Digitalisation: Housing Ministry Launches Official Website   In line with the digitalisation in the Federal Civil Service, a new web portal has been unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development  The domain name of the website is www.fmhud.gov.ng. It is the first stand alone website of the Ministry since it was demerged from the former Ministry of Works and Housing. Unveiling the website, the Permanent Secretary,  Marcus Ogunbiyi, PhD, highly commended the efforts of the department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) under the leadership of the Director in charge, Marcus Amiolemen for their tenacity in ensuring that the activities of the Ministry are showcased to the world through the website creation. Ogunbiyi acknowledged the endeavour of the ICT department in the improvement of the Ministry’s Internet Connectivity, noting that the accomplishments were good steps in the right direction towards DIGITALIZATION, which is one of the pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25). “Digitalization is part of the ongoing reforms of the nation's Public Service so the launch of our Ministry’s website is an achievement worth celebrating” he said. While lauding the initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s to demerge the Ministries of Housing and Works, Ogunbiyi expressed optimism that the gradual steps being taken by the Ministry to fully operate as an independent Ministry will in no time materialize into visible developments. The Permanent Secretary was particularly excited to disclose more developments to expect in the Ministry, such as the creation of an official email with the Ministry’s domain name for all staff, the  acquisition of a small power inverter, a renewal of the Ministry’s reception area among others. He further directed all departments to always send in their activities to the ICT departments for an edit and upload into the website. Accordingly, he encouraged all staff of the Ministry to frequently visit the website so as to be kept abreast of all activities of the Ministry. Earlier in his presentation,  the Director in charge of the ICT  department. Marcus Amiolemen, stated that the development of the Ministry’s web portal is key to the Ministry, being one of the components that all Nigerians all over the world can leverage on to know the activities of the Housing Ministry. He said, “the era we are, any organization that lacks the presence of the international domain does not exist and to achieve that milestone we have been able to develop the ministry's website which serves as a platform to manage as well as showcase all programs and activities of the Ministry to the world”. The Director outlined and explained some components and various pages that makes up the website which includes departments of the Ministry alongside their functions, press releases, documents from the office of the Honorable Minister, pictorials of important events of the Ministry, frequently asked questions on housing units from the general public, among others. “The website is also very flexible, easy to access and highly secure, he added. Amiolemen solicited for the support of all Departments in ensuring that going foward, the Ministry’s website www.fmhud.gov.ng,  as well as the official email info@fmhud.gov.ng is included on all the Ministry’s letter headed papers. ...

Housing Ministry Celebrates Retiring Directors The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has celebrated three retired Directors for their remarkable, unblemished and committed services to the nation. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa in his remarks at a special retirement sendforth ceremony held at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja said their contributions to designs for the ministry's housing programmes and commitment to professionalism have left good marks on our country’s housing landscape. The retirees are Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma (Director/HOD Public Building & Housing Development), Arc. Dossou Olusegun Olubunmi (Director, MDAs) and Arc. Laminu Mohammed Manman (Director, Landscaping). The Minister remarked that "Today, we reflect on the countless contributions and positive impact they have made in advancing the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the impact of their efforts on the built environment.  Their contributions to designs for the Ministry’s housing programs, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to professionalism have left good marks on our country’s housing landscape". Dangiwa also stated that he was convinced that their combined contributions have been instrumental in the successes the ministry has recorded thus far.  " Your participation at management meetings, professional inputs at departmental levels and passion for your craft and commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism have earned you all my respect and admiration and I believe that of their colleagues and housing industry stakeholders" he said  The Minister described the sendforth celebration as not only for their professional achievements but also the friendships made, the memories shared, the laughter and the legacies that they have left  behind. Commending one of the retiree, Arc. Iquo Uzodinma, Dangiwa said the practical and active roles she played in organizing and coordinating the successful Inauguration of the Housing Reform Task Teams and the official launch of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR  at Karsana was remarkable . "Throughout her tenure, Arc. Uzodinma not only demonstrated exceptional professional prowess but also served and mentored many in the Department. You hardly see her attend meetings without one or two of her Directors with her. This demonstrates openness, cooperation and mentorship" he stated  The Minister lamented that the ministry was losing a lot of professionals especially in the area of environment. On his part,  Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo said the retirement offers a well -deserved  opportunity for these exceptional Directors to rest, reflect, and enjoy the fruits of their labour and a time for cherished memories, new experiences as well as fulfillment of personal dreams. He added that he was confident that their wealth of knowledge would continue to positively impact the society in various capacities. Earlier in a welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi thanked God Almighty that these Directors retired in good health. He advised staff to put in their best in service and should also start planning for their retirement as time waits for nobody. ...

