By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) is leading transformative urban development initiatives across Africa, with Maiduguri and Lagos identified as key focus cities in Nigeria. Through evidence-based research, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and targeted interventions, the initiative aims to address complex urban challenges and drive sustainable development.
Speaking at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press House in Maiduguri, ACRC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Diana Mitlin, emphasized the consortium’s commitment to generating actionable insights that inform policy, enhance governance, and improve urban livelihoods. Professor Mitlin, a global urbanism expert at the University of Manchester, noted that Africa’s cities hold immense economic and social potential, but unlocking this requires coordinated efforts among governments, local authorities, academia, and community leaders.
ACRC’s approach integrates research with practical solutions to create inclusive urban policies, particularly for marginalized groups. By engaging diverse stakeholders, the consortium seeks to develop strategies rooted in local realities while aligning with global best practices.
Maiduguri: Rebuilding a Conflict-Affected City
Maiduguri, a city significantly impacted by insurgency and rapid urbanization, has been a focal point for ACRC’s urban planning interventions. Dr. Abdulmutallib A. Abubakar, Head of the Mass Communication Department at the University of Maiduguri, highlighted ACRC’s collaboration with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), academics, and professionals. These partnerships aim to strengthen urban planning, land administration, and service delivery.
Despite these efforts, ACRC has faced criticism for not incorporating agencies like the Urban Development Board, which plays a crucial role in ensuring inclusive urban transformation. Experts argue that addressing accessibility, housing, and infrastructural resilience should be top priorities, particularly in a city like Maiduguri, where post-conflict reconstruction and resettlement remain urgent.
Lagos: Tackling Urban Pressures in Africa’s Largest City
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city and Nigeria’s economic hub, presents unique challenges, including overcrowding, inadequate housing, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. ACRC’s work in Lagos focuses on governance, service delivery, and economic development, with special attention to informal settlements and marginalized communities.
The consortium collaborates with local government agencies, research institutions, and civil society organizations to design policies that promote inclusive growth. Key areas of intervention include land tenure security, waste management, and improved access to public services, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for millions of Lagos residents.
ACRC’s Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development
ACRC recognizes that Africa’s urban future depends on research-driven, city-specific solutions. By fostering partnerships, leveraging data, and prioritizing local leadership, the consortium aims to be a catalyst for meaningful change in urban governance and planning.
While gaps remain in stakeholder inclusion—such as in Maiduguri’s Urban Development Board oversight—ACRC’s initiatives mark a significant step toward reshaping African cities for long-term prosperity. The success of these projects will hinge on continued collaboration, adaptability, and responsiveness to urban communities’ evolving needs.
COV/BBW CMR
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