Housing Ministry, NIWA to Harmonise Shoreline Development Licensing — Joint Committee Set Up   Abuja, 30 April 2025 – The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) and the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration and establish a unified standard procedure for licensing developments on the Lagos shoreline.   This decision was reached at a high-level meeting held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, between the leadership of both institutions, led by the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji.   In his remarks, the Honourable Minister emphasized the urgent need for both institutions to work together as “one government” to eliminate regulatory conflicts, avoid duplication of mandates, and ensure orderly, sustainable urban development—especially in critical areas such as the Lagos shoreline.   “Our operations intersect and are connected,” the Minister noted. “We must act together to bring order by ensuring that our actions follow a clear regulatory framework that respects both the law and our respective institutional mandates.”   To this end, both parties agreed to set up a joint technical committee to define standard procedures and streamline the process for licensing shoreline developments in Lagos. The committee will comprise representatives from FMHUD, NIWA, and other relevant stakeholders. Its terms of reference will include clarifying roles, eliminating overlaps, enabling data sharing, and recommending sustainable, enforceable guidelines for shoreline development.   During the meeting, Arc. Dangiwa reiterated the distinct mandates of each stakeholder involved: the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as the administrator of land titles on federal shorelines and national urban policy custodian; NIWA as the regulator of inland waterways infrastructure; and the Lagos State Government as the authority on physical planning and development control within its constitutional jurisdiction.   “Our Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is charged with the issuance and administration of land titles on federal shorelines in accordance with the Land (Title Vesting, etc.) Act of 1975, and the broader framework of the Land Use Act. We are also responsible for shaping national urban development policies that promote sustainable, inclusive, and orderly growth. The Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), under the NIWA Act of 2004, is entrusted with the responsibility of regulating inland waterways—including dredging, ferry services, and permits for water-based infrastructure—on declared federal waterways such as the Lagos Lagoon. The Lagos State Government, empowered by the 1999 Constitution and its own planning laws, is responsible for overseeing physical development, building permits, and urban planning within its jurisdiction, including shoreline areas not under direct federal control”, Arc. Dangiwa.   In his own remarks, the Managing Director of NIWA, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, commended the Honourable Minister for his leadership and proactive engagement, describing the meeting as “a significant step toward resolving longstanding institutional overlaps.”   He added, “NIWA is committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and other stakeholders to ensure that shoreline developments, especially in Lagos, are carried out in a safe, lawful, and environmentally responsible manner. We welcome the creation of this joint committee and look forward to developing a seamless, coordinated framework for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”   The meeting marks a continuation of earlier engagements between both institutions and signals a renewed commitment to inter-agency cooperation in the interest of sustainable urban development and the delivery of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. ...

Nigeria, GIZ Strengthen Collaboration on Promoting Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Housing   * Housing ministry committed to mainstreaming sustainability, climate resilience - Dangiwa   *  German- Nigeria Energy Partnership dated back to 2008 - GIZ   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has revealed that Nigeria has been considered a key partner under the Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB), by the German Development Corporatiions (GIZ).   Dangiwa made this revelation in a meeting held in Abuja with the delegation from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) led by Dr. Karin Jansen, first Secretary and Head of Cooperation.   PEEB is a programme by the German Development Cooperation which seeks to build on the efforts of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme to scale up energy efficiency improvements across Nigeria’s building sector.   The minister lauded the PEEB program, noting that it echoed the vision of the Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to provide houses and create sustainable, climate-resilient, and energy-efficient communities across Nigeria.   While recognizing the building and construction sector as a significant contributor to energy consumption and carbon emissions, he emphasized on the importance of promoting energy efficiency and green building practices;   “it is essential to meet national climate goals and ensure a livable future for generations to come” he stated.   The Minister acknowledged the remarkable contributions of PEEB in several countries like Mexico, highlighting their successful integration of green mortgages, and the potential for similar systems in Nigeria.   “Here in Nigeria, we see strong potential to adapt a similar green mortgage model especially within the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) under the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, to drive the supply and uptake of energy-efficient affordable homes under our Renewed Hope Housing Programme”, he remarked.   Similarly, Arc. Dangiwa cited countries like Vietnam and Tunisia in the programme, pointing out the importance of combining technical expertise, policy support, and targeted financing to deliver measurable impacts.   He expressed the commitment of the Ministry to mainstreaming sustainability and climate resilience, demonstrated through strategic partnership with IFC EDGE, a global green building certification platform, to train technical officers of the Ministry, developers, and project managers on sustainable building practices.   Dangiwa, as well informed of his directives that climate-smart, green, and energy-efficient standards be incorporated in housing designs under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, as well as all future Ministry-led housing initiatives.   Accordingly, the Minister outlined plans by the Ministry to include a review of the National Building Code, establishment of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs, and the upgrading of National Urban Renewal Programme to ensure that it embeds resilience and green infrastructure into slum upgrading efforts.   Speaking further, Arc. Dangiwa highlighted strong opportunities for collaboration between the ministry and GIZ in several key areas, including technical assistance, public awareness campaigns, capacity building, advisory support to access climate finance and blended finance mechanisms.   He expressed hope that PEEB’s expertise can aid the preparation of high-quality proposals to tap into international funding sources such as: The Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund, GIZ internal funding opportunities and more.   The Minister also expressed keenness to explore partnership between PEEB and the Federal Mortgage Bank to design and pilot a Green Mortgage Scheme, modeled after successful global examples like INFONAVIT, to further drive the adoption of sustainable housing across Nigeria.   Earlier, the Country Director of GIZ, Markus Wagner highlighted the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, noting that the two countries signed a Bilateral Economic Relations agreement in 1974, formalized in 2008 under the German-Nigeria Energy Partnership, which identified the energy sector as a key area of collaboration.   Mr. Wagner stated that GIZ, has played a vital role in Nigeria by working closely with government stakeholders, providing advisory services that promote investment, innovative and sustainable solutions, as well as climate-resilient practices across the energy sector.   He revealed the intentions of GIZ through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) and the Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB) to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.   He said that the initiative aims to build the Ministry’s capacity to institutionalize sustainable architecture, with a particular focus on integrating energy efficiency into the design, construction, and operation of buildings.   Additionally, Wagner used the opportunity to invite the Minister as a Special Guest of Honour to the official launch of the PEEB Cool Enabling Facility in Nigeria, scheduled for June 10th, 2025.   He also announced upcoming initiatives plannned for the month of May, which includes energy audits in fourteen tertiary healthcare facilities and Energy Efficiency Support to Kano State. ...

