Land Administration: We are committed to fixing gaps in the Housing Sector - Dangiwa The Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to fixing the existent gaps and making a historic difference in the housing and urban landscape of the country. The Minister brought this to light in a meeting with the Technical Mission from the World Bank on Land Titling, Registration and Cadastre, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja. He appreciated the Ministry’s longstanding partnership with the World Bank, noting that it was aimed at tackling systemic issues that have hindered effective land administration, management, governance, and urban development. Recalling a recent engagement of the Ministry with the World Bank Vice President for Infrastructure, Mr. Guangzhe Chen alongside his team, the Minister revealed some identified key focus areas where the Ministry needs the technical and financial support of the Bank to enable the commencement of realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is to streamline land administration and ensure effective urban governance in the country. According to the Minister, some of the priority areas are the Implementation of a National Land Registration and Titling Programme in partnership with State Governments, a move that would unlock over $300 billion dead capital tied up in undocumented land. He said the initiative would enable the registration, documentation, and titling of all land parcels, development and launch of a National Digital Land Information System (NDLIS), Increase the formalization of land transactions from less than 10% to over 50% within the next 10 years, as well as train and deploy technically competent land registration officers nationwide. Other priority areas for collaboration as stated by the Minister are the Implementation of the National Urban Development Policy which contains vital initiatives for improving the management of urban areas; and the area of development of a Framework to address systemic barriers along the housing value chain. Dangiwa expressed excitement in the massive institutional capacity of the Bank, as well as their technical expertise and knowledge garnered over decades from implementing similar interventions in countries around the world.   Accordingly, he conveyed his expectations that the Bank would bring in experts who have successfully led similar programs in other countries, particularly African Countries like Kenya, Sierra Leone, and South Africa, with similar contexts, and in collaboration with the Team at the Ministry, State governments, and other critical stakeholders, to design the implementation plan. While the Minister decried the unfortunate 10% statistics of registered and titled land in the country, as well as the low livability of urban centers, he expressed optimism that the challenge posed an opportunity to make a difference;  “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, we at the Ministry are committed to making this difference. With the support of the World Bank under this partnership, I believe we are on the verge of making history in Nigeria”, he said. Disclosing a timeline of November to commence work, as agreed in the Ministry’s last meeting with the World Bank in September, Dangiwa further expressed confidence that the technical sessions was a testament that the ball has been set rolling as planned. The minister in addition, sought a timeline for the Integrated Implementation Plan, as well as deliverables. Speaking earlier, Dr. Fuad Malkawi, Senior Urban Specialist and Task Team Leader of the Technical Mission of the World Bank on Land, said they were in the ministry to discuss strategic support for land governance in Nigeria. He noted that the objective of their visit was to identify challenges facing the country's land administration, evaluate existing initiatives, and outline strategic areas where the World Bank can provide support to drive sustainable development Dr. Malkawi as well stated that the World Bank was keenly interested in land-related issues, ranging from surveying and mapping, to property taxation and infrastructure.  He further informed that the bank's goal was to produce a flagship example in the African region while expressing optimism that with Nigeria's immense resources and ongoing development, Nigeria can set the standard for the rest of the continent to follow. Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi welcomed the World Bank Technical Mission to the Ministry and the Country at large, informing the team of the Ministry’s great expectations of what they would do. He said his direct conversation with Dr. Fuad Malkawi was an attestation to the preparedness of the World Bank to intervene in the critical areas where the Ministry needs assistance. Ogunbiyi further assured the team that the Ministry would do all in their parts to support the intervention. ...

