By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has initiated a housing resettlement scheme to provide shelter for communities displaced by floods across its member states.
Announced by Managing Director Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa during the 2025 World Habitat Day commemoration in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the scheme is already underway in Niger State with the construction of over 150 two-bedroom houses.
The program aims to expand to other states to help restore stability and dignity to families affected by climate-related disasters.
In addition to housing, N-HYPPADEC has invested in flood mitigation projects such as drainage and culvert construction to reduce water blockages and prevent repeated flood damage.
Sadiq-Yelwa emphasized the importance of this initiative amid the event’s theme, “Urban Crisis Response,” highlighting the growing challenges of climate change, conflict, and migration in urban and rural areas, particularly in Nigeria’s North Central, North-West, and North-East regions.
He called for collaborative efforts among government, private sector, civil society, and traditional institutions to improve urban planning, affordable housing, and critical infrastructure.
Empowering communities with skills and opportunities to build resilience was also stressed.
Senator Salihu Egyegbola, in his keynote speech, described urban resilience as a city’s ability to recover from shocks such as climate events and economic disruptions, while pointing out rapid urbanization, inequality, and poor governance as key challenges.
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule praised N-HYPPADEC’s efforts and urged the implementation of summit recommendations, emphasizing housing and security as essential for sustainable development.
Earlier, N-HYPPADEC’s Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Ipilakyaa Daniel, highlighted the need for disaster-resilient urban designs, renewable energy use, and participatory planning to protect vulnerable population.