Dangiwa Encourages Continuous Dialogue, Mutual Respect with Civil Servants Union    * says consistent staff welfare, a priority    Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has encouraged continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and the pursuit of shared goals between the leadership of the civil servants Union and the Management of the Ministry.   “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” he said.   Dangiwa spoke when he received the National leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) led by its President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed on a couresy vist to the Ministry, Tuesday, April 29th, 2025.   Dangiwa expressed the commitment of his leadership to building a Ministry where officers feel valued, opportunities for growth encouraged and welfare of staff consistently prioritized.   He appreciated the timely nature and significance of the visit in reflecting the spirit of partnership between organized pressure groups and the government;   “It shows that beyond the call of duty, there is a desire on your part to collaborate in building a stronger and more effective public service”, he added.   While acknowledging the indispensable role of the Civil Servants in driving the wheels of progress, he recognized that no policy, plan, or reform can succeed without the commitment and dedication of the workforce.   The Minister was pleased to inform the Union about the Renewed Hope Housing Programme embarked on by the Ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   He noted that under the programme, Cities are currently being developed in Abuja, Lagos, and Kano states; and the Estates across twelve states nationwide, offering a variety of decent, quality, and affordable homes that civil servants can access.   Accordingly, Dangiwa explained that while some units under the Renewed Hope Cities may be priced beyond the immediate affordability of many civil servants, the Renewed Hope Estates, which are being directly delivered and subsidized by the Federal Government, offers affordable options specifically targeted at workers and low to medium-income earners.   He enlightened the Union of various structured and flexible financing options available through the Federal Mortgage Bank to include: a 30-year National Housing Fund mortgage loans, Rent-to-Own schemes, Installmental Payment plans, and Outright purchase for those who have the capacity.   The Minister encouraged the civil servants to take advantage of the Renewed Hoped Estates and the financing opportunities available through the FMBN.   Speaking earlier, the National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Shehu Mohammed commended the Minister for initiating strategic plans to address the housing deficit in the country, noting that Nigerian civil servants, regardless of their income level, now have access to decent housing.   Comrade Mohammed also lauded the Minister’s commitment to resolving the issue of inadequate office space within the Ministry, as demonstrated by the ongoing construction of a new office complex.   Commenting on the recent revocation of provisional offers of housing allocation under the National Housing Programme (NHP), the ASCSN President appealed to the Minister to provide another opportunity for civil servants whose offers were revoked due to their inability to meet the payment deadline.    He explained that many affected workers were constrained by the declining value of the new minimum wage of N70,000, which has been eroded by rising costs of goods and services.   Comrade Muhammad also raised other pressing concerns, including the payment of repatriation allowances for retiring officers, the provision of first 28-days allowances for newly recruited officers, and the prompt disbursement of death benefits to the families of deceased officers.    He highlighted the challenges of inadeqate transportation buses for staff and emphasized the need for continuous training and retraining of staff to enhance their productivity and service delivery.   While appreciating the Ministry's annual financial contribution to the union's May Day celebration, Comrade Mohammed appealed for an increase in the amount allocated for celebration, citing the prevailing economic conditions and rising prices.   In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore reaffirmed the ministry's core mandate to ensure access to affordable housing, noting that significant efforts were being made to meet this goal, especially for civil servants, through various ongoing housing projects of the Ministry, across the country.   While addressing some of the concerns earlier raised by the Union, Dr Belgore explained the Ministry’s efforts to ensure that staff welfare, training and benefits are prioritized.   He informed that the Ministry was making efforts in the area of repatriation to clear backlog of the death benefits and first 28 days, despite the insufficiency of the overhead cost of the Ministry.   Accordingly, he assured that the Ministry was making plans to provide four brand new buses for staff of the Ministry, as part of efforts to support staff mobility.   He as well promised that further consideration would be made to what has been approved for the May Day celebration. ...