Dangiwa Begins Nationwide Groundbreaking for 'Renewed Hope' Cities, Estates *  To Start with 1,250 Units in Four States *  Urges States yet to provide land to do so to enable project plans  The Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, is set to commence the nationwide official groundbreaking for the phase 1 of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project, beginning with 1,250 housing units in four states in Northern Nigeria.   This exercise follows the program's official launch by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, with a 3,112-housing unit project in Karsana, Abuja, in February 2024. The successful completion of the contracting process and mobilization of reputable developers to start work has set the stage for this significant development.   The Hon. Minister will officially flag off construction activities at the project sites as follows: -    250 housing units at Renewed Hope Estate in Katsina on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 -    500 housing units at Renewed Hope City in Kano on Thursday, May 23, 2024 -    250 housing units at Renewed Hope Estate in Yobe on Friday, May 24, 2024 -    250 housing units at Renewed Hope Estate in Gombe on Saturday, May 25, 2024   “We are committed to our promise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to turn the country into a huge construction site and unlock the potential of the housing sector to create jobs, catalyze economic growth, and contribute to the $1 trillion economy while boosting national development. The 1,250 units that we are breaking ground for in Katsina, Kano, Yobe, and Gombe is only a start. After this, we shall be proceeding to other parts of the country.,” Arc. Dangiwa said.   The Minister noted that under the 2023 Supplementary budget the Ministry has awarded contracts for 3,500 housing units in thirteen States since December 2023. This includes 500 housing units in Kano, 250 housing units in twelve other states including Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, Gombe, Nasarawa, Benue, Osun, Oyo, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta and Akwa Ibom.    The Renewed Hope City in Kano comprises: -    100 units of 1-bedroom (semi-detached bungalows) -    300 units of 2-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows) -    100 units of 3-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows) The Renewed Hope Estates in Katsina, Yobe, and Gombe each comprise: -    50 units of 1-bedroom (semi-detached bungalows) -    100 units of 2-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows) -    50 units of 3-bedrooms (semi-detached bungalows)   “To enhance affordability and ease of offtake, we used organic designs where one bedroom can be expanded to two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms as the income of beneficiaries increase over time,” Arc. Dangiwa said.   At an average of 25 direct and indirect jobs per housing unit, the 1,250 housing units are estimated to create 31,250 skilled and unskilled jobs in these states. Construction work at the sites will also stimulate local economic activity, benefiting the communities and the broader economy.   The housing projects also seek to address social inequality by providing a broad range of affordable ownership options. This includes single digit and up to 30-year mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Rent-to-Own options where beneficiaries can move in and pay towards homeownership in monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments and Outright Purchase for high income earners.   The 1,250 housing units are being funded under the N50billion 2023 Supplementary Budget of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.    The Hon. Minister has assured all State Governments that the Renewed Hope Housing Programme is designed to cover all the States in the Country saying that States that are not covered under the 2023 Supplementary Budget will be covered under the 2024 Budget. He therefore called on all State Governments who are yet to provide land for siting the projects to do so to enable the Ministry finalize project plans.    ...

