Nigerian Minister of State for Works and Housing, Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub has disclosed that the on-going National Validation Workshop on the Review of 2012 Urban Development Policy in Abuja is a vital milestone to transform Nigeria’s human settlement.
El-Yakub made this known during the opening ceremony of 3-day National Validation Workshop on the Review of 2012 National Urban Development Policy holding in Abuja on Tuesday.
El–Yakub who further said that the workshop represents vital landmark towards the conclusion of the process of producing revitalized policy document that would be widely acceptable and applicable to all levels of government and other stakeholders to ensure vibrant urban development across the country.
Adding that this review is designed to concretize the different inputs, fill any gaps, and jointly agree on the last steps towards launching it, he said, “To get this far, we have held two major meetings which has now enhanced a vastly improved Drafted of a New National Urban Development Policy.
“Already, this draft has received inputs from varied categories of stakeholders and had also been subjected to very meticulous reviews by subject experts at both local and international spheres. The aim of this Validation Workshop therefore is to concretize the different inputs, fill any gaps, and jointly agree on the last steps towards launching it”.
The Minister rated the workshop high as it offers the nation a chance to deliver the vision loudly enunciated in the new draft policy which is more focused on how to do things right from now on as the shortcomings of the past policy had been carefully identified and addressed in the new policy drafted.
“Indeed, we are here confronted with a chance to deliver the vision loudly enunciated in the preamble to this new draft policy, i.e. the vision ‘to do things differently’ from now on.
“From the briefings I received and in my personal assessment, the 2012 Policy did not deliver adequately on its goals and objectives. I’m pleased to announce to you that the reasons for the unfortunate result of the past have been carefully identified and addressed in this fresh attempt.
“I am an optimist and I firmly believe we are on the path to transforming Nigeria’s human settlements sector into a potent driver of overall national development. I have never doubted that Nigeria will be great again,” he said.
The Minister of State appreciated the tireless efforts of all local and international stakeholders who have travelled with the ministry on the momentous journey of reviewing the 2012 National Urban Development Policy.
He specifically mentioned the UN-Habitat for all their valuable and technical guidance in the review of the policy to the cause of human settlement development in Nigeria.
EL-Yakub encouraged participants to bring in their various technical expertise and experience to bear to present a policy document that would spur urban settlement development that is inclusive, safe, resilient and suitable in Nigeria.
Delivering his address, the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, TPL Nathaniel Atebije appreciated the Ministry for the bold step taken to review the policy which was long overdue since 2017, noting that urban areas are the engines of growth and development of nations and that with the policy, avenue is provided to manage pressures in urban space such as slum prevention, etc.
Speaking also was the representative of UN-Habitat, Amb. Akin Oyeteru who congratulated the organisers for the steadfast efforts to prepare an inclusive urban development policy which if achieved would respond to the contemporary challenges and take advantage of urbanization opportunities, pledging its readiness to support the journey for better urban future for all.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali ably represented by the Director Urban and Regional Development Department, TPL. Chike Anikamadu on behalf of the Ministry thanked all participants for the zeal shown so far along the process of reviewing the old policy document, wishing everyone safe trip back home.
Also, in his vote of thanks, Director, Urban and Regional Development Department of the Works Ministry, Dr A.D. Olakunde thanked the top management of the Ministry who have continuously supported and provided funding for this laudable of revising the 2012 National Urban Development policy and others for their inspiring Goodwill messages.
Present at the workshop were: the representatives of the President Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Tasiv Gidari Wudil, the President Quantity Surveyors Registration Council of Nigeria, QS. Nuhu Graham among others.