Tambuwal, Sultan Hail FG At Commissioning Of Sokoto’s National Housing Programme ·    As Season of Completion, Impact in Housing Sector moves to Sokoto Emirate .    Primary objective of our administration is to improve living conditions of Nigerians”, says Buhari ·   Nigerians will witness more in days to come  -  Fashola The progressive train of the Federal Government arrived Sokoto on Tuesday 22, 2022, as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned 80 housing units completed in the State by the Ministry of Works and Housing under the government’s ongoing National Housing Programme (NHP) across the country. The commissioning, witnessed by prominent dignitaries and stakeholders in the state, was the sixth of its kind since the government’s Season of Completion and Impact commenced nationwide in the Housing Sector barely a fortnight ago. Speaking on behalf of his people, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar, whose goodwill message was rendered in Hausa language, praised the Buhari administration, for its untiring commitment to the fulfillment of its mandate of change to Nigerians saying his Emirate would remain grateful to the Federal Government for extending the programme to it. The Sultan, who was represented by the Ardon Shuni of the Emirate, Alhaji Muhammad Harande II, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the project and also urged all the allottees of the houses in the State to take proper care of them in order to derive the maximum impact intended to be achieved. In his keynote address at the occasion President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, described the completion of the housing project as a fulfilment of the promise of change his administration made to the people at its inception.   Buhari, who expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State government for the intergovernmental collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing through the provision of the land for the project, described it as “one of the developmental approaches across the levels of government”. The President was delighted that, through the housing constructions, contracts were given to Micro, Small and Medium enterprises and business men and women were engaged, while skilled and unskilled workers got employment adding that the programme has “unleashed a value chain of economic activities that have made positive impacts in the lives of ordinary Nigerians”. "These are some of the people our country remains committed to move towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed”, he said.   The President described as, “one of the great leaps” in the  fulfilment of promise of change made by his administration, the approval of the allocation of houses to 22 members of the 1994 Super Eagles Team in their various states, in fulfilment of a pledge made to them 28 years ago by the then Federal Government. In his goodwill message, the Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Manir Muhammad DanIya, commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, for the construction of the housing estate in Sokoto which he said was “a great effort towards providing affordable houses for Nigerians”. In his own remarks, Fashola, who was represented by the Director Information and Communication Technology of the Ministry, Mrs. Olayemi Sotomi, stated that Nigerians would witness many more commissioning of completed projects as President Buhari's tenure draws nearer adding that many more projects would soon start to bear fruit.   According to the Minister, the 80 housing units under Phase 1, comprising 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, have been completed in Sokoto State adding, "In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desire”. He explained that the survey revealed a preference for bungalows in Northern Nigeria and flats in Southern Nigeria, adding that the survey also showed the need for space which, according to him, “is why the one-bedroom units are 60 - 70 square metres and two-bedroom units 76 - 103 square metres while three-bedroom units are110 - 137 square metres”. Fashola also disclosed that the housing units are offered to the public through the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/”to ensure that interested buyers are not inhibited by any “artificial obstacle and allocations are made on the basis of those who apply and pay on a first-come- first-served basis”.   The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Chukwunwike Uzo, who was represented by the Federal Zonal Director Housing, North West, Builder Emmanuel Hangeoire, stated that the Ministry was promoting local content in the building construction in line with Executive Orders 3 and 5.   According to Engr. Uzo, at least 1,200 building contractors have been engaged under Phases I, II and III of the housing programme since 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created.   “During this period, the Ministry has been undertaking the construction of at least 6,000 housing units at 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 34 States and the Federal Capital Territory”.   ...