Housing Ministry Assures Diaspora Union of Participation in Nigeria's Housing Market Ecosystem  ..... commends Union’s interest in investing in housing development in the country  Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has assured African Descendants in Diaspora Union (AFRIDU) of an enabling environment for diaspora participation in Nigeria’s housing market ecosystem by having in place the right frameworks for secured homeownership for Nigerians in Diaspora. Dangiwa also expressed the commitment of the Ministry to work with the Union in order to achieve a shared vision of a prosperous and united Africa that would in turn create a better future for all citizens, both at home and abroad.  The Minister stated this when a delegation from AFRIDU led by the Union’s Diplomatic Administrator for Nigeria, Dr. Abraham Onwubuya, paid him a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. African Descendants in Diaspora Union (AFRIDU), is a platform created to foster unity, solidarity, and empowerment among the African descent in the Diaspora. Dangiwa also acknowledged the importance of the diaspora to the government, adding that the over 20million Nigerians in Diaspora remitting an average of over $24bn per annum is a massive capacity, crucial to catalyzing development in all sectors of the Nation’s economy.  On the participation in housing market, he said “We are doing this in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the two federal housing agencies that are under the supervision of our Ministry which includes the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)” He also recalled the launch of the Diaspora Mortgage Loan at the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit in Sept 2023, a loan designed to enable Nigerians living overseas participate in the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme in order to access up to N50 million to own their homes in Nigeria. Accordingly he explained that Participants could access the loan via a National Housing Fund (NHF) loan, Rent-to-Own or the Individual Construction loan window, with affordable terms at best market rates which includes a single-digit interest rate of 9%, and a payback period of up to 10 years. While stating that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) as part of the initiative would facilitate the construction of affordable housing units in major cities that meets the specifications of Nigerians in Diaspora, Arc. Dangiwa notified the Union that the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is also involved as part of the Ministry’s sector wide effort to cater to the Diaspora.  In his words, “They have undertaken to develop the Diaspora City Project under a Public Private Partnership comprising the FHA, The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the private sector”. He disclosed that The Diaspora City project  is situated at Maitama 2 FCT, with over 675 hectares of land, designed to have bungalows, semi-and detached duplexes, and mansions to reflect its inclusive essence; “The FCT administration has committed to opening the road and providing the relevant infrastructure”, he further disclosed. According to the Minister, Our overall goal is to ensure that as our brothers and sisters’ sojourn abroad, they also have a decent shelter over here in Nigeria to call their home” The Minister expressed excitement about the upcoming International Global Investment Summit to be held in Abuja in October, noting that the event presents a unique opportunity to showcase the potential of the Country and attract foreign direct investment in various sectors, including housing and urban development.  On their part, the leader of the AFRIDU delegation Dr. Abraham Onwubuya on behalf of members of the Union appealed for a chance to partner with the Ministry in terms of investment in real estate, and also requested the Ministry’s assistance in providing them with lands to develop smart homes and cities across the country, for the Africans descendants in diaspora. According to him, “this will be beneficial to Nigeria as a Nation”. Dr. Onwubuya further utilized the opportunity to invite the Honourable Minister for  the International gathering of the African descendants in diaspora slated to hold between the 3rd - 7th of October 2024, and particularly the Global Economic Investment Summit on the 5th of October, 2024. ...