President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his government’s drive to transform Nigeria’s urban landscape by pushing for the domestic production of building materials and placing architecture at the core of national development.
Speaking through the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, at the Nigerian Institute of Architects’ (NIA) 65th anniversary celebration in Abuja, the president called on architects to lead the charge in designing an inclusive and sustainable future for the nation.
Tinubu emphasized that revitalising Nigeria’s aging city centres and managing rapid urban expansion requires innovative design and local solutions. A key part of his administration’s strategy, he said, is to support the creation of private sector-led production hubs for construction materials—a move expected to cut building costs, foster job creation, and reduce dependence on imports.
“Efforts are already underway to breathe new life into our urban centres by adopting eco-conscious layouts and integrating smart technologies. We’re also empowering local industries to take the lead in supplying the materials that fuel this growth,” the president’s message stated.
Describing architecture as a profession that merges utility with creativity and tradition with innovation, Tinubu commended the Nigerian Institute of Architects for their vital role in shaping the nation’s identity and infrastructure.
“Architecture is not just about designing structures it’s about shaping how we live and interact as a society,” he noted. “You play a crucial role in making our cities more resilient, inclusive, and representative of our cultural values.”
He pointed to ongoing reforms led by the housing ministry, which include a plan to deliver over 20,000 housing units in the initial phase, with ambitions to scale up to hundreds of thousands in the future. These housing projects aim to serve vulnerable and low-income Nigerians, he said.
As part of a broader urban renewal initiative, the federal government has rolled out slum upgrading programs across 26 sites nationwide, working in partnership with state authorities. These projects aim to provide improved access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, roads, and renewable energy in underserved communities.
Tinubu also highlighted the launch of the National Land Registration and Documentation Program (NLRDP), designed to provide secure land tenure, promote digitized land management, and attract investment through transparency and streamlined governance.
He stressed the importance of eco-friendly construction practices, emphasizing the integration of solar energy systems and sustainable design standards into government-led housing initiatives.
“The success of our housing and urban reform agenda relies heavily on the architectural community,” Tinubu said. “We look to your expertise in designing climate-resilient housing, advancing modular construction techniques, and collaborating on policy and planning frameworks.”
In her welcome address, NIA President Mobolaji Adeniyi reflected on the Institute’s evolution from seven founding members to nearly 15,000 professionals spread across the country. Speaking under the theme “Architecture in a Rapidly Evolving Africa,” she underscored the urgent need to address unregulated urban growth and prevent structural failures.
She raised concerns over the limited presence of architects in public-sector planning and procurement, calling for stronger regulations, improved awareness, and unified action.
“Urban development is outpacing regulatory frameworks. The rise in building collapses is a crisis we must urgently address. Architects must not be sidelined in shaping policy or project implementation,” Adeniyi said. “We must lead with unity and purpose—because architecture is central to climate adaptation, cultural identity, and national progress.”