Kaduna, Kogi, Osun States’ Residents Upbeat As FG Commissions 228 Housing Units ·         President  says housing estates being commissioned represent fulfillment of the promise of Change by his administration ·         Fashola reiterates determination of government to ensure transparency of bidding process in acquiring the houses through the National Housing Portal ·         Project is not only addressing the housing deficit but also providing jobs for Nigerians as well as stimulating the economy – Governor El-Rufai ·         Lawmakers, Traditional Rulers hail FG “for continuous efforts in alleviating the problem of housing in the country, especially for the less privileged Kaduna, Kogi and Osun States Monday, March 14, 2022 received the progressive train of the administration of President Buhari moving across the country as the Federal Government commissioned a total of 228 housing units in the States, bringing to five the number of States where the government’s Season of Completion and Impact in the Housing Sector has delivered houses in the last two weeks. Other States where the train has stopped over during the period include Nasarawa State where President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Hon. Muhammed Abdullahi, commissioned 76 housing units located in Lafia, the State capital and Delta State where the President, represented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, commissioned 68 housing units all under the administration’s National Housing Programme (NHP). Out of the 228 housing units delivered at Monday’s Commissioning, Kaduna State got 80 units, while Kogi State got 76 and Osun State 72 units of houses which are in the categories of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom bungalows and condominium as is also being built in 34 states of the Federation in the first Phase. In his keynote address at the commissioning ceremonies, President Buhari reiterated the commitment of his administration to the fulfillment of its campaign promise of Change to the people of Nigerian in 2015 adding, “The housing estates being commissioned today is an example of the fulfillment of the promise of Change we made”. President Buhari who was represented at the commissioning by the Honourable Ministers from the respective beneficiary states also stated that the housing estates was a clear manifestation of the progressive ideals of his administration to improve the human condition of Nigerians. In Kaduna State, the President was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Muhammed Mahmoud Abubakar,  while the Minister of  State, Federal Capital Territory, Ramatu Tijjani represented him in Kogi State and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stood in for him in Osun state. The President expressed delight that the desire and commitment of the administration towards improving the human condition was gaining more impetus as jobs were being created for the teeming populace via the housing estates, stating that people who have aspired for a long time to own a home were now seeing their dreams come true with the housing projects. According to the President, “The business activities going on at the sites of these housing projects have added value to human condition, and Nigerians, especially at the bottom of the pyramid such as artisans, builders, skilled and unskilled workers and food vendors, are not left out of this economic value chain”.  In his own remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, noted that there is a great leap in the completion of projects all over the Federation as the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari draws to an end adding that the houses commissioned were open for subscription to the general public “in a non-discriminatory way through the National Housing Portal to ensure transparency of bidding processes in acquiring the houses”.  "We welcome those who can afford to pay outright but it is not a condition for eligibility because we have offered other flexible payment options like Mortgages and Rent-to-Own which we encourage applicants to pursue”, the Minister said. In his goodwill message at the commissioning In Kaduna state, the State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who was represented by his Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. (Mrs.) Fausat Ibukunle, said the project was not only addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria, but also providing jobs for Nigerians as well as stimulating the economy. Commending the President and the Minister of Works and Housing “for the laudable project”, the Governor, who said it would help improve and promote the welfare of the people of Kaduna State, added, “The engagement of the contractors, suppliers and all those that were employed in the building process has actually stimulated the economy”. Also commending the President and the Minister for the project, the Senator representing Kaduna Southern Senatorial Zone, Senator Danjuma Laah,  noted that the developmental projects all over the country were outstanding, adding that the 9th National Assembly was happy and would be part of the success story by making sure they form part of the commissioning that would be done  all over the country. In his own goodwill message, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, also commended the President and called for the institutionalization of a maintenance economy to ensure that the estate was maintained and kept in good condition. In Osun State, the Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Lands and Physical Development, Mr. Nathaniel Agunbiade, disclosed that the state government provided 10.266 hectares of land at Abere for the housing project and called on Osun indigenes to key into the project while also urging the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to complete the phase two of the project.  His Royal Highness, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, in his goodwill message, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the housing estate saying, “When the construction of the houses was ongoing, jobs were created for the people of this community and they benefited immensely from the construction activities." Governor Yahaya Bello, who was represented at the Kogi State phase of the event by his Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Alhaji Usman Ochidi, thanked President Buhari “for the promise kept for the Kogites”. "I thank and appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, for what they have done across the country for the benefit of all Nigerians. I appreciate all those who worked tirelessly to accomplish this project," he said. Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator (Dr.) Sam Egwu, represented by Senator Jibril Isah Echocho, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the continuous efforts in alleviating the problem of housing in the country, especially for the less privileged who, he noted, “are now enjoying the series of change that is taking place in Nigeria”. The Maiyaki of Lokoja, Alhaji Halilu, who represented His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Maigari lll, described the commissioning of the houses as “clear evidence of promise kept by the President”, adding, "Right from the onset, we know that all things being equal, this housing estate will be completed and commissioned before the end of this administration bearing in mind Mr. President's zero tolerance for abandoned projects. We are grateful” ...

