Housing Minister Commends BUA Cement PLC’s Decision To Reduce Cement Price To N3,500   Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has applauded BUA Cement Plc’s recent decision to reduce the price of cement to N3,500 from about N5,500.   He said the proactive gesture will reduce the cost of cement, which is a major cost in housing construction, and that it supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to provide affordable housing to Nigerians.   The Minister made these remarks in response to BUA Plc’s official announcement of the reduction on Sunday, 1st October 2023. He underscored that the soaring cost of cement has led to a drastic increase in house prices, making them unaffordable for the average Nigerian, adding that that BUA Cement Plc’s decision represents a substantial stride toward easing the financial burden on aspiring homeowners.   Dangiwa emphasized that since assuming office, he has made promoting the delivery of affordable housing as a top priority in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. “The escalating prices of building materials, especially cement, have placed a daunting obstacle on the path to homeownership for many Nigerians. BUA Cement Plc’s decision to reduce the price of cement to N3,500 is highly commendable. It reflects their understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians and is a positive step towards making housing more affordable and attainable for all,” he noted.   “I commend BUA Cement Plc for their socially responsible decision to reduce the price of cement. Accessible and affordable housing is a fundamental right, and this move by BUA Cement Plc will undoubtedly alleviate the challenges faced by our citizens. It demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the lives of our people and furthering the goals of sustainable urban development.”   The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development stated that BUA Cement Plc’s initiative will not only benefit individual homeowners but will also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and lift many Nigerians out of poverty by fostering affordable housing construction and infrastructure development.   He encouraged other industry players to emulate BUA Cement Plc’s example, urging them to consider the social impact of their decisions. He believes that collaborative efforts between the government and private sector entities are essential in overcoming the challenges related to housing affordability and ensuring the realization of decent living conditions for every Nigerian citizen. ...

Dangiwa to Deepen Collaboration with Nigerian Institute of Town Planners Toward Sustainable Urban Planning The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has assured the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) of increased collaboration to bolster efforts towards a more sustainable housing and urban planning environment. The Minister gave this assurance when he hosted the leadership of the institute on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.   Arc. Dangiwa stressed the importance of effective urban and regional planning, noting that the institute's input and its members' expertise will be vital in the ministry’s efforts to build livable, decent, and sustainable cities and communities. "As you are all aware, our great nation is at a critical juncture in its history. With a rapidly growing population and urbanization trends, the challenges facing our cities and towns have become more complex and demanding. It is evident that proper urban planning and housing development are key to addressing these challenges effectively," he said.   He further emphasized the essential role the institute plays in shaping the physical, social, and economic development of cities and communities, noting that "expertise in spatial planning, environmental management, and infrastructure development is critical in ensuring that our urban areas are well-planned and able to meet the needs of our citizens."   The delegation, led by the institute’s president, Town Planner Nathaniel Atebije, highlighted the challenges confronting the institute and the sector. They called on the Minister to support the delivery of specific demands, including facilitating the completion and adoption of the Revised National Urban Development Policy, as well as the National Physical Planning Standards. They also urged the implementation of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law to guide physical development and the establishment of relevant institutions like the National Urban and Regional Planning Commission.   Atebije also noted that "presenting an executive bill to amend areas of the law that do not have sufficient provisions for effective enforcement to make the law more contemporary, particularly with the possibility of putting physical planning matters on the concurrent list in the constitution, is an important step to take." The NITP boss further urged the Ministry to embark on urgent and rigorous capacity building for professionals to enhance the performance of their job.   One of the institution's demands is the creation of an agency to collect and analyze data on housing to assess the deficit in quantity and quality and facilitate effective planning and implementation of the housing policy.   Responding, the Minister assured that most of the issues relating to the legal and regulatory frameworks of urban and physical planning raised by the institution are already being examined by the relevant departments, along with partner agencies and bodies concerned with such matters. "For instance, we’re already working with the National Population Commission to conduct a housing census to determine the quality and quantity of houses in Nigeria so that we can ascertain the true situation. We do not believe there’s a need to create another agency for that purpose, as it would further increase the cost of governance, which this administration is trying to reduce. Besides, that would amount to duplication of responsibilities.   “On the issue of placing the law in the concurrent list, we’re already working with the states to make that a reality. However, it also depends on the cooperation of the National Assembly, which we’re confident we will receive. I can assure you that the other issues you raised, including those related to the implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning law, undue tenure elongation of your council members, and the recruitment and training of professionals, are matters we are taking seriously as a ministry, and they will be resolved in due time," Dangiwa added.   The delegation also took the opportunity to invite the Honourable Minister to the institute’s National Conference scheduled for October 23rd to 27th, 2023, in Asaba, Delta State, where he is scheduled to deliver a goodwill message. The Minister, accepting their invitation, promised to work closely with the NITP to bring about meaningful development in the built sector. ...

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. ...