Nigeria Launches Federal-Council Alliance to Strengthen Climate-Resilient Housing, Urban Development

By Oche Onum

Abuja, Nigeria In a landmark move to combat climate vulnerabilities in urban landscapes, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) have forged a strategic partnership to embed climate resilience into Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure sectors. The collaboration announced following a high-level meeting between Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa and NCCC Director-General Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, aims to align Nigeria’s rapid urbanization with global sustainability targets.

Nigeria’s urban population is swelling at over 4% annually, and cities contribute 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Minister Dangiwa stressed the urgency of integrating climate adaptation into housing policies. Our urban centers are both drivers of emissions and victims of their consequences. Sustainable development is no longer optional; it is existential,” he stated during the meeting, which included a delegation from the NCCC.

FMHUD’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates program is central to the partnership, which will deliver 10,112 energy-efficient, climate-resilient housing units across 14 Nigerian states. These projects will prioritize solar energy, water conservation, and disaster-resistant designs. Simultaneously, the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Project has revitalized 86 of 106 targeted sites through improved sanitation, drainage, solar lighting, and waste management.

Dangiwa highlighted ongoing collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) under its Green Buildings Programme, which has trained ministry staff in eco-friendly construction methods. A ministerial mandate now requires all housing projects to adopt IFC-EDGE standards, ensuring energy efficiency, reduced water use, and low-carbon materials. “From design to delivery, sustainability is now the baseline, not an add-on,” he emphasized.

Dr. Maduekwe underscored the need for interagency synergy, noting Nigeria’s upcoming submission of revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UN. She urged FMHUD to appoint a climate desk officer and join the NDC Steering Committee, calling housing “the frontline of climate adaptation.” Her appeal aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities), and 13 (Climate Action).

The partnership signals a shift toward mainstreaming climate metrics in Nigeria’s urban planning. With slum upgrades accelerating and green housing pilots scaling, the ministry projects a 30% emissions reduction in new developments by 2030. As Maduekwe noted, “Resilient homes aren’t just shelters they’re lifelines in a warming world.”