Nigeria's Housing Minister Commits to Slum Upgrades

Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to transforming Nigeria's informal settlements into dignified and livable communities. During a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), led by its National President, Dr. Ogbonna Chime, the Minister identified specific areas requiring upgrades, including Makoko in Lagos State, Gishiri in Abuja, and settlements in Kano and Port Harcourt.

He pledged that the Ministry's forthcoming urban development policy would prioritize these areas. Minister Darma acknowledged the existence of the Urban Development Law enacted in 1992, which has yet to be implemented, and committed to a thorough review of this law.

He invited NITP to provide further guidance and emphasized the importance of utilizing indigenous consultants to enhance local capacity in the built environment sector. The Minister also discussed the role of artificial intelligence in shaping future work and encouraged continuous learning among professionals in the field.