Meet the Press: Housing Minister Outlines Milestone Achievements Under Renewed Hope Agenda * Says President Tinubu's Transformative leadership enables ministry's focus on implementation  Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has  proudly outlined the ministry's remarkable achievements, transformative programs, and impactful reforms undertaken in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The Minister gave this outline when he made his presentation at a media  parley tagged "Meet the Press," which held at Nigeria's State House in Abuja on Sunday, 17th November, 2024. Commending President Tinubu's transformative leadership for demerging the ministry from the Federal Ministry of Works, Dangiwa said the move has enabled the ministry to focus its efforts on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda in the housing sector. Furthermore, he stated that   the vision President Tinubu has for the housing ministry was that of prioritizing  housing as a vital element for improving the lives of Nigerians, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth.  Dangiwa informed that the  Ministry has embarked on various initiatives to address the housing deficit in Nigeria, which includes: Increasing Housing Supply. He emphasised that the  Ministry was  committed  to closing the national housing gap through the construction of 10,112 housing units via the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program, with 14 active sites across the nation.     He explained  that under the Renewed Hope Estates, twelve estates are currently under construction, with each comprising 250 housing units in 12 states, totaling approximately 3,000 units while for the Renewed Hope Cities,  major urban projects are underway in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with 3,112 units, and additional developments in Kano and Lagos, among other states. Speaking on Job Creation and economic impact  of construction in the housing sector, particularly, the Renewed Hope Housing Project, the Minister noted that over 252,800 jobs have directly been created for Nigerians, significantly contributing to the nation’s economic landscape, affirming  skilled and unskilled workers are benefitting from robust employment opportunities, earning significantly above the national minimum wage. "At an average daily wage of ₦5,000, many workers are earning over ₦150,000 monthly, which is far above the national minimum wage," he said. Dangiwa, while informing  Nigerians  of the flexibility and seamlessness of applying for houses under the  Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, introduced the Renewed Hope  Online Housing Delivery Portal;www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng,  explaining it is a user-friendly platform  that has empowered over 47,605 Nigerians to explore, apply, and track their housing applications online, streamlining the homeownership process.  On options of home ownership available to interested buyers,  the Minister explained that  the  Ministry has introduced various affordable homeownership options through the National Housing Fund (NHF) and the Federal Mortgage Bank’s Rent-to-Own scheme, allowing many Nigerians access to affordable housing, Outright purchase for Nigerians who afford to pay upfront and Installmental  payment option with upto four instalments allowable for convenience.   "I want to use this medium to appeal to Nigerians in both formal and informal employment to join the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme to enable them benefit from this affordable homeownership options from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. They are the best in the market, "  He said.  To enable the ministry churn out affordable housing , Dangiwa informed Nigerians the ministry has opted  budgetary provisions, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and international collaborations to diversify funding for housing projects, ensuring low and middle-income earners can access housing options. He said, " We are funding the 12 Renewed Hope Estates from the ₦50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget. We also have an additional ₦27.2 billion allocated in the 2024 budget to complete their infrastructure fully while awaiting 2025 budget to expand the programme to cover more of the remaining states." Minister expressed that the ministry is committed to fulfilling the Renewed Hope Agenda by  ensuring every Nigerian has access to affordable and dignified housing. "Our efforts are not just about building houses; we are building a brighter future for generations to come," he added.  In addition, the Minister said that under the Public-Private Partnerships  arrangement,  the  ministry is constructing  3 Renewed Hope Cities in FCT, Lagos and Kano  and are being funded through a PPP that the Ministry signed with a consortium of developers for the delivery of 100,000 housing units nationwide.  "Under this strategy, the developers source land and construction finance while the government creates an enabling environment for them to deliver housing. So far, the Ministry has facilitated a N100billion Bankable Offtaker Guarantee by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the Karsana Renewed Hope City,"  the Minister noted. However, unlike housing  construction funded through the budgetary allocation which are  relatively cheap,  the PPP arrangement are usually costlier and cater for high and middle income earners because developers get their loan in double digits. "For example, a one-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, built under a PPP model, costs about N22 million, whereas a similar unit under the Renewed Hope Estates, funded through budgetary allocations, costs approximately N8–9 million,"  Dangiwa maintained.  Accordingly, other sources of funding strategy include   collaborations with reputable organisations such as Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) for the financing of 5,000 housing units under phase one, representing an estimated investment of ₦50 billion.  The Minister informed the partnership was the first time the Ministry was  directly leveraging housing finance from ShafDB,.a Pan African institution where it is currently the largest shareholder, noting  ShafDB housing finance collaboration is also another Renewed Hope First that being  recorded at the Ministry. Similarly, Dangiwa mentioned that progress is being made in the National Social Housing in the establishment of fund to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of income, have access to decent housing, noting, saying, aside from the budgetary funding, the ministry is engaging with  philantrophic organizations, Corporate Social Responsibility and voluntary donations from Nigerians.  " We also have some willing and capable potential investors in the NSHF who are working to meet the requirements of the Infrastructure Concessionary and Regulatory Commission (ICRC),"  the Minister remarked. As part of efforts to ensure effective Land Administration and not oblivion to  the crucial role of land governance, the  Minister disclosed that the Ministry has launched initiatives to improve land administration, including fair compensation frameworks and the National Land Registration Program. Also mentioned by the Minister was the plan to establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs aimed at reducing construction costs and stimulating job creation. He added that the ministry is in partnership with World Bank to develop National Digital Land System to ensure seamless land titling and registration across the country.  While emphasising President Tinubu's unwavering commitment to transforming the country's housing landscape, he noted that the ministry has achieved significant milestones within 14 months of its existence as a standalone ministry,  ensuring that housing and urban development receive the priority they rightly deserve. The Minister  later  extended invitation to all Nigerians and stakeholders to join in the effort towards a more prosperous Nigeria by participating in the National Housing Fund and exploring the available affordable housing options. ...

