Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue, mutual respect and shared goals between the Ministry’s management and the leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
“Together, we can create a work environment that not only meets the aspirations of our workforce but also drives greater productivity, service delivery and national development,” the Minister stated during a courtesy visit by the ASCSN leadership on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
During the meeting, Dangiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Ministry where civil servants are valued, their welfare prioritized, and professional growth encouraged. He welcomed the visit as a timely and significant gesture that reflects a spirit of collaboration between organized labor and the government.
“It shows a desire to partner in building a more effective and responsive public service beyond just fulfilling official duties,” he added.
Acknowledging the vital role civil servants play in national progress, the Minister noted that no reform or policy can succeed without the active participation and commitment of the workforce.
Highlighting initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dangiwa revealed the Ministry’s efforts to address the housing deficit through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme. The programme includes the development of Renewed Hope Cities in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, along with Renewed Hope Estates in twelve states, designed to provide decent, affordable housing.
He explained that while Renewed Hope Cities may exceed the financial reach of many civil servants, the Estates are more affordable and specifically targeted at low to medium-income earners. Financing options through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) include 30-year National Housing Fund (NHF) mortgage loans, rent-to-own schemes, installment plans, and outright purchase options.
Dangiwa encouraged civil servants to explore these opportunities to secure affordable housing.
In his remarks, ASCSN National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, commended the Minister’s efforts to tackle the housing challenge. He acknowledged the positive impact of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme on civil servants, regardless of their income levels.
He also appreciated the Minister’s work in addressing office space shortages within the Ministry, citing the ongoing construction of a new office complex. However, Comrade Mohammed appealed for a reconsideration of the recently revoked housing allocations under the National Housing Programme, citing workers’ financial constraints amid rising living costs and a depreciated minimum wage.
Further concerns raised by the ASCSN included the payment of repatriation allowances for retirees, disbursement of first 28-days allowances for new recruits, and prompt release of death benefits. The union also called for more staff buses and increased investment in training and retraining of personnel.
Additionally, Comrade Mohammed appealed for an increased allocation toward the Ministry’s financial support for the union’s May Day celebration, considering current economic challenges.
In response, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to providing affordable housing, especially for civil servants, through various projects across the country.
Addressing the union’s concerns, Dr. Belgore assured that the Ministry is working to resolve the backlog of repatriation and death benefits and to provide four new staff buses to support staff transportation. He also noted that the Ministry would consider increasing its contribution to the May Day celebration in light of current realities.
