Nigeria's Housing Minister Advocates for Resilient Cities

Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, addressed the need for actionable measures to enhance housing and urban resilience at the 2026 combined commemoration of World Habitat Day and World Cities Day in Abuja. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Abba Abdullahi, Darma highlighted the themes “Adequate Housing for All” and “Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All.” He described housing as essential for human dignity and economic development, stressing that homes must be affordable, safe, and accessible.

The Minister identified barriers to homeownership, including high interest rates and low mortgage penetration, and announced efforts to strengthen financial institutions to improve access to housing finance. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry is implementing the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, aiming for 100,000 housing units across Nigeria.

Darma also mentioned over 240 urban renewal projects and emphasized inclusive regeneration that avoids displacing existing residents.