Nigeria partners World Bank to unlock $300 billion in capital
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has unveiled plans to partner with the World Bank Group on a National Land Documentation and Titling Programme in Nigeria.
During the “Nigerian Livable Cities” workshop, organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the World Bank, Minister Ahmed Dangiwa highlighted the initiative’s potential to transform land into a significant economic asset.
He emphasized that less than 10% of Nigeria’s land is currently registered and titled, hindering landowners from leveraging their properties economically. The goal of the partnership is to increase land formalization from below 10% to 50% within the next decade, potentially unlocking over $300 billion in capital.
“This comprehensive initiative encompasses crucial sub-programs such as housing and land management, urban services delivery, climate change action, urban management and finance, and transportation,” Dangiwa noted.
The Minister also announced that the Ministry has drafted a framework for the programme, which will be shared with the World Bank Group for adoption and implementation. This initiative is a key component of the Ministry’s land reform strategy and will complement plans to establish a National Land Commission to operationalize the Land Use Act.
The World Bank’s Nigeria Urban Livability and Mobility Programmatic Analytics and Advisory Services (ULM PASA) aims to provide technical support to Federal and State governments in improving development policies and programs in selected Nigerian cities, enhancing their livability, competitiveness, and resilience.
“The workshop provides a platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that will propel our cities towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth,” Dangiwa stated.
He also outlined the Federal Government’s efforts towards creating livable and sustainable cities, including the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme, which aims to deliver 50,000 housing units in its first phase.
Dangiwa underscored the need for deliberate planning and design of new urban spaces that promote efficiency and sustainability, especially in the face of climate challenges. He advocated for green building techniques, efficient waste management, and creating green spaces to contribute to a healthier urban environment.
At the workshop, World Bank Task Team Leader Fuad Malkawi presented preliminary findings from an analytical review of Nigerian cities, highlighting their risk of disaster exposure due to inadequate infrastructure and basic social services amidst rapid growth.
The workshop featured panel discussions on state government priorities and institutional constraints to improving urban livability. Participants included state commissioners and senior government officials responsible for lands, environment, and housing from Anambra, Abia, Edo, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, and Plateau.
Recommendations from the workshop focused on addressing inaccurate data, reducing pressure on services due to rapid urban growth through adequate planning, controlling development along flood plains, aligning programmes with government policies, investing in climate-smart infrastructure, and facilitating the review of the Land Use Act 1978 (1999 as amended).
Other suggestions included developing a Drainage Master Plan for flood control, a National Urban Programme to operationalize the National Urban Development Policy, and integrating disaster resilience and early warning systems into state development plans.
