Tackle Rural-Urban Migration, Minister Tells Architects
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa has called on architects to address the mounting pressures of rapid rural-urban migration and unprecedented population growth.
Dangiwa, who spoke at the 2024 Archibuilt Exposition, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) in Abuja, highlighted the urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions in the face of the challenges.
He pointed out that African nations are struggling to keep up with the demands of a population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, with Nigeria alone expected to contribute over 400 million.
Former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour, echoed the call for reimagining cities as dynamic ecosystems.
Sambo also proposed the establishment of a think-tank of architects to provide the Minister with practical, innovative solutions for sustainable and affordable housing.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Mobolaji Adeniyi explained that the exposition was aimed at showcasing cutting-edge products, ideas, and technologies poised to redefine the built environment.