The Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Awal Ibrahim has said that the effort of the Niger state government to formulate an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for Minna and Suleja cities will help in addressing the challenges of urbanisation in the two cities especially Suleja.
He stated this when he received a delegatiom from the United Nations Habitat on Formulation of IDP for Niger state and the Niger state Urban Support Programme (SUP) on a courtesy visit.
The team was led by Mr Michael Kinyanjui, Regional Metropolitan Officer, UN- Habitat and Prof. Mustapha Zubairu, Coordinator, SUP.
The emir described Suleja as fast growing city that was becoming populated as a result of its proximity to the federal capital , hence the need to have a policy that will guide the urbanisation process of the city for sustainability.
“Suleja has witnessed increase in population because of its closeness to the federal capital, there is need to identify the resources that lies within the city and its environ so that it will be harnessed to accommodate the population, “ he said.
The emir called on the government to ensure the success of the project and pledged the emirate’s support toward the successful implementation of the project.
Earlier, Kinyanjui, disclosed that the UN-Habitat is supporting Niger state government to formulate an IDP for Minna and Suleja cities on how best they can manage urbanisation with their resources.
He said the IDP is to assist in addressing challenges related to organisation challenges such as infrastructure, waste management, income generation activities, unemployment among women and youths in the both cities.
Similarly, Ms Rossana Poblet, Consultant for IDP Formulation in Niger, said the concept of IDP was to link the urban areas with rural areas to bring about development of the state.
