Abuja: The Federal Government has called on female architects across the country to take on greater leadership roles in advancing green construction, safer and sustainable national development. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, gave the charge at the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) 2025 Annual General Meeting.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the AGM with the theme ‘Creating Spaces that Heal, Inspire and Sustain’ was organised by FAN to chart a future where architecture becomes a conduit for healing, empowerment, and responsible stewardship for the environment. Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim was represented by Mrs Ola Erinfolami, Director, SA Administration, Office of the Minister of Women Affairs. The minister described the role of female architects as ‘powerful, strategic and urgently needed’ in shaping the nation’s future.
“Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation, climate vulnerabilities, energy deficits and population growth demand architectural design and leadership that embraces circular design, resource efficiency, clean energy adaptation and resilient planning,” she noted. The minister emphasized the pivotal role female architects play in creating safe public spaces and promoting environmental protection, stating that the ministry stands ready to collaborate with FAN on various infrastructure and planning initiatives.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, represented by the Director of Public Buildings and Housing Development, Pemi Temitope, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable construction practices, green building technologies, and capacity development for women. He stressed that female architects are indispensable in advancing the national housing agenda focused on affordability and climate resilience.
Also contributing, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Mobolaji Adeniyi, lauded the contributions of female architects to the profession and community transformation. He called on them to continue pushing boundaries and designing spaces that reflect values and aspirations.
Earlier, the FAN Chairperson, Ene Agada, highlighted the event’s aim to spotlight the transformative role of Nigerian architects in shaping sustainable cities and resilient communities. According to Agada, women architects in Nigeria are leading the way in designing environmentally responsible and culturally meaningful projects. She stressed the importance of reinforcing policies that support women-led design excellence and building strong alliances across sectors to enhance governance and equity.
Agada reaffirmed FAN’s dedication to expanding the leadership pipeline through mentorship, scholarships, and capacity building, advocating for climate-resilient planning and affordable housing. She urged continued celebration of Nigerian architectural excellence locally and globally, rooted in cultural identity.