National Housing Programme, Evidence Of Fulfilment Of Our Administration's Promise Of Change To Nigerians – Buhari •    FG has delivered similar projects in 34 States with the support of the Governors who provided land – Fashola •    Minister dismisses false report of fatal accident during recent inspection of 2nd Niger Bridge •  Delta State Governor, traditional ruler, Contractors, Artisans, Food Vendors commend FG for economic, life improving infrastructure From the North Central State of Nasarawa, the progressive train of the Season of Completion and Impact in the Housing Sector moved to the South South State of Delta on Thursday with the commissioning of completed homes under the first Phase of the National Housing Programme at Issele Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State by President Muhammadu Buhari. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN at the commissioning stated that the National Housing Programme (NHP) is an example of the promise of change made to Nigerians by the current administration. “Our desire and commitment towards improving the human condition and our message of change, have another facet beyond job creation. It responds to those who have long aspired to own a home, and that dream has come true with this project,” Buhari said. The President remarked, “When our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), sought your mandate to form Government in 2015, one of the things we promised was change.” Responding to a journalist’s question shortly after the commissioning, the Minister dismissed a false report in the media that he was involved in a motor accident during his inspection tour of the ongoing 2nd Niger Bridge in Delta and Anambra States. He said, “We were in Asaba two days ago with the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari to inspect ongoing works at the second Niger Bridge.  It is unfortunate that some sections of the media chose to tell sensational premium lies, we were not involved in any accident.” Earlier, the Minister of Works and Housing, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Mr. Biodun Oki, said “In 34 States of Nigeria, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has delivered projects like this with the support of the State Governors who provided the land.” “There are many things to be said about this project, from its design to the economic impact and the social impact on this community. In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desired,” he said. The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Chukwunwike  Uzo  who was represented by the Director, Public Buildings and Housing in the Ministry , Arc. Solomon Labafilo remarked, “The Ministry is promoting local content in line with Executive Orders 3 and 5. The use of available local building materials in the National Housing Programme has stimulated the economy through the production and use of the materials. The overall economic value chain arising from the housing construction activities is mostly beneficial to the Nigerian youths. ‘’ Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi  Okowa who was  represented by   the Commissioner of Housing in Delta State, Chief Festus Ochonogor  noted that shelter being an essential part of human needs, a housing estate like the one being commissioned is part of the crucial development of the society.  He said the housing gap can be bridged through Public and Private Partnership to address the housing needs of the people. In his goodwill message, the Asagba of Asaba , HRH Joseph Chike Edozien ,  represented by the Osowa Owelle Asaba , Engr. Chris Chukwurah said , “This project is number one in this country and we thank the Federal Government for siting this edifice in this area and for giving some of these houses to Super Eagle players to actualize the promise made to them by  the Abacha regime. “ Engr. Chukwurah added that the National Housing Programme  has contributed to the economic prosperity of the people within the area. He enjoined the beneficiaries to maintain the houses in order to spur the Federal Government to provide more. House of Representatives Member representing Aniocha North /South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu represented by Hon. Anthony Okeibuno said the Federal Government is collaborating with the Delta State Government in developing housing and other critical infrastructure in the state. He said, “I congratulate the beneficiaries and I enjoin them to make good use of the houses.” One of the contractors who built the units of houses in the Estate, Engr. Nze Upright thanked the Minister for his consistency in following up the projects through to the stage of commissioning. He appealed to the Federal Government for more funding for the Second Phase of the National Housing Programme. One of the artisans, Stephen Achi, said that he thanked the President and the Minister for the housing projects because working with the contractors made him earn enough to start his own personal project. A food seller at the site of the building, Promise Innocent expressed her satisfaction with the projects because her earning capacity has improved since the beginning of the housing project as workers and the artisans on site patronized her shop and five other shops within the site. Some of the dignitaries at the event included Directors from the Ministry and some members of the Delta State Executive Council.  The NYSC Band Delta State and other traditional cultural musical groups in Delta State   were also at the event of commissioning to entertain the guests. ...