Day event and the World Urban Forum in Cairo were important moments for the Ministry. “They reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of urbanization”, he said.
HipCity Innovation Centre is a research, development and advocacy organization that focuses on strengthening youth and community resilience, fostering active citizen participation in democratic processes.
They are also a member of the World Urban Campaign (UN-Habitat affiliate) and Making Cities Resilient MCR2030.
Executive Director of the HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE, Bassey Bassey, requested the Ministry to consider the constitution of a Youth Advisory Board to ensure youth participation in housing and urban development policy making, for their insights, priorities, and innovative ideas to reflect in national strategies.
He commended the leadership of the Minister as the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, particularly in the area of strategic plan for 2026-2029 which focuses on areas like adequate housing, issues of land, transformation of informal settlement and slum, among others.
While referencing the existence of the Youth Advisory Board at the UN Habitat level, Mr Bassey emphasized on the need for the Board at the National level, while further expressing desire for the Board to be set up within the shortest possible time in order to position the Nigerian Youths to contribute to global conversation and take local action when the strategic plan at the global level kickstarts in the year 2026.
Highlight of the visit, was the presentation of a research publication by the HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE on Abuja as a city for Hub.