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Project Coordinator

**Laura Henneke** is an architect and urban designer with an academic background from the Technical University of Berlin and Tongji University Shanghai. Since 2023, she has been based at the Habitat Unit within the Institute of Architecture at the Technical University of Berlin. Her research explores the socio-spatial dynamics of global transport corridors, using visual methods to analyse and interpret complex urban landscapes.

Laura Henneke

Recent Publications

- [**Huchzermeyer, M.** (2022). Rethinking Urban Resettlement and Displacement From the Perspective of "Home" in the Interruption and Uncertainty Brought About by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In: Beier, R., Spire, A. & Bridonneau, M. (Eds.). *Urban Resettlements in the Global South – Lived Experiences of Housing and Infrastructure Between Displacement and Relocation*, 193-209. New York: Routledge.](https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003124559-10/rethinking-urban-resettlement-displacement-perspective-home-interruption-uncertainty-brought-covid-19-pandemic-marie-huchzermeyer)

- [**Huchzermeyer, M.** (2021). A Critical Lefebvrian Perspective on Planning in Relation to Informal Settlements in South Africa. *Town and Regional Planning*, 79, 44-554. ](https://doi.org/10.18820/2415-0495/trp79i1.6)

- [**Huchzermeyer, M.** (2020). Vibrancy and Instability: Grappling with Tension in the Densification Trajectory of Nairobi’s Multi-Storey Tenement Districts. In: Rubin, M., Todes, A., Harrison, P. & Appelbaum, A. (Eds.). *Densifying the City? Global Cases and Johannesburg*. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.](https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789904949.00015)


Links

ResearchGate

University of the Witwatersrand

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Principal Investigator

**Marie Huchzermeyer** is a Professor in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand. She teaches in the field of housing and urban studies. Her research and publications are on housing and informal settlement policy, private rental housing and the right to the city. The research has spanned South Africa, Brazil, Kenya and Germany. Marie is also the current Director of the Centre for Urbanism and Built Environment Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Prof Marie Huchzermeyer

Marie Huchzermeyer

Linkedin

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PhD, 2022 Cohort

**Siyum Gudu Jeldu** is currently pursuing his PhD at the University
of Witwatersrand. He holds a master's degree in Urban Management from the Technical
University of Berlin and a BSc degree in Construction Technology and Management
from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. His interest revolves around affordable housing, housing
finance, urban development, slum upgrading, settlement analysis, construction, and
project management.

**Thesis:** Bridging the End-user Housing Finance Problem of Low-income Families in
Addis Ababa: the Role of Rotating Saving and Credit Association and Corporate Social
Responsibility

Siyum Gudu Jeldu

The Wits-TUB-UniLag Urban Lab is a DAAD funded graduate school promoting cooperative efforts among the University of the Witwatersrand, Technische Universität Berlin and the University of Lagos seeking to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the New Urban Agenda (NUA) on the African continent

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Reflections from the WITS-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab Summer School 2025 in Lagos

**Esther Thontteh**
Urban Lab, University of Lagos

**George Kwadwo Anane**
CUBES, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana

Lagos, Nigeria – The vibrant heart of Africa’s largest city served as the dynamic setting for the 2025 **Wits-TUB-UniLag Urban Lab Summer School**, an interdisciplinary doctoral workshop dedicated to exploring **Inclusive Urban Futures.** Held from Monday, May 26 to Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Resource Centre (AMDRC) at the University of Lagos (UniLag), this week-long programme brought together postgraduate students, academics, policymakers, and practitioners across Africa and beyond. The event provided a lively platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, academic exchange, and community engagement centred on addressing urban inequality and fostering sustainable development in African cities.

##### **A Collaborative Vision for Sustainable Urbanisation**

The Summer School is an essential part of the **Wits-TUB-UniLag Urban Lab**, a trilateral collaboration between the Technical University Berlin (Germany), the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and the University of Lagos (Nigeria). Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the initiative embodies international cooperation aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive urban development, particularly within the rapidly urbanising African context.

The opening ceremony highlighted the international importance of the gathering. It was attended by distinguished guests, including the German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Weert Börner, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Gerald Heusing. Professor Taibat Lawanson, the Principal Investigator of the Urban Lab at the University of Lagos, welcomed attendees and reflected on the Urban Lab’s 5-year journey and its key milestones, such as the launch of new master’s programmes in urban management and Ph.D. in Sustainable Urbanisation at UniLag. These initiatives mark a vital shift towards multidisciplinary and African-led urban scholarship supported by global best practices.