National Urban Development Policy to Transform Nigerian Cities into Sustainable, Resilient '15-Minute Cities' - Dangiwa   -    Calls for Annual National Urban Forum -    Says New Urban Agenda to Promote Public Health, Tackle Climate Change   Gombe, November 14, 2024 - The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has said that the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) when introduced will transform Nigerian Cities into sustainable, resilient, '15-minute Cities'.   Delivering the keynote address at the 13th meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development holding in Gombe, the Minister said rapid urbanisation which will see the nation's population rise to 70% by 2050 has made effective planning through innovative and sustained policies a priority.   Noting that the NUDP is currently awaiting approval by the Federal Executive Council, he said such a policy is necessary for Nigeria's sustainable future as it can promote public health, mitigate climate change, and create a safe, resilient, and progressive ecosystem for all to thrive.   "The NUDP's vision is clear: to transform Nigeria’s cities into well-functioning, prosperous, resilient, secure, and livable spaces for all. Achieving this vision demands a 'Business Unusual' approach, one that replaces 'Urban Pessimism' with 'Urban Optimism.' This means embracing high-density urban development over sprawl, safeguarding agricultural land and resources, and adopting integrated, evidence-based urban policies.   "The NUDP also promotes a 'Healthy Cities' concept, integrating environmental health with secure, resilient urban spaces. This involves essential services like waste management, water, sanitation, and local public health systems. As the recent pandemic has shown, resilience in city design is critical for public health and community well-being. Models like the '15-minute city'— where essential services are within walking distance— offer accessible, self-sufficient neighborhoods that promote health and connectivity," he said.   Dangiwa emphasised that the need for an Urban Policy is long overdue considering the fast pace at which the nation's Urban population is increasing. He, therefore, called for an Annual National Urban Forum, which he says was part of the resolutions reached at the recently concluded World Urban Forum in Egypt.   "We must grasp the scale of our urban growth and the profound challenges it brings. Nigeria’s urban population is expanding rapidly, driven by an annual growth rate of 4.1%. From just 9.4% in 1950, our urban population now exceeds 52%, with projections indicating a rise to 70% by 2050. By then, Nigeria will likely be the world’s third most populous country, with over 400 million people."   According to him, Nigeria has eight cities with a population above 1 million people each, and another 81 Cities each with a population ranging from 100,000 to one million, and yet with 58.8% of these urban dwellers living in Slum conditions. He added that the goal of the NUDP is to provide a framework that guides long-term, sustainable urban growth, addressing not only housing and infrastructure needs but also creating the foundation for economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities.   Explaining the nexus between effective urban planning, public health, and climate change, Dangiwa said proper planning will ensure better sanitation, disease control and containment, quicker access to health facilities, as well as smart city designs which support climate action.   "NUDP also prioritizes climate responsiveness. Climate change poses a severe threat, with impacts like drought, flooding, and extreme weather intensifying. Without adaptation, climate change could cost Nigeria between 6% and 30% of its GDP by 2050. Therefore, urban planning is a frontline defense in building climate resilience and economic security," he observed. The Minister called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to embark on urgent collective action towards the implementation of the policy when it comes on stream, noting that while massive housing construction and new cities development are urgent priorities at this time, they must be done alongside effective urban planning.   He commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the last one year, especially in the area of Housing development, noting that the ministry has more houses under construction in one year than it built in the previous eight years put together. He also said the ministry's strategy of embracing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) is crucial to that success, but admitted that the country is still only scratching the surface compared to its housing requirements.   "We recently returned from the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt. What we observed there was inspiring and should motivate us as a nation to do more. The Egyptian government is constructing a New Cairo City, an urban development estimated at 500 billion Egyptian Pounds (around $10.6 billion). This includes massive housing, road construction, shopping malls, rail systems, and more.   "While part of the funding comes from entities like the World Bank and IFC, a significant portion is government-sourced through the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), the overseeing authority. We also met with India’s Housing Minister, who shared that India has built over 1 million housing units entirely through government funding.   "We noted similar large-scale, government-funded housing efforts in South Africa and other African nations. The message is clear: while we will continue to drive PPPs, our government needs to do more to finance affordable and social housing for our citizens," he added.   He called on governments at all levels to invest more in housing provision as this was the only way to make housing delivery affordable for low- and middle-income earners, who form the majority of the nation's population.   ...