The policy seeks to regenerate informal settlements of inner city neighbourhoods in urban centres to prevent the growth of slums.
Niger state government has presented draft copy of the formulation of the state urban policy process to policy makers from the state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s).
It said that Niger State is getting a 900,000 dollar grant from South Korea to formulate the urban policy.
The policy seeks to regenerate informal settlements of inner city neighbourhoods in urban centres to prevent the growth of slums, improved access to safe, decent and affordable housing.
It will also improve on public transport systems, improved water and sanitation, effective land management, inclusive economic growth and job creation.
Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Chairman, Technical Support Team for the Formulation of the Niger State Urban Policy, said the meeting was for policy actors in MDAs to have an understanding of the ongoing formulation of the policy.
Matane, represented by Alhaji Baba Wachiko, Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs, added that the meeting was for participants to review the draft policy, identify gaps and make inputs.
“This is to ensure that relevant policy actors and stakeholders are involved in the formulation process to have an implementable urban development policy,” he said.
Also, Prof. Mustapha Zubairu, Coordinator, Niger State Urban Support Programme (NSUSP), said that the urban policy would bring about sustainable use of land and natural resources to bring poverty to the barest minimum.
He added that the urban policy would strengthen governance systems and improve synergy between government institutions and MDAs at all levels of government.
“As key actors of MDA’s, you are to review the draft policy, make comments which should reflect what you think is missing and what you think should be adequately captured that are not adequately captured,” he said.
Presenting the draft urban policy, Mr Emmanuel Adeleke, UN-Habitat Consultant, NSUSP, said that the feasibility and diagnostic phase of the policy process had been completed.
He added that the outcome of these phases revealed uncoordinated urban development, infrastructure and service deficit, insecurity and poor urban and rural linkages among others.