Dangiwa Advocates Inclusive Urban Planning, Fair Land Management Strategies at World Bank Land Conference in Washington   At the World Bank Land Conference held in Washington, DC, from 13th to 17th May 2024, the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development of Nigeria, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa urged African governments to prioritize inclusive urban planning and fair land management strategies as part of measures to combat the effects of climate change, urbanization, and conflicts.    Speaking at the high-level Ministerial Africa Regional Workshop on the future of land administration in addressing urbanization, climate change, conflicts, and food security, Dangiwa stated that the way Africa countries manage land in the future needs to consider everything from how cities are growing, to climate change, conflicts and ensuring food sustainability.  He detailed Nigeria’s ongoing and future land reform initiatives. “In Nigeria, we have embarked on a comprehensive land reforms programme that aims to make access to land easy, accessible, and equitable,” Dangiwa said. “A couple of months ago, we set up a Land Reforms Task Team with the mandate to produce a comprehensive blueprint for these reforms. The team comprises sector experts, traditional institutions, and state governments who are custodians of the land.”   A crucial part of this initiative is the review of the Land Use Act of 1978, the governing law for land administration in Nigeria. The Act is obsolete, and we aim to review it. As part of the reform process, we also want to set up a National Land Commission to operationalize the law after it has been reviewed.” He emphasized that these efforts are essential for the new government as they prepare the blueprint for implementation.   To address the broader challenges, Arc. Dangiwa highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive and holistic approach to land administration. He stated that inclusive urban planning and fair land management strategies must be prioritized. This involves ensuring efficient land allocation and titling systems, as well as integrating informal settlements into formal urban frameworks to provide access to basic services and infrastructure for all citizens.   Furthermore, with climate change causing problems like desertification and flooding, the Hon. Minister stressed the need to invest more in sustainable land practices and resilient infrastructure. This includes planting more trees, adhering to green building standards, and incorporating nature-based solutions in city planning to reduce environmental risks.   Regarding conflict resolution, Dangiwa pointed out that conflicts over land ownership are common in Nigeria and other African countries due to weak legal frameworks. He called for better land governance and fair dispute resolution mechanisms to promote social harmony and prevent violent clashes.   In terms of food security, he highlighted the importance of optimizing land utilization for agricultural purposes amidst population growth and environmental pressures. This involves supporting smallholder farmers with secure land tenure, facilitating access to credit and inputs, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to enhance productivity while safeguarding natural resources.    The Hon. Minister stressed the importance of a multifaceted approach to land management. He stated, “The way we manage land in the future needs to consider everything from urban growth to climate change, conflicts, and food security. We can achieve this by including everyone in decision-making, being mindful of the environment, and ensuring fairness. This approach will help us tackle these challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous future for all.”   The Africa Regional Workshop was chaired by Iain Shuker (Regional Director for Sustainable Development in Eastern and Southern Africa, World Bank) on the closing day of the World Bank Land Conference, Friday 17th May 2022.   Other speakers at the panel discussion included  the Eunice Andrade Silva, Minister, of Housing Cape Verde, Ethiopia: Fenta Dejene, State Minister for Urban Development and Construction, Malawi: Deus Gumba, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Sierra Leone: Turad Senesie, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Country Planning and Uganda: Judith Nabakooba, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development.   ...

MINISTER GWARZO ADVOCATES INCLUSIVITY TO PROMOTE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT    The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has urged stakeholders in construction industry to invest in initiatives that can encourage gender equality and creates an environment where women can excel.   The Minister was speaking as a Special Guest at a conference hosted by Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors on "ARe - SuRe - Gender Diversification of Construction Industry Workforce: Attracting, Recruiting, Supporting, and  Retaining  Women Graduates" a research project aimed at understanding the obstacles hindering women from taking up employment in the construction workforce in Nigeria.   According to him women bring unique skills, perspectives, and problem solving that can enhance construction projects, promote sustainable practice, and foster a collaborative working environment.    To this end the Minister said the Conference was a significant platform to address the longstanding underrepresented of women in the construction sector, adding that embracing diversity means upholding fairness and equality while it will unlock a wealth of untapped potential to drive the industry forward.   He therefore called on the participants explore strategies and initiatives that will foster a more inclusive and equitable workforce that will harness the immense potential that women can bring into the sector.   Minister Gwarzo then commended the resilience and commitment of the organisers of the conference for aligning with President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda on inclusivity saying it will reshape the industry, foster culture of inclusivity, respect, and opportunity.   On his part the chairman of the Conference Professor Muhammad  A. Mainoma, mni Vice Chancellor Prime University, Abuja  has said that community engagement and outreach are essential aspects of promoting gender diversification in the construction industry workforce.   Professor Mainoma further stated that leadership commitment is vital to set the tone for the entire industry and create an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.   ...