The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has emphasized the importance of sustainable housing in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11, which advocates for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities.
Speaking at the 2024 Archibuilt Exposition organized by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Dangiwa urged professionals in the built environment to adopt green, sustainable, and climate-smart housing technologies. He highlighted the critical role of architects in shaping the future of urban spaces, emphasizing the need for innovative and sustainable practices to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and population growth.
The minister pointed out the challenges posed by rapid rural-urban migration and Nigeria’s projected population of over 400 million by 2050. He stressed the need for homegrown, innovative solutions that address current and future needs, while also encouraging the use of local and indigenous materials to reduce the carbon footprint and preserve cultural identity.
The minister revealed that the government is committed to promoting sustainable housing and urban development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The 3,112 Karsana Renewed Hope City, along with designs for six other Renewed Hope Cities in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, is undergoing the EDGE Green Certification process. This initiative aims to create the largest green housing footprint in the nation’s history.
Additionally, Dangiwa announced plans to establish six building materials manufacturing hubs across the country. The ministry is currently reviewing the modalities for their implementation.
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo, a special guest at the event, called for a reimagining of cities as dynamic ecosystems that promote mobility and improve quality of life. He urged architects to establish a think tank to periodically update the minister on practical innovations that could advance the housing sector, particularly in delivering sustainable and affordable housing.
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Mobolaji Adeniyi, remarked that the Archibuilt Exposition showcased cutting-edge products, ideas, and technologies that redefine the built environment. He noted that the event underscored the growing recognition of sustainable housing as a crucial element of Nigeria’s future development.
