Commemorating World Habitat Day, NIQS Charges Built Environment Professionals on Creating Sustainable Cities

Bennett Oghifo

Professionals in Nigeria’s building and construction industry have been charged to collaborate and create sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities.
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), QS Kene C. Nzekwe, FNIQS, stated this during the commemoration of World Habitat Day 2025 at the Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Samaru, in Zaria, Kaduna State, recently.

The built environment professionals, he said, are critical to these efforts and to effectively respond to urban crises, adding, “Inadequate infrastructure including roads, drainage channels, water supply, and sanitation, is at the forefront of the challenges that escalates urban crises. The increased rural-urban
migration further contributes to the already existing housing shortage, particularly to affordable housing options. This results in overcrowding and the proliferation of informal settlements and slums. In addition, these forms of urban crises create social inequalities often disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including the poor and marginalised.

“Another critical challenge is the effect of urbanisation on environmental degradation, especially the loss of green spaces, ecological imbalance, urban pollutions and floods.

“It can be surmised that rapid urbanisation has brought about unprecedented challenges in our cities.” “Therefore, addressing the theme of this year’s World Habitat Day, “Urban Crisis

Response,” highlights the need for collective action to tackle these issues and create sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities. The built environment professionals are critical to these efforts and to effectively respond to urban crises, we must focus our energies collaborating to address the following key areas: Sustainable Urban Planning: Professionals need to develop comprehensive plans that integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations to create resilient and liveable cities.

Urban Renewal and Regeneration: Expertise in urban renewal and regeneration is necessary to revitalise deteriorated areas and promote sustainable urban development.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Our built environments must be designed and constructed to mitigate the impacts of climate change, reducing
carbon emissions and promoting energy efficiency. Therefore, built environment

professionals should know how to design and implement climate-resilient

infrastructure, such as flood control channels, retention ponds, and green spaces.

Green Infrastructure: Expertise in green infrastructure, including green roofs, urban parks, and wetlands, is crucial for enhancing climate resilience and providing multiple benefits.

Sustainable Infrastructure Development: We need to prioritise sustainable

infrastructure development, including affordable housing, green spaces and
efficient transportation systems. Professionals should be knowledgeable about sustainable transportation systems, including bike-friendly streets, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and public transportation options.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Built environment professionals need to
understand how to design energy-efficient buildings and promote the use of renewable energy sources.
vii. Data Analysis and Monitoring: Built environment professionals need to be skilled in data analysis and monitoring to assess the effectiveness of urban planning and implementation initiatives in order to make necessary adjustments.
Community Engagement and Participation: Professionals should be skilled in engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their input and participation in the planning process.

Affordable Construction Options: Majority of Nigerian city dwellers require
affordable housing and infrastructure to survive. Built environment professionals
must develop affordable construction options that will cater for the majority of city dwellers.
Policy Development and Implementation: Built environment professionals need to be familiar with policy initiatives and programs that promote sustainable urban development, such as the Nigeria Climate Change Framework and the Low Carbon Transportation Policy.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Effective response to urban crises requires collaboration and partnerships among built environment professionals and other stakeholders. Professionals should be able to work effectively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, civil society groups and private developers.

Finally, we should advocate for policy changes and investments that support sustainable urban development and crisis response. We must also ensure that procurement processes are transparent, efficient, and fair, and that contracts are administered effectively to deliver projects on time and within budget.
“As we commemorate World Habitat Day 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating sustainable, resilient, and equitable cities. I urge all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organisations, to work together to address the challenges of urbanisation and ensure that our cities are fit for purpose. By leveraging our expertise and working collaboratively, we can build a better future for all Nigerians and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Of course, as always and as ever, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors is committed to contributing to these efforts with all its might, resources, and in any capacity in which it may be called upon. We recognise the importance of collective action and collaboration in addressing urban crises. Let us work together to create a better future for our cities and our citizens.”

The this year’s World Habitat Day marks 40 years since the United Nations established the day in 1985, with the first celebration held in 1986.
QS Nzekwe said, “World Habitat Day reminds us that shelter is a fundamental human right—a necessity that must be accessible to all. Its purpose is clear: to raise awareness about global housing challenges, the environmental impact of urbanisation, and the urgent need to build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.

“As professionals in the built environment, we must continually underscore these values and commit ourselves to advancing them through our work.
“Organisations like Habitat for Humanity are now calling for everyone to join together as one global network in communicating the message that every one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future, and that a decent place to live can remove barriers to opportunity, health and success that might have been part of a family’s life for years, or in many cases for generations.

Therefore, this day also serves as a reminder to governments, organisations, and individuals to reflect on how urban development affects the environment and human well-being.”

He said, “This year’s theme, “Urban Crisis Response” resonates deeply with the challenges we face in Nigeria and across the globe. “As built environment professionals, we play a vital role in shaping the built environment, ensuring that infrastructure development is designed and executed with precision, efficiency, and sustainability in mind. Our expertise in urban planning, architecture, estate management, engineering, and quantity surveying, positions us uniquely to contribute to the response and resolution of urban crises. Therefore, as we gather here today to reflect on this theme, it is only fitting that we first examine the current state of urbanisation in Nigeria.”

He said Nigeria’s urban population is growing rapidly, and with it, the challenges of providing adequate housing, infrastructure, and services. Our cities are hubs of economic activity, innovation, and cultural diversity, but they also face significant pressures, including overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Despite several Government interventions, such as the renewed hope housing programme, renewed hope cities and estates, single-digit interest rate mortgages by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), the Shelter Afrique Development Bank partnership to build a landmark 5,000 housing units in the first phase, with plans for nationwide expansion, and the improved budget allocation of ₦32 billion for special
housing initiatives, the challenges remain very visible.

According to him, “The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) estimates that the housing deficit in Nigeria has grown to twenty-eight (28) million
units in 2025, with an average of seven hundred thousand (700,000) units required annually to bridge the gap.”