##### **Delving into Urban Realities: Key Discussions and Activities**

At the centre of the Summer School were stimulating discussions and lectures that established a solid theoretical foundation for sustainable urban futures. The programme included thematic plenaries, doctoral writing workshops, urban planning sessions, and immersive field visits. Scholars and practitioners examined urban issues from academic, practical, and entrepreneurial perspectives, discussing topics such as informality, exclusion, participatory planning, and inclusive regeneration. Additional discussions addressed critical issues like urban poverty, precarity, and spatial injustice, highlighting four key frameworks: urban management, implementation tools, conceptualising African urbanisation, and the complex relationship between urban advocacy and urban punitiveness. 

A particularly insightful aspect of the programme was a field trip to the Redemption City, an emerging Christian church city on the edge of Ogun State. This “City of God,” spanning over 2,500 hectares, serves as a living laboratory for urban innovation, showcasing inclusivity, sustainability, and environmental awareness within its large community. This visit offered a unique perspective to examine sustainable urban features in a rapidly developing context. Another pivotal aspect of the programme included field visits to three informal communities in Lagos: Oworo, Abete (Ijora-Badia), and Bariga (Ebute Ilaje). These immersive experiences offered direct insights into socio-spatial marginalisation, grassroots resilience, and community-led innovations through transect walks, interviews, and focus group discussions. The field data collected was used for students’ group presentations aimed at policy reflections, reinforcing the value of community-centred urban solutions.

##### **Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Lagos**

The 2025 **Wits-TUB-UniLag Urban Lab Summer School** was more than just an academic gathering; it was a crucible of ideas, a platform for collaboration, and a testament to the power of interdisciplinary inquiry in addressing the complex challenges of urban development. The program nurtured a new generation of urban scholars and practitioners committed to shaping inclusive and just African cities. Through joint research, teaching, and academic exchange, the initiative continues to strengthen Africa’s capacity for sustainable urban transformation. The comprehensive overview presented in these blogs serves as a crucial first step in disseminating the knowledge generated and inspiring continued action towards urban environments where everyone can thrive.

##### **Diverse Voices, Shared Futures: The Postdoc Blog Series**

A key outcome of the Summer School was a series of reflective blog articles written by the participating postdoctoral fellows and master’s students, offering diverse perspectives on inclusive urban futures through their research. These articles highlight their innovative approaches to inclusivity and sustainability. In this engaging collection of blog posts, the writers provide insightful commentary on reimagining urbanisation trajectories in African cities, with a particular focus on Lagos. The blogs examine policy-practice issues within the broader field of urban planning.

