Dangiwa Advocates Rapid Implementation of Housing Reforms by State Governments The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called for the rapid implementation of housing reforms by State Governments to create an enabling environment for increased private sector investment and improve access to affordable housing.   The Minister said this during a courtesy visit by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mal. Dikko Umaru Radda Phd, on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.   He mentioned that as part of the Ministry’s stakeholder engagement drive, it will work closely with sub-national governments and provide the necessary policy and institutional support towards implementing housing reform initiatives in line with the Renewed Hope Vision of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for housing and urban development.   This includes the review of the Land Use Act of 1978 and the establishment of mortgage registries. He also emphasized the importance of adoption and passage of mortgage foreclosure laws by State Houses of Assemblies as key to creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in housing, stimulating economic growth, and providing our citizens with access to affordable housing.   Arc. Dangiwa urged the Katsina State Government to embrace the initiatives and deepen collaboration with key housing agencies, including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Housing Authority, and the Family Homes Funds, to increase access to affordable housing for Katsina indigenes.   “As a Ministry, we will provide all the necessary support to make this collaboration a success. Together, we can work towards increasing the stock of affordable housing ensuring that our people have access to quality homes that are well within their reach.”   The Minister also expressed readiness of the Ministry to partner with the Katsina State Government towards building new cities by leveraging Public Private Partnerships with local and international players and innovative housing finance mechanisms to improve the housing landscape in the state.   Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijani Gwarzo, said the Ministry is ready to explore areas of collaboration that would help Katsina State meet its affordable housing goals.   Earlier in his remarks, the Katsina State Governor, Mal. Dikko, described Dangiwa, as a thorough professional deeply committed to nation-building.   While congratulating the Ministers on their well-deserved appointments, the Governor noted that Arc Dangiwa has distinguished himself in service and has remained committed to the national project of socioeconomic development. "He is a gentleman to the core. He is very professional, and I'm confident that, together with the Minister of State, Alhaji Gwarzo, he will steer the ministry to great heights. If not for this important national assignment, we wouldn't have let him leave Katsina state," he said.   Speaking further, Governor Radda said the state is open to meaningful collaboration with the ministry in the areas of affordable housing and urban renewal, which are critical focuses of his administration. "We want to collaborate, and we want to learn from you. Subsequently, members of our staff will be coming to you to learn from the ministry's experience and expertise so that we can key into the transformation that the Minister is set to bring to the sector," he noted.   He urged the management and staff of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to provide the ministers with all the support and cooperation they need to deliver on their mandate, stressing that they should be proud that the President deemed it fit to send one of Nigeria's best brains to head the affairs of the ministry. "I can assure you that you're in good hands. Just cooperate with him, and you will definitely be proud of what will be achieved in the sector," he added. ...

Dangiwa Commends Retired Staff for Decades of Dedicated Service The Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa delivered heartfelt remarks at a special retirement send forth dinner held on Thursday, September 14, 2023. The event celebrated the careers of two senior staff members Arc. Zomona Labafilo and Builder Hangeior Emmanuel who had attained the retirement age.   Speaking at the event, the hon. minister expressed his appreciation for the retirees' commitment and sacrifice in the service of their country. He hailed them as hardworking individuals who had contributed to the ministry's mission over the course of many decades.   The Minister also shared a personal connection with some of the retirees, recounting that they were not just colleagues but also longtime friends. Many of them had been his classmates during their university years and had been a source of support and encouragement throughout his career.   Offering words of encouragement to the retirees as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives, the Minister emphasized that retirement is not the end but a new beginning. He urged them to explore new horizons, pursue their personal passions, and enjoy the well-deserved fruits of their labor.   The Minister wished them joy, fulfillment, and relaxation in their retirement, expressing confidence that the skills, wisdom, and experience they had accumulated over their careers would continue to serve them well in their future endeavors.   The send-forth dinner was attended by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Alhaji Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary Mahmuda Mamman, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, many of whom showered encomiums and goodwill messages to the retirees. ...

Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Commences Collaboration with National Population Commission (NPC) to Establish Credible Housing Data The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has initiated a landmark collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) to address one of Nigeria's most critical data challenges: accurately assessing the extent of the housing deficit in the country.   In a meeting held on Monday, September 11, 2023, the Honorable Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, welcomed a delegation from the National Population Commission, led by Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, to formalize this groundbreaking partnership.   For years, Nigeria has struggled with conflicting and unverified figures regarding its housing deficit, with estimates ranging from 17 million to 28 million. These discrepancies have not only been a source of embarrassment but also an obstacle to effective policymaking and strategic planning.   Arc. Dangiwa emphasized the need for accurate, credible, verifiable, and scientifically sound data on the housing deficit and the living conditions of homes across Nigeria. Such data, he said, is essential to develop effective strategies to tackle the housing shortage and ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe and affordable housing.   The collaboration with the National Population Commission, particularly in the context of the upcoming national census, represents a pivotal step in this effort. The census provides a unique opportunity to gather precise and comprehensive data on the housing needs of Nigeria's population.   The term "housing deficit" refers to the inadequacy in the supply of affordable and suitable housing units to meet the needs of the population, reflecting the gap between housing demand and available, safe, and affordable housing stock.   Minister Dangiwa emphasized that the initiative goes beyond mere numbers; it is about improving the quality of life for Nigerians. Adequate housing and proper living conditions are fundamental human rights that contribute to social stability and economic development.   The collaboration with the National Population Commission will involve the design and implementation of survey instruments tailored to address housing-related questions. By working together, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the NPC aim to establish accurate and credible data on the housing deficit, providing a solid foundation for housing policy design and planning.   The Minister extended his appreciation to Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra for his dedication to this cause and expressed anticipation for productive discussions and collaboration in the coming months. ...