Cities in Egypt and Nigeria have received international recognition for their urban governance and development at the prestigious World Urban Forum, WUF hosted by UN-Habitat in Cairo.
This twelfth WUF session brought together over 24,000 participants from 182 countries, providing a global platform for discussing sustainable urban futures.
During the event, the Institute for Environment Research and Development, IERD presented awards in a ceremony titled “Voice from Cities,” under the theme “Rejuvenation of Slums and Local Economic Interventions for Nigerian Cities.”
IERD’s Executive Director Prof. Adedeji Daramola, highlighted that this award series began at the 2008 WUF in Nanjing, China, and has become a biennial tradition recognizing exceptional quality of life in cities worldwide.
Award Highlights
Egypt:
- Cairo was celebrated for its comprehensive smart city strategy, focusing on the Greater Cairo project, which integrates parts of Giza and Qalyubia. Dr. Omar Balbaa from the Ministry of Transport accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Cairo Governorate’s governor, in recognition of efforts aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Nigeria:
- Lagos earned recognition for its efforts in crime prevention and transportation efficiency, winning the award for Outstanding Urban Governance and Safe City Model. The award was accepted by Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, alongside Engr. Fatai Akinderu, Commissioner for Housing.
- Ondo State received accolades for its community security initiative, Amotekun, with awards presented to both the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (posthumously) and the current governor.
- Rivers State was awarded for its continuity in governance and ambitious housing projects, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara receiving an Excellence Award for Good Governance and Urban Development.
- Benue State was recognized for its commitment to grassroots and inclusive governance, focusing on infrastructure that aims to position it as a tourism destination.
- Enugu State was acknowledged for the Smart City Concept led by Governor Peter Mbah, envisioned as a regional economic booster similar to Lagos’s Eko Atlantic project.
- Borno State was celebrated for its resilience and smart city planning, with Dr. Usman Kumo accepting the award.
- Zamfara State and Kebbi State also received awards, honoring their achievements in urban resilience, governance, and economic partnerships.
Non-state actors such as Lafarge Holcim Conglomerate, T-Pumpy Concepts, Plinths and Pitches Incorporated, and Adron Homes were also awarded for their contributions. Distinguished participants included Dr. Oluyinka Olumide and Engr. Fatai Akinderu, joined by Nigerian Institute of Town Planners’ past president TPL Nathaniel Atabije, Festus Adebayo from the Housing Development Advocacy Group, and Engr. Oluwole Sotire from Lagos State’s Ministry of Physical Planning.
The forum also attracted global experts such as Dr. Omar Balbaa from Siemens and Faez A. Althobaiti from Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Development Authority, underscoring the international reach of this year’s event.
In the highlight of the event, IERD announced upcoming plans to partner with UN-Habitat on a comprehensive report on Nigerian cities, mirroring the Global Report on the State of World Cities. Prof. Daramola emphasized that these awards not only celebrate urban achievements but also aim to foster Nigerian cities’ integration within a global framework for urban excellence.
About UN-Habitat
UN-Habitat, a United Nations programme, is dedicated to creating sustainable urban environments that ensure adequate shelter for all, championing socially and environmentally responsible urban development.