**[Fazlur Bolaji Jegede](unilag-summer-school-2025-jegede)**, of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State (UI), makes a case for inclusive urban futures. He discusses the current challenges of urbanisation in Lagos, the roles of different stakeholders, and the city’s future. The commentary by **[Adedayo Isaiah Adeyemo](unilag-summer-school-2025-adeyemo)** of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, joins the discussion on sustainable urban futures. He reflects on the theme of the Summer School. He discusses the many informalities embedded in Lagos; his blog attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice by raising key urban and sustainability issues. **[Chukwuemeka Orji](unilag-summer-school-2025-orji)** of Nnamdi Azikiwe University highlights the various areas in the city that create exclusions and underscores the need to work towards urban inclusivity. The article by **[Esther Akiode](unilag-summer-school-2025-akiode)** of the University of Ibadan explores informality through the lens of the 15-minute city perspective. She emphasises the importance of making the city accessible to all its residents through targeted policy interventions. The article by **[Tamarabrakemi M. Akoso](unilag-summer-school-2025-akoso)** of the University of Lagos discusses urban sustainability and inclusivity through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals. She outlines several strategies that could ensure sustainable urban futures in rapidly urbanising African cities such as Lagos. The blog by **[Christopher Choji](unilag-summer-school-2025-choji)** of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, delves into reclaiming public spaces for urban justice. Thus, by reclaiming public spaces, the author offers insight into strategies for planning urban futures through inclusive spaces. **[Abe Andrew Igila](unilag-summer-school-2025-igila)** of the University of Lagos discusses land tenure and how land titling can ensure sustainable urban futures for people living in informal settlements in Lagos. The writer argues that land is at the centre of access to space in the city, and by ensuring tenure security, informal settlement residents can be integrated into urban futures. **[Abiola Mohammed](unilag-summer-school-2025-mohammed)** of the University of Ibadan poses the question: Does National Mean Inclusive? His interrogation utilises the concept of the Redemption City of God to highlight the injustices that arise in so-called inclusive spaces. He questions the true meaning of urban inclusivity and recommends that planners seek total inclusion of urban residents. In the article, titled “**[Osai Onyinyechi](unilag-summer-school-2025-onyinyechi)**’s Gift of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” the author delves into the concept of “Exclusivity within Inclusion.” The author examines the housing initiatives undertaken in the Redemption City of God and assesses their inclusivity measures. The author also discusses potential exclusionary factors that may arise during the implementation of these initiatives. This is followed by the post by **[Joy Oyiza Obadoba](unilag-summer-school-2025-obadoba)**, at the University of Lagos, who discusses various research tools and their significance in analysing diverse aspects of inclusive futures. **[Abe Teniola Deborah](unilag-summer-school-2025-deborah)** of the Obafemi Awolowo University, examines urban development gaps in Nigeria and strategies to address the various planning challenges. She explains how faith-based organisations could feature in this course. **[Hadiza Kabiru Mado](unilag-summer-school-2025-mado)** of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. She contributes to the inclusive urban futures discourse, narrating how faith-based organisations could provide a silver lining to sustainability efforts. **[Odunayo Timileyin John](unilag-summer-school-2025-john)** delves into sustaining different urbanisms, the challenges and the way forward, drawing on the experience of the Redemption City of God in Nigeria. **[Akinleye Iyabobola Olafunke](unilag-summer-school-2025-olafunke)** of the University of Lagos writes the blog on the question of how procurement of construction works could contribute to inclusive urban futures. **[Mpumelelo Sibanda](unilag-summer-school-2025-sibanda)**, a master’s student at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, concludes with a blog that delves into the housing challenges faced by flood-prone slum areas in Lagos. The post examines the potential for urban inclusion to address these issues and explore how it can be achieved in such urban interfaces. The commentaries encompass a diverse range of perspectives, exploring various facets of urbanisation within an African city context. The blogs underscore critical urban challenges and propose avenues for constructing resilient and sustainable urban futures within African cities. 

Thinking Inclusive Urban Futures

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Mpumelelo Sibanda

[Email](sibandampume16@gmail.com)

## Rethinking Urban Inclusion in Flood-Prone Slums: The case of Ebute, Ilaje, Bariga

Designing urban spaces to cater for the present and future generations is necessary for the inclusivity of cities. Inclusive urban futures is about designing and shaping cities where people can fully participate and thrive regardless of their economic status and their background (Sustainability Directory, 2025). This vision of inclusive urban futures entails shifting away from one size fits all and standardised approaches to considering  a wide range of human needs that exists within the rapidly urbanised world (Ibid). In this urban era, poor people in cities are marginalised and face various challenges ranging from economic to socially and environmentally. 

The extreme weather events such as floods also affect people in cities especially those living in informal settlements. According to Bulkeley (2018) flood events are happening at an increasing rate and intensity due to climate change mostly causing severe damage to informal settlements located along the waterfronts. These settlements are often overlooked in urban flood management and city planning due to their informal status (Tillernuir et al, 2025). Informal settlements often disproportionately experience the negative impacts of flooding due to their location, perceived transience, and socio-economic vulnerabilities (Tillermuir et al, 2025). According to Adegun (2022) approximately 50% of urban residents live in slums and informal settlements in Sub-SaharanAfrica, with majority located on the waterfronts, low-lying areas and riparian corridors.

Ebute Ilaje Bariga is one of the riverine slum communities located in Bariga, Lagos. The buildings, roads, and services are developed in an informal way without proper planning. Lack of proper planning also means that the community has problems like flooding, poor sanitation, water pollution, inadequate infrastructure, insecure land tenure and poor waste management. However, regardless of these of problems, Ebute, Ilaje in Bariga has built a resilient community spirit. They work together through Community Development Associations (CDAs) and religious groups to solve local problems and support one another. One of the women leaders informed us that they formed their community group known as God’s Will which falls under Slum Dweller International (SDI). In this group they have personal savings which they use for emergency and profitable savings (Urban Poor Fund) that assist when there is a need.

