World Habitat Day: Rethinking Urbanization and Housing
First published in my column on naturenews.africa
Many subjects come to mind every week when I’m thinking about what subject to write about in my column. The search for what to write gets more daunting because I have to keep it within the environment remit and still make it make sense to people who might not know what climate change is. Writing about the environment can be a daunting task because it encompasses a lot — like making a mixture of politics, business, climate, economy and the likes into a place without any chaos. That’s why I hailed Nature News when it recently received a global certification because reporting about the environment and climate is not a walk in the park. Let me travel a bit into the future in today’s column. I said to travel a bit because World Habitat Day is only a few days ahead and that’s what I have decided to write about today.
Every first Monday of October — 7th day of this month — is set aside to mark World Habitat Day. Such a day is essential to reflect on the significance of sustainable urban development, affordable housing, and equitable access to basic amenities. The theme for this year is “Urban Future: Cities for All,” highlights the urgent need to address housing inequality, environmental sustainability, and urban planning, particularly in Africa and Nigeria, where rapid urbanization continues to pose unique challenges.
Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of urbanization globally, which can be either a blessing or a curse. By 2050, it is projected that over 60% of Africans will live in urban areas, compared to just 40% today. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, the urban population is expected to nearly double, growing from 117 million in 2021 to 255 million by 2050. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, typifies this trend, expanding into one of the world’s megacities with a population of over 21 million.
However, this rapid urbanization brings a paradox. On the one hand, cities are engines of economic growth, innovation, and social transformation. They offer the promise of jobs, improved infrastructure, and enhanced living standards. On the other hand, without adequate planning and investment in housing, transportation, and basic services, the influx of people to urban centres increases slum proliferation, overcrowding, and environmental degradation. This paradox must be addressed if Africa, and Nigeria in particular, is to reap the benefits of urbanization.
One of the most pressing issues facing Nigeria is its staggering housing deficit, estimated at 28 million units, requiring at least ₦21 trillion to resolve, according to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). To put this figure into context, it is equivalent to 73 per cent of the approved total budget of N28.77 trillion (US$34 billion) for the 2024 fiscal year. The housing shortage is not just a numbers problem but also a quality problem. Millions of Nigerians, especially in urban areas, live in substandard housing without access to clean water, proper sanitation, or secure tenure. Slums and informal settlements, such as Makoko in Lagos, serve as a stark reminder of the unmet housing needs of low-income populations. I have been to Makoko for humanitarian work a few times; perhaps I will shed light on what people are facing there someday.
Inadequate housing and poor living conditions lead to a cascade of other issues, including poor health outcomes, social inequality, and crime. While I have no data to prove this, but by observation, I can boldly say that most houses in Nigeria are self-built, often without adherence to building codes or standards, increasing vulnerability to environmental hazards such as flooding and building collapses. Let me take you on a trip to new sites on the Lagos-Ogun border, Ikorodu, Badagry and the like. Self-built houses have been normalised even before I was born.
Addressing the housing crisis in Nigeria requires urgent attention from both the government and private sector. While the National Housing Fund and other government-led initiatives have attempted to bridge the gap, a much more robust policy framework is necessary. Subsidized housing schemes, rent-to-own programs, and incentives for affordable housing developers must be scaled up to meet the growing demand.
The World Habitat Day isn’t just about urbanisation and housing, it also raises the alarm on another critical aspect — environmental sustainability. The United Nations has declared that cities are responsible for 70% of global carbon emissions and are at the forefront of the climate crisis. African cities, especially those in coastal areas like Lagos, are particularly vulnerable to climate change-induced risks such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and flooding. In Lagos alone, a 2021 report says flooding affects about 90,000 of Lagos residents, with devastating effects on lives and property.
The poor suffer the most from environmental degradation. Slums, often located in flood-prone or environmentally hazardous areas, bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. For instance, as of September 2024, 1.15 million people in Nigeria are affected by floods across 31 states with homes, crops, and infrastructure destroyed. It is imperative to prioritize green urban planning that mitigates climate risks while promoting resilience.
African cities must embrace sustainable practices such as green building designs, renewable energy sources, and efficient public transportation. Lagos, for example, has made strides in this direction with the development of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, which aim to reduce carbon emissions by promoting mass transit. However, these efforts must be scaled up, and urban planners must integrate sustainability into every aspect of city development.
Urban inequality remains a significant barrier to achieving the vision of inclusive cities for all. The wealth gap in Nigerian cities is glaring, with luxury estates existing side-by-side with sprawling informal settlements. The disparity in access to basic services such as clean water, healthcare, and electricity exacerbates this divide, often fuelling social unrest.
In Africa, 56.2% of urban residents live in slums, compared to just 23.9% globally, according to the United Nations. In Nigeria, this figure rises to nearly 80% in some cities. This stark inequality underscores the urgent need for policies that promote equitable access to housing, healthcare, and education.
Governments must prioritize urban development strategies that leave no one behind. Inclusive zoning policies, land reforms, and social housing initiatives can help address these inequities. Additionally, community-driven initiatives, such as housing cooperatives, can empower marginalized groups to participate in the urbanization process, ensuring that development benefits all, not just the wealthy.
As we reflect on World Habitat Day 2024, it is essential to draw lessons from other parts of the world. Cities such as Singapore and Curitiba in Brazil have successfully tackled rapid urbanization and housing shortages through innovative public policies, investments in infrastructure, and inclusive urban planning.
Singapore, for instance, has managed to provide affordable housing to over 80% of its population through the Housing Development Board (HDB). The government’s proactive approach to land acquisition, coupled with subsidized housing loans, has helped mitigate housing inequality while promoting social cohesion.
Curitiba, on the other hand, has become a global model for sustainable urban planning, with its integrated public transportation system and commitment to environmental conservation. The city’s use of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) has been widely emulated across the globe, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to urban mobility challenges. African cities can adopt similar models, adapted to local contexts, to ensure sustainable growth.
While governments play a critical role in shaping urban policies, the importance of civil society and the private sector cannot be overstated. Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been instrumental in advocating for affordable housing, tenant rights, and environmental sustainability. In Nigeria, organizations like the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) and Habitat for Humanity Nigeria are pushing for reforms that prioritize the needs of low-income residents.
Moreover, the private sector has a responsibility to invest in affordable housing and sustainable urban development. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can bridge the financing gap for large-scale infrastructure projects, while corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can support community-driven housing projects. For instance, banks and financial institutions can provide mortgage financing options tailored to the needs of middle- and low-income earners.
World Habitat Day 2024 is not just a day for reflection; it is a call to action. The challenges of urbanization, housing inequality, and environmental degradation are immense, but they are not insurmountable. Governments, civil society, and the private sector must collaborate to create cities that are inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
In Nigeria, the time for bold action is now. Our country’s future prosperity depends on how well it manages its urban growth and addresses the housing deficit. Urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders must rethink traditional approaches to housing and infrastructure, embracing innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability and social equity.
As citizens, we can also contribute to this transformation. By advocating for affordable housing, supporting community initiatives, and pushing for greener, more resilient cities, we can help ensure that the urban future is one where everyone thrives. The vision of cities for all, as championed by World Habitat Day, can only be realized if we all play our part.
In conclusion, World Habitat Day 2024 reminds us that housing is a human right, and sustainable urban development is essential for the well-being of both people and the planet. For Africa and Nigeria, this global observance serves as a powerful reminder of the need to act decisively in addressing urban challenges. Only through collective effort can we ensure that our cities become havens of opportunity, equality, and environmental stewardship for future generations.
