Dangiwa Announces FG’s $500,000 Contribution to UN-Habitat’s Office

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a $500,000 contribution to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) as requested by the ministry.

Dangiwa spoke in Nairobi, Kenya, during the opening session of the second meeting of the 2024 executive board of the UN-Habitat which he chaired, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mark Chieshe.

Dangiwa, in his opening remarks said that this aligns with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and UN-Habitat for the period 2022–2027. The amount, he said, covers the outstanding tranche 1 contribution for 2022–2023.

Under the MoU, UN-Habitat is tasked with working with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development towards mobilising technical expertise, capacity, and financial resources at national, regional, and international levels to drive impactful projects.

The MoU also supports the development and implementation of projects and activities, provision of technical advisory services, and capacity-building assistance to federal, state, and local governments.

Additionally, the UN-Habitat will help foster partnerships and establish effective collaboration with bilateral and multilateral development partners.

“We recognise the critical importance of enhanced funding to support UN-Habitat’s objectives and appreciate the contributions of member states and partners in this regard.

“Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to UN-Habitat. Just last week, our President approved a $500,000 contribution to cover Nigeria’s outstanding obligations for 2022–2023, reaffirming our dedication to the organisation through our partnership framework,” Dangiwa stated.

The minister added that the ministry was determined to maximise the value of its relationships with bi-lateral institutions such as the UN-Habitat towards actualising the agenda for housing and urban development.

He acknowledged the support of delegates, and the progress achieved during Nigeria’s tenure as Chair of the Executive Board. Notable accomplishments, he said, include evaluating progress in implementing Assembly resolutions, reviewing the organisation’s work plan and budget, and advancing the strategic plan for 2026–2029.

“These milestones are expected to strengthen the realisation of the global vision for human settlements at the national level. The emphasis on the sustainability and inclusiveness of the strategic plan is particularly reassuring,” he added.

The new Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, during the opening session praised Nigeria’s effective leadership of the UN-Habitat Executive Board and lauded  Dangiwa for his focused stewardship as Chair.

Rossbach also expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s approval of a $500,000 contribution to the UN-Habitat.

“I greatly appreciate Nigeria’s commitment, exemplified by the Chair of the Executive Board, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, in advancing the mandate of UN-Habitat. Nigeria’s approval of $500,000 to UN-Habitat reflects its dedication to our partnership.

“This funding will bolster the UN-Habitat Country Office in Nigeria, enhancing its capacity to provide multi-level support for achieving Nigeria’s housing and urban development goals,” she stated.