The community’s economic mainstay is derived from fishing activities, sand dredging and mercantilism due to its proximity to the Lagoon. However, this proximity to the Lagoon comes with negative effects, such as flooding. Flooding has devastating consequences for the community of Ilaje community. These include severe damages to property, loss of life and health risks. These consequences have a dire impact on the community’s inclusiveness in the city of Lagos.

The aim of inclusive urban futures is to support everyone and ensure that no one is excluded, marginalised or left behind. The practicality of inclusive urban futures speaks to the city that actively works to eliminate various barriers that prevent certain groups from enjoying urban life (Sustainability Directory, 2025). This is not just about addressing the shortcomings of today but also the needs of tomorrow’s urban dwellers. In doing so, various actions can be taken to address the current effects of floods in Ebute, Ilaje community in Bariga. These actions are discussed below.

##### Improving drainage systems

During periods of heavy rainfall, lagoons overflow their banks causing water to spread across these lagoon banks into the community (Community member , 2025). Ebute, Ilaje Bariga  lacks the infrastructure to manage heavy rainfall and typically lacks adequate drainage systems, which can lead to water accumulation and flooding. The poor drainage system is worsening the situation as the storm water is not drained or collected properly. In the absence of proper drainage systems, water floods the houses and the surroundings. According to Mahne (2024), flood detention ponds can be constructed to absorb excess water and slowly release it to the environment. However, special care must be taken in the design and construction of these ponds, as they can fill up quickly and potentially overflow, worsening the flooding problem in nearby areas (Ibid). Upgrading these systems involves installing new drains, culverts, and channels to help direct stormwater away from homes and other structures.

##### Reducing waste

The community of Ebute, Ilaje Bariga suffers from solid waste such as plastics which is strewn across the community. These plastics often blocks the self-made drainage systems. In the occurrence of floods, these self-made drainage systems fill up quickly due to plastics inside the drainage system. In such cases mechanism such as enforced penalties for littering are crucial. 

##### Community-led solutions

The implementation of community-led green infrastructure, such as tree planting in community surroundings and lawns in low lying areas where water becomes stagnant can improve the effects of floods. Thus, by planting trees and lawns, the community of Ebute, Ilaje, Bariga  can significantly improve the capacity of their community to absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and ultimately mitigate the risk of flooding in the future.

In conclusion, slums located near water sources often experience acute impacts of floods. This is intensified by poor or inadequate urban infrastructure in such communities. The government, civil society and community can work together to improve the infrastructure so that no community is marginalised and excluded from the city. We must acknowledge that cities are for everyone and they must be designed accordingly so that everyone enjoys the quality of life in cities. 

##### References

- Adegun, O. (2023). Climatic disasters within a flood-prone coastal slum in Lagos: coping capacities and adaptation prospects, *International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment*, 14(2), 212-228. [https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-11-2021-0154](https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDRBE-11-2021-0154)
- Bulkeley, H. (2021). Climate changed urban futures: environmental politics in the anthropocene city, *Environmental Politics*, 30(1-2), 266-284. [https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2021.1880713](https://doi.org/10.1080/09644016.2021.1880713)
- Manhe, O. (March 5, 2024). *Transforming informal settlements with modern drainage solutions* URL: [https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/transforming-informal-settlements-with-modern-drainage-solutions-127676a](https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/transforming-informal-settlements-with-modern-drainage-solutions-127676a). Accessed 04 June 2025.
- Sustainability Directory. (16 April, 2025). *Inclusive Urban Futures*. URL: [https://lifestyle.sustainability-directory.com/term/inclusive-urban-futures/](https://lifestyle.sustainability-directory.com/term/inclusive-urban-futures/). Accessed 1 July 2025.
- Tillermuir, H., Carboni, L., Hotchin, C, Lal, H. & Morrison R. (2025). A holistic framework to improve urban flood management in cities with informal settlements, *Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability*, 5(1).
[https://doi.org/10.1088/2634-4505/adc32f](https://doi.org/10.1088/2634-4505/adc32f)




PhD Student Mpumelelo Sibanda reflecting on Summer School 2025

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Akinleye Iyabobola Olafunke

PhD Candidate, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos [Email](mailto:fazlurfarah@gmail.com)

## PROCUREMENT OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND ITS POTENTIAL TO CONTRIBUTE TO AN INCLUSIVE URBAN FUTURE

The recently concluded **Wits-TUB-UniLag Urban Lab Summer School** on Inclusive Urban Futures was an enlightening experience, bringing together Academics, urban planners, policymakers and researchers to explore how cities can be designed and managed to serve all citizens equitably.  As a doctoral candidate interested in the sustainable procurement of construction works, I found the discussions particularly compelling, especially when examining how procurement processes can either hinder or promote inclusivity in urban development.

