Traditional leader advocates implementation of the Baku Call to Action, emphasizing sustainable housing, climate resilience, and people-centered urban planning across the Federal Capital Territory.
TPL Stephen Shekwonce Yakubu the Hakimi Garki has called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to adopt and implement key outcomes of the recently concluded 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, to enhance sustainable urban development and improve the quality of life for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking after the global urban development conference, Chief Yakubu stressed the importance of aligning Abuja’s growth and development strategies with international best practices outlined in the forum’s outcome document, known as the Baku Call to Action.
According to him, the recommendations emerging from WUF13 provide practical solutions to challenges facing rapidly growing cities, including housing deficits, climate change, urban resilience, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance.
He noted that Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital city, stands to benefit significantly from policies that prioritize affordable housing, sustainable land use, integrated urban planning, and stronger community participation in development processes.
Chief Yakubu further emphasized the need for the FCTA to strengthen partnerships with local communities, urban planners, development experts, and other stakeholders to ensure that future city expansion is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
The Baku Call to Action, adopted at the conclusion of WUF13, urges governments and urban authorities worldwide to place housing, climate resilience, social inclusion, and sustainable urbanization at the center of development policies. The forum attracted more than 57,000 participants from 176 countries, making it the largest World Urban Forum in history.
He expressed confidence that adopting the forum’s recommendations would help Abuja become a model city for sustainable development in Africa while addressing pressing urban challenges facing residents.
Urban development experts have increasingly advocated for the integration of global best practices into local planning frameworks to ensure cities remain resilient, inclusive, and capable of meeting the needs of growing populations.
