The Federal Government has commended the European Union-funded Sustainable Integrated Development Programme for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (SIDPIN) while calling for expanded collaboration on climate-responsive housing and urban resilience initiatives.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, gave the commendation during a meeting with a delegation from UN-Habitat at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dangiwa praised SIDPIN for delivering durable housing solutions, strengthening community integration and improving living conditions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. He acknowledged the agency’s ongoing interventions in Adamawa, Kano and Borno states, noting that the efforts align with the Ministry’s priority of rebuilding livelihoods and promoting social cohesion in post-conflict areas.
The Minister also recognised UN-Habitat’s support in reviewing the National Urban Development Policy, its contributions to planning reforms and its offer of consultancy services for the National Land Registration Documentation and Titling Programme (Land4Growth), as well as urban renewal and slum upgrading initiatives.
“These interventions are vital as Nigeria confronts rapid urbanisation that demands coordinated planning, sustainable infrastructure and climate-responsive development,” he said.
Dangiwa stressed the need for greater investment in sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience and resource management, warning that budgetary constraints were limiting the Ministry’s ability to scale up climate-responsive housing and urban resilience programmes.
According to him, funding challenges have compelled the Ministry to explore innovative financing mechanisms beyond traditional budgetary allocations. He added that while the partnership with UN-Habitat presents significant opportunities, the Ministry is mindful of its obligations under the existing Memorandum of Understanding.
The Minister identified potential areas for deeper collaboration, including facilitating access to international climate finance, mobilising resources for social housing targeted at vulnerable populations and advancing women-focused housing initiatives, noting that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and conflict-induced displacement.
He expressed appreciation for the partnership with UN-Habitat and pledged the Ministry’s participation in the upcoming Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi and the World Urban Forum scheduled for May.
Earlier, the Head of the UN-Habitat West Africa Hub in Dakar, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, reaffirmed the agency’s institutional partnership with Nigeria, describing collaboration with the Federal Government as a priority.
He provided updates on ongoing interventions, including a major joint programme implemented with the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, focused on delivering sustainable solutions for IDPs through structured urban integration strategies in Kano, Yobe, Adamawa and Benue states.
Spaliviero said the programme adopts a multi-scale planning approach and has recorded encouraging progress, with increasing ownership and responsiveness from state governments.
He also formally invited the Minister to participate in the forthcoming Africa Urban Forum and the World Urban Forum convened by UN-Habitat.