As our cities grow and change, it's important that we focus on creating spaces that are welcoming, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. This way, development benefits everyone without harming our environment or communities. The construction industry is key in making this happen, as it shapes the buildings and public areas where we live and work. Construction procurement isn't just about paperwork; it can really influence who gains from urban development and how infrastructure can promote social inclusion, making our cities better for all of us.

##### Procurement and Urban Inclusion

Procurement is how public and private agencies get the construction services and supplies they need. This initial stage sets the foundation for the project, outlining key details like technical specs, timelines, resources, materials, and social and environmental factors. When planned carefully, procurement can really help create more inclusive cities by making sure infrastructure projects benefit everyone, especially marginalized groups and those who have often been left out.

Unfortunately, many procurement processes prioritise cost-effectiveness and technical compliance over sustainability. While these aspects are undoubtedly important, an overemphasis on them can lead to the neglect of social and environmental issues. By adopting inclusive procurement practices, we can turn construction activities into a means of promoting social justice, economic empowerment, and spatial equality.

##### 5 Ways Sustainable Construction Procurement Practices Can Contribute to Urban Inclusion

- **Promoting Workforce Diversity**

Instead of depending on external contractors, construction procurement can include employing local labour, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities from the community. Training programs can equip them with skills, ensuring they’re not left out of economic opportunities. This inclusive approach can create new job opportunities and play a crucial role in nurturing underserved communities. By embracing diversity, we invite fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and greater social equity that boosts the local economy.

- **Supporting Diverse Suppliers**

Inclusive procurement practices can help small, local, and social enterprises join the process. These policies will make it easier for smaller companies, often left out of competitive procurement, to access government contracts and corporate opportunities by breaking down major barriers. By welcoming a diverse range of participants, these policies will ensure that the benefits of urban development reach more people, spreading the wealth generated by growth more broadly beyond just the biggest players.

- **Ensuring Accessibility through the use of Universal Design**

Implementing procurement requirements that emphasise universal design principles, such as ramps and disabled bathrooms/parking, ensures that infrastructure is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. By prioritising these standards from the outset, we can avoid costly modifications or redesigns later on. This proactive approach fosters the creation of public spaces and recreational areas that everyone in our community can enjoy.

- **Encouraging Community Involvement and Transparency**

Too often, city projects overlook the people they are intended to serve. Combining transparent procurement with community input can lead to better projects. When residents are involved in decisions about infrastructure designed for them, the outcomes will more accurately address their needs. When local authorities and organisations promote public participation, they create a platform for residents to share concerns, needs, and priorities. These efforts enhance project effectiveness and give residents a sense of ownership over outcomes.

- **Fostering Environmental and Spatial Justice**
Sustainable procurement can be a vital tool for conserving our environment and supporting disadvantaged communities, effectively addressing spatial inequalities. By choosing low-carbon materials, such as recycled and sustainably sourced resources, and implementing energy-efficient building practices, we can work towards a more equitable urban landscape that benefits all.

##### Challenges to Implementing Inclusive Procurement

Inclusive procurement holds great potential, despite challenges such as deeply ingrained institutional habits, limited procurement skills, missing social data, and the conflict between cost savings and social goals. Achieving success requires motivated political backing, capacity-building initiatives, and frameworks that incorporate social and environmental factors into procurement choices. Moreover, deploying strong monitoring and evaluation tools guarantees these efforts produce positive results. Cooperation among government, civil society, and the private sector is essential for promoting more inclusive urban development that benefits all.

## Conclusion

Procurement in construction is not merely a technical or financial matter; it can function as a strategic instrument capable of impacting the social fabric of urban environments. By strategically leveraging procurement policies and practices to enhance inclusivity, urban development can be transformed from simple physical reconstruction to a more constructive process that promotes equitable, accessible, and resilient cities. As urban centres worldwide confront increasingly complex challenges- including rapid urbanisation, climate change, and social inequalities- the importance of inclusive procurement in facilitating transformation becomes ever more significant.


