The Federal Government has declared the upcoming National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development as a pivotal platform for repositioning Nigeria's built environment. The event is set to align federal and state policies to tackle the nation's housing deficit and urban planning challenges.
Strategic Platform for Policy Alignment
Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, made this announcement in Abuja ahead of the council's annual meeting. The 14th edition of this crucial gathering is scheduled to hold in Ilorin, Kwara State, from 19th January 2026.
Dr. Belgore emphasized that the council serves as a critical avenue for strengthening collaboration between different tiers of government. He stated that the primary goal is to review existing sectoral policies and develop practical solutions. These solutions are intended to fast-track the delivery of affordable housing and promote sustainable urban development across all states of the federation.
Theme and Key Agenda for Ilorin Meeting
The council meeting will convene under the theme: “Achieving Housing Delivery and Sustainable Cities Through Effective Land Management, Urban Renewal, Promotion of Local Building Materials, and Public-Private Partnership in Nigeria.”
As a statutory forum for policy harmonisation, it will bring together a wide array of stakeholders. Participants will brainstorm and deliberate on regulatory matters to propel the sector forward. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, is expected to lead discussions on core issues. These will include effective land management, housing delivery, urban renewal, and expanding public-private partnerships as drivers for inclusive cities.
High-Profile Attendance and Venue
The Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, will host the event and serve as the Special Guest of Honour. The meeting will take place at the Kwara Innovation Hub, located on Ahmadu Bello Way in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ilorin.
The participant list is extensive and includes:
- State Commissioners for Lands and Housing
- Permanent Secretaries of relevant ministries
- Directors overseeing Lands, Housing, and Urban Development
- Chief Executives of State Housing Corporations
- Surveyors-General from across the states
- Representatives from professional bodies in the built environment
- Other key stakeholders from the private sector
This high-level convergence underscores the government's renewed focus on using collaborative governance to solve the persistent challenges in housing and urban development. The outcomes from Ilorin are anticipated to set a new strategic direction for the sector in the coming years.
