FG Approves Revised National Urban Development Policy

In its bid to provide a transformative framework to guide urban planning, development and governance across the country, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revised National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) over the next decade.

Speaking on the significance of the policy approval, the minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, yesterday in Abuja lauded that the NUDP is a critical milestone in Nigeria’s urban journey.

The minister said it provides the country with a clear roadmap to plan and build cities that are productive, liveable as well as inclusive, and climate-resilient.

He emphasised that with this policy, Nigeria is better positioned to harness the full potential of its urban spaces in order to drive national development and uplift the quality of life for all Nigerians.

While promising that the Ministry will immediately begin nationwide sensitisation and capacity-building engagements to support the effective rollout of the policy developed by his office in collaboration with UN-Habitat and other key stakeholders, the housing minister also revealed that the policy will replace the previous 2012 edition.

He said the NUDP introduces a “business unusual” approach that departs from fragmented, reactive planning, and embraces proactive, inclusive, and long-term strategies.

“A major focus of the policy is the strengthening of urban governance. It advocates for the creation of metropolitan commissions and regional planning bodies to manage Nigeria’s fast-growing urban regions and conurbation that cut across administrative boundaries. This includes enabling a more coherent system of cities, improved intergovernmental coordination, and decentralised urban management structures”.

“In terms of social inclusion, the policy embeds a pro-poor, pro-vulnerable urban design philosophy. It calls for planning and development that prioritise women, youth, persons with disabilities, and the informal sector. By improving access to housing, infrastructure, public spaces, and basic services, the NUDP aims to create cities where all residents can live with dignity and opportunity”, he states.

Dangiwa further explained that climate change is another critical pillar of the new policy adding that it will address Nigeria’s escalating climate risks including flooding, drought as well as desertification, and extreme weather events.

Another important initiative, the National Policy on Rural Settlements Planning and Development, seeks to address the minister’s stresses on  the challenges of urbanisation by identifying development gaps in rural areas and providing targeted solutions. He explained that this approach aims to reduce the pressure on urban centers by discouraging rural-to-urban migration through improved rural development.

Furthermore, he said a number of regional development plans are presently in progress across the country. These initiatives collectively demonstrate the Ministry’s strong alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an agenda that prioritises not only housing delivery but also the broader goal of sustainable urban development.