PhD Student Akinleye Iyabobola Olafunke reflecting on Summer School 2025

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Odunayo Timileyin John

## REDEMPTION CITY OF GOD: A MODEL OF SELF-SUSTAINING URBANISM OR A CHALLENGE TO INCLUSIVE URBAN FUTURES?

In 1983, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) established Redemption Camp in Ogun State, Nigeria. It started off as a campground for spiritual fellowship. However, the religious settlement was renamed Redemption City In August 2022, the settlement transforms into a self-sustaining city, blending organic spatial growth with deliberate urban planning. My recent visit to Redemption City with the Urban Lab revealed a community that boasts impressive self-sufficiency in power generation (about 24 MW capacity), water supply, and waste management, alongside diverse land uses. The self-sufficiency of Redemption City is particularly noteworthy within the context of Nigeria. The national and state governments have struggled to provide consistent power, water, and waste management services to urban populations. While these achievements are commendable, particularly in a country where government effort towards urban development have fallen short, the Redemption City of God raises critical questions about inclusivity within the larger urban fabric. I wish to examine whether Redemption City represents a model for inclusive urban futures or a practice that undermine equitable urban development.

##### Inclusivity: Access to Land and Housing

One of the most pressing concerns about Redemption City is its approach to land and housing allocation. The city administrators claim that land for residential development is allocated free to RCCG members. However, the head of the planning unit in another statement said that beneficiaries of land allocations are required to build a room within the allotted land for low-income earners, which suggests that low-income earners are excluded from these free allocations.

In Nigeria, where access to land and housing is a significant challenge, particularly for low-income groups, the practice within the Redemption City is concerning. The city’s residential estates cater primarily to RCCG members, effectively creating a gated community that prioritizes religious affiliation over universal access. This raises a critical question “can a city that restricts land access to a specific religious group be considered inclusive?” The situation is further complicated by the policy that revokes land access for individuals who renounce their RCCG membership, effectively tying housing security to religious loyalty.

##### Legal and Ethical Concerns: Land Acquisition and Displacement

Nigeria’s Land Use Act of 1978 regulates land ownership and acquisition, setting limits on the extent of land that individuals or organizations can acquire. Section 6(2) of the Land Use Act limits customary land grants to 500 hectares for agriculture, and 5,000 hectares for grazing. RCCG’s acquisition of vast tracts of land (currently measuring over 8137 Hectare) for Redemption City appears to stand parallel to these statutory limits, creating a precedent that could destabilize the urban fabric of surrounding areas. The mass acquisition of land by corporate entities like RCCG often distorts regional land markets, inflating prices and limiting access for other communities and individuals (it’s interesting how realtors use the closeness to the Redemption City as a selling point during Adverts).

##### Planning Standards and Parallel Governance

Another critical issue is Redemption City’s apparent deviation from the State’s urban planning and building regulations. Within the city, the RCCG planning unit approves developments with building airspaces as narrow as 2 metres; a direct contrast to the minimum standard of 3 metres set by the Ogun State Urban and Regional Planning Law No. 20 of 2005. Although the head of the planning unit said they sort the consent of the government, this has redefined space standards and building codes within the city. This form of internal regulation not only breaches state-level planning codes but also establishes a parallel governance structure that operates outside the State’s statutory planning regulation. If left unchecked, this precedent could encourage other private entities to amend regulations to suit their needs, leading to fragmented urban development and potential conflicts over land use standards.

The relaxation of space standards also raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Redemption City’s urban form. While the city’s infrastructure is impressive, deviations from established planning norms could result in overcrowding, or environmental degradation over time. These issues could have ripple effects on the broader region, further complicating urban management in Ogun State and Lagos State.

##### Toward Inclusive Urban Futures

Redemption City’s achievements in self-sustaining urban development are undeniable, yet its exclusionary practices and legal violations cast doubt on its alignment with the principles of inclusive urban futures. An inclusive urban future prioritizes equitable access to resources, transparent governance, and ensure fairness across diverse populations. Redemption City, while a remarkable experiment in urban self-reliance, falls short of this ideal by prioritizing RCCG members, displacing indigenous communities, and operating outside established legal norms.

