The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has unveiled a comprehensive progress report on the Ministry’s achievements over the past year.
The progress report was the focus of a press briefing by the Minister on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in commemoration of the Ministry’s first anniversary at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Press briefing highlighted a range of notable accomplishments that align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, showcasing the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria’s housing landscape.
Arc. Dangiwa reflected on the Ministry’s achievements over the past year, stating, “Exactly one year ago today, I resumed office as the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development with my dear brother and friend, Alh. Abdullahi Tijanni Gwarzo, as the Hon. Minister of State,” he declared.
The Minister noted that following their assumption of office, they developed an Action Plan in line with the Presidential Priorities and Deliverables of the President Tinubu-led administration. This strategic framework he noted, aims to reform federal housing institutions, enhance the availability of affordable housing, expand urban renewal and slum upgrade initiatives, streamline land administration, and establish a National Social Housing Fund. “We have laid a solid foundation for sustainable housing sector reforms that will touch on all critical value points and problem areas in Nigeria’s housing ecosystem,” Dangiwa stated.
The Minister noted that a key milestone in the Ministry’s efforts is the launch of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which includes the groundbreaking of 6,612 housing units across 13 locations nationwide. These projects are designed to cater to various income groups and address the urgent need for affordable housing. “At an average of 25 jobs per house, these 6,612 housing units are providing jobs for over 165,000 skilled and unskilled Nigerians,” Dangiwa noted, underscoring the broader economic implications of these developments.
In addition to increasing the housing stock, Arc. Dangiwa stated that the Ministry has made significant progress in its Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme. Currently active at 26 sites across the country, he explained that this initiative will improve living conditions in urban areas and slums by providing essential services such as water supply, street lighting, and road rehabilitation. “Most of these sites are now completed, improving the quality of life for residents,” the Minister remarked.
The Minister further highlighted the Ministries efforts at ensuring inclusive housing through the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund. He noted that the initiative is part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure that low- and no-income earners, as well as vulnerable populations, have access to decent housing. He said, “We are committed to ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their income level, have access to decent and dignified accommodation.”
He noted that the Ministry has also prioritized land reform, collaborating with the World Bank to implement a National Land Titling Programme. This initiative, he explained, is poised to increase land formalization from less than 10% to 50% over the next decade. “This programme will establish a comprehensive, efficient, and accessible land registration system across Nigeria,” the Minister explained.
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Looking forward, Arc. Dangiwa laid bare the Ministry’s plans to maintain its momentum with groundbreaking ceremonies for new housing units in Lagos and Kano. He added that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme will expand to additional states, including Enugu, Borno, Nasarawa, and Rivers. “We are on course to tripling our impact in the second year, God willing,” Dangiwa expressed, demonstrating confidence in the Ministry’s future initiatives.
The briefing concluded with the announcement of a housing development partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank, a Pan-African housing institution. He disclosed that the collaboration will support the construction of 5,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Programme. “This will be the first time that the Ministry is entering into such a practical and direct partnership with a multilateral institution for the construction of homes for Nigerians,” Dangiwa revealed.
While reaffirming his commitment to the development of the housing sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and to the National Assembly for its ongoing support. “We want to reiterate our commitment to making a difference and justify the confidence that His Excellency reposes in us,” he concluded.
