Nigeria’s burgeoning urban population presents a complex tapestry of challenges and opportunities. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, recognizes the critical need for innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships to navigate this urban landscape effectively. During a recent meeting with representatives from the HipCity Innovation Centre, Dangiwa emphasized the importance of leveraging fresh perspectives and collective efforts to achieve sustainable urban development. He drew attention to key international forums like the 2024 World Cities Day and the World Urban Forum in Cairo, which reinforced the global imperative for collaborative and innovative approaches to urban development. Dangiwa’s focus on inclusivity recognizes the crucial role of young people, who constitute a significant demographic in Nigerian cities, in shaping the future of urban spaces.
The Minister underlined the importance of youth engagement in addressing the diverse challenges facing urban areas. From housing affordability and accessible transportation to environmental sustainability and social inclusion, young people possess unique insights and experiences that can inform effective policymaking. Dangiwa applauded the HipCity delegation’s proposal to establish a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, recognizing it as a crucial step towards participatory governance. He believes that such an initiative would empower young citizens and ensure their voices are heard in decisions that directly impact their lives, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance. This collaborative approach, Dangiwa believes, will harness the creativity and talent of Nigerian youth to build more resilient and equitable urban centres. He pledged to carefully review the proposed concept, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability in its implementation.
Bassey Bassey, Executive Director of HipCity Innovation Centre, echoed the urgency of youth engagement in urban development. He called on the Ministry to formalize a Youth Advisory Board, thereby institutionalizing the integration of young people’s perspectives into housing and urban development policies. Bassey commended Dangiwa’s leadership as Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, particularly his focus on strategic planning for crucial issues such as adequate housing, land reform, and slum transformation. These issues, central to sustainable urban development, require comprehensive and inclusive strategies that address the needs of all urban residents. Bassey stressed the need to equip Nigerian youth to actively participate in global dialogues on urban development, advocating for the timely establishment of the board to enable their contribution to international conversations.
The proposed Youth Advisory Board would serve as a platform for young Nigerians to engage with global urban development discourse and contribute to local action. The board’s establishment aims to align Nigeria’s urban development strategies with global best practices and ensure that the needs and perspectives of its youth are represented in international forums. This initiative seeks to prepare Nigerian youth for active participation in the implementation of global strategic plans, beginning in 2026. By facilitating this engagement, the board aims to foster a generation of young leaders equipped to tackle the multifaceted challenges of urban development and contribute to building sustainable and thriving urban environments.
Dangiwa’s emphasis on collaboration and youth involvement reflects a broader recognition of the crucial role these elements play in addressing complex urban challenges. The rapid pace of urbanization in Nigeria necessitates innovative and inclusive solutions, drawing on the diverse perspectives and experiences of all stakeholders, particularly the youth who represent the future of urban spaces. The ministry’s commitment to partnering with young people demonstrates a forward-looking approach to urban development, recognizing the potential of youth engagement to drive positive change and build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban communities. By actively involving young people in policy formulation and implementation, Nigeria can leverage their insights and creativity to shape urban environments that meet the needs of present and future generations.
The meeting between Minister Dangiwa and the HipCity Innovation Centre signifies a crucial step towards building a more participatory and inclusive approach to urban development in Nigeria. It highlights the growing recognition of the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of urban spaces and the need for innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges associated with rapid urbanization. The proposed Youth Advisory Board represents a tangible commitment to empowering young people and incorporating their voices into policy decisions, fostering a more collaborative and responsive approach to urban development. This collaborative effort holds the promise of creating more sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban environments that benefit all Nigerians, particularly its vibrant and dynamic youth population.