##### Conclusion

Redemption City represents a bold attempt to address Nigeria’s urban challenges through private initiative, achieving self-sufficiency in critical infrastructure and services. However, its current practice undermines its potential as a model for inclusive urban futures. As Nigeria grapples with rapid urbanization and limited state capacity, Redemption City offers valuable lessons in innovation but also serves as a reference model to understudy about the risks of unchecked private urban development. True inclusivity requires balancing self reliance with equity, and respect for the rights of all urban residents, regardless of religious or socioeconomic status.

PhD Student Odunayo Timileyin John reflecting on Summer School 2025

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WELCOME TO THE WITS-TUB-UNILAG URBAN LAB - The WITS-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab is one of the DAAD Bilateral SDG Graduate Schools that provide infrastructure for cooperative efforts among German higher education institutions and their international counterparts. Find the latest project news and information on our activities, bursaries, the team and further resources on this website.




Welcome to the Wits-Tub-Unilag Urban Lab

**Esther Thontteh** and **George Kwadwo Anane** have published a detailed reflection on the 2025 **Wits-TUB-UniLag Urban Lab Summer School**, held in Lagos under the theme **Inclusive Urban Futures**. The feature captures highlights from the week-long interdisciplinary doctoral workshop that brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across Africa to explore pathways toward sustainable and inclusive cities. It also introduces a series of insightful blog posts authored by participating fellows, offering diverse perspectives on urban inequality, informality, and resilience in African cities. Read the full article and blog series [here](/blog/post/unilag-summer-school-2025-reflection)

 Thinking Inclusive Urban Futures

# WE MOURN OUR DEAR COLLEAGUE TAKI SITHAGU

**Our dear colleague and friend Taki Sithagu passed away on October 13. We are deeply saddened by this terrible loss. The School of Architecture and Planning at Wits published the following Tribute to Taki:** 

The School of Architecture and Planning and the Wits-TUB-UNILAG Urban Lab are devastated by the news of the untimely passing of our dear colleague Taki Sithagu. With her background in urban and regional planning, experience of teaching and practice and a keen interest in countries beyond our borders, Taki was appointed to a lecturer position that involved international collaboration. For the past eight years, Taki ably coordinated the Wits side of a long-term DAAD and BMZ-funded collaboration with TU Berlin, to which University of Lagos was added in 2021. As our counterparts at TU Berlin and University of Lagos and the colleagues at DAAD attest, Taki shaped the collaboration with her academic curiosity, passion for students, quick grasp of bureaucratic processes, sharp wit, kindness and down-to-earth collegiality. Taki enjoyed the travel that the collaboration required, often with large cohorts of students, whose minds she helped open to worlds beyond South Africa. The collaboration, in which Taki played such a central role, culminates in the hosting of the African Urbanisms Conference in John Moffat Building 23-26 October 2024. With a heavy heart, the conference team resolved that what was in many ways to have been Taki’s conference will now be a celebration of what Taki brought to Wits and our partners.  

Beyond the collaboration, Taki taught courses in housing and urban management and in recent years contributed to a UCL-Wits teaching partnership on forms of urbanisation that have remained under the radar of formal planning. The students were fascinated and excited by Taki’s passionate teaching. Alongside her roles at Wits and raising a growing family, Taki was progressing with a PhD registered at PLAAS at UWC. Her supervisor has posted a [tribute](https://plaas.org.za/plaas-mourns-the-passing-of-beloved-phd-student-avhatakali-sithagu/) that speaks to the remarkable academic we have lost. Taki was a real scholar-in-the-making with one of her recent publications in a Special Edition of the journal, Transformation, an important and nuanced commentary on the changing role of traditional councils in South Africa. She was emerging as an authority on the subject, with the promise of much more to come. Her passing has deprived us of a critical voice in this poorly researched area. She was taken from us far too early. 

Taki is survived by her husband Jimmy Malavela, her parents and three children.

![Taki_Sithagu.jpg](https://cms.urban-sdg-school.org/uploads/Taki_Sithagu_702436995a.jpg)

WE MOURN OUR DEAR COLLEAGUE TAKI SITHAGU

Wits University posted reflections on the conference in their research news

Wits University's communication office published a reflection of the African Urbanisms Conference under the university's research news. You can find the article 
[here](https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/research-news/2024/2024-12/african-urbanisms-conference-and-urban-fare.html)

Reflections on the  African Urbanisms Conference 

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The conference will take place from October 23 to October 26 at Wits University. The call for papers is open until April 21 2024. 

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WE MOURN OUR DEAR COLLEAGUE TAKI SITHAGU

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