Urgent Urban Growth Rethink: Minister Urges Youth Inclusion with Lessons from Mexico
Minister Calls for Rethinking Urban Growth with Youth Inclusion
Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has called on policymakers to rethink urban growth strategies with a stronger focus on youth inclusion. His comments came during an International Youth Day 2025 event themed “An Evening with the Future: Youth, Urbanisation and Global Possibilities.” He was represented by the Director of Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade, Hashimu Sa’idu, at the event in Abuja. The Nation Newspaper
Attended by officials from diplomatic missions, the Federal Ministry of Housing, the FCT’s Mass Housing Department, Urban and Regional Planning, Area Council Services, and civil society, the forum was a platform for discussing inclusion and innovative urban solutions. The Nation Newspaper
Dangiwa used Mexico as a model, drawing parallels between its federal system and climate challenges with Nigeria’s. He shared three key Mexican lessons to shape more inclusive growth:
- Youth Engagement in Policy Design
He emphasized that youth should be genuinely included in shaping urban policies, especially for future-oriented planning. - Climate-Adaptive Urban Models
Using Mexico’s experience, Dangiwa stressed adopting climate-smart features, like green infrastructure and compact zoning, to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. - Federal Coordination for Local Solutions
Effective cooperation across federal and local levels, as seen in Mexico, allows tailored, youth-responsive urban solutions.
These points mirror concerns raised by Bassey Bassey from HipCity Innovation Centre, who recently urged the federal government to create a Youth Advisory Board focused on housing and urban development. Such a board would ensure youth perspectives influence policy from the inside. The Nation Newspaper+1
Dangiwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive urban design. He underlined the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared ownership in navigating Nigeria’s urban and housing challenges. fmhud.gov.ngInfoMinistry
This call comes at a critical time, Nigeria’s urban population is rising rapidly. Without inclusive planning, many young people face exclusion from housing, services, and economic opportunities. As one expert put it, urban youth today often feel like “villagers in the city,” unable to fully participate in urban life. The Guardian Nigeria
