Feb

19

2025

WELCOME REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AT THE YEAR 2025 SECTOR RETREAT, HELD ON 19^th FEBRUARY 2025 IN RADDISSON BLU HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS.

PROTOCOL

Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development

Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat

Chairman, House Committee on Urban and Regional Development,

Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development,

Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development,

Distinguished Chief Executives of Agencies under the Ministry,

The Media and members of the Press,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all to this important Sector Retreat organized by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. This gathering brings together key Stakeholders in the Housing and Urban Development Sector to deliberate, strategize and set a clear path for the sustainable growth and transformation of our sector in alignment with National priorities.

There is a general consensus that the Housing and Urban Development sector is critical to National development.  The sector provides shelter, fosters economic growth, and it can significantly improve the quality of life for our citizens.  As such, the importance of proper planning, strategic collaboration and efficient implementation cannot be overstated.

This Retreat is a significant occasion for us at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development because it presents a unique opportunity for us to share our achievements, assess where we stand, identify challenges, outline our future plans for the Sector and collectively develop actionable strategies that will drive meaningful progress for the benefit of Nigerians, in line with the Renewed hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

A major highlight of this Retreat will be the signing of Performance Contracts between the Honourable Minister and the Chief Executive Officers of our Agencies. This signifies a strong commitment to accountability, efficiency and results-driven governance in line with the Performance Management System (PMS) policy and guidelines of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). These agreements will set measurable targets for delivering housing solutions, enhancing urban development policies and ensuring sustainable infrastructure across the country.

Furthermore, during the course of this Retreat, we will engage in discussions on partnership opportunities, innovative financing options, as well as policy reforms, with emphasis on the reports of the Four  (4) Reform Task Teams constituted by the Honourable Minister in 2024.  I urge all Participants to actively contribute their insights, expertise and experiences, as your collective input is extremely valuable to shaping the future of the housing sector in Nigeria.

On behalf of the Ministry, I sincerely appreciate the Honourable Minister and Honourable Minister of State for their visionary leadership and commitment to driving positive change in the sector.  I also extend my gratitude to our esteemed Stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.  Together, we can build a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient Housing and Urban Development sector that meets the needs of our growing population.

Once again, I warmly welcome you all and wish us a fruitful and productive retreat.

Thank you and God Bless.

Feb

18

2025

Housing Ministry, Climate Change Council Collaborate to Enhance Climate Resilience in Housing 

* Agencies committed to UN SDGs 7, 11, 13.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) have unveiled a working collaboration in order to enhance the achievement of climate resilience in housing and urban development.

This was the outcome of the meeting held  between the Housing Minister Arc Ahmed Dangiwa and the Director General and Chief Executuve officer of NCCC, Dr Nkiruka Maduwkwe. 

Dr. Maduekwe led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the office of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to discuss areas of common interest and collaboration between the two agencies.

The Minister emphasized on the importance of the intersection between climate change and the housing and urban development sector, highlighting that urban areas contribute over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with Nigeria facing urbanization rate exceeding 4% annually.

While speaking of his commitment to sustainable housing initiatives, the Minister noted that it aligned with the United Nations (UN) development goals 7, 11 and 13, which are Sustainable Cities and Communities; Affordable and Clean Energy, as well as Climate Action. 

To achieve the SDG goals, Dangiwa showcased the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate program which includes 10,112 energy efficient and climate resilient housing units in 14 locations nationwide, as well as the National Urban Renewal and Slum upgrade project which has successfully completed interventions across 86 out of 106 sites.

“The intervention under our slum upgrade is that of sanitation, roads, drainages, refuse disposal, solar street lighting…”, he explained.

The Minister expressed his dedication to ensuring that sustainability remains a priority in all the policies, programs, and projects of the Ministry, emphasizing the partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC -EDGE) Green Buildings Programme which began last year.

He disclosed that through the collaboration, with IFC-EDGE, a Workshop was conducted for all the Ministry’s Technical staff, on Green Building and Construction Methods.
 
 

Accordingly, Arc. Dangiwa informed that the Ministry also adopted IFC-EDGE’s innovative IT solution to design energy-efficient buildings, optimize water usage, and reduce embedded energy consumption in housing projects.
 
 

“I also gave a Ministerial directive that all Ministry projects should be designed with efficiency in mind. These initiatives underscore our determination to align Nigeria’s housing sector with global climate adaptation and mitigation strategies,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, emphasized the crucial link between climate resilience and urban development.

She said the council seeks stronger partnership with the ministry inorder to achieve its goal, stressing on the need for stronger collaboration between the National Climate Secretariat and the Ministry.

Dr. Maduekwe informed the Honourable Minister that Nigeria was currently reviewing its Nationally Determined Commission (NDC), following approval by the United Nations to submit an updated version;

She requested the Ministry to establish a climate change desk and nominate someone from the Ministry to be part of the National Steering Committee to aid in the review of Nigeria’s NDC.

The meeting also featured the presentation of a copy of the Climate Change Act, officially published in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s gazette, to the Honourable Minister.

Feb

14

2025

Housing Ministry To Create Task Team On Properties, Lands, Ground Rent in States 

* Regular field supervision, communication by states' controllers would provide needed update - Belgore 

The Permanent Secretary,  Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore has informed of the Ministry’s intention to create a Task Team in every state to ensure proper audit of the Ministry's properties and land in the states of the Federation, as well as look into the collection of ground rent on those properties.

Dr. Belgore, stated this during his interactive session with the 36 states and FCT Federal Controllers of Housing, held at the Ministry's Headquarters in Abuja.

Belgore explained that the task team will include the controller in every state, representatives from the state and Federal Housing Authority, with the Surveyor -General of the Federation as the Chairman of the Task Team.

He assured them of his readiness to providing them with the resources they would need to execute their jobs so that they would not have excuse for not doing them correctly, adding that portion of the revenue will be retained for fieldwork and evaluation. 

On the relevance of the assignment, he stated that "field audits and professional oversight will ensure quality and efficiency", stressing that the importance of regular  field supervision and open communication by the controllers would provide needed update to the headquarters on state-level activities.

While charging the states' controllers on teamwork for the ministry to be effective in the discharge of its mandate, he described teamwork, hard work, and quality in project execution as essential elements to achieving successes. 

 " The ministry’s effectiveness depends significantly on the collaboration and dedication of its state housing controllers", he stated.

He acknowledged the vital role of the Federal Controllers in coordinating the ministry’s projects in the states and ensuring their seamless execution.

Accordingly,  Dr. Belgore highlighted the necessity of hands-on field experience, noting that effective project management cannot be learned in an office setting, but rather through active engagement on project's sites, informing that their task would include training and mentoring of new officers when the time comes.

While expressing concern over the ministry’s human capacity challenges, giving that  many officers were close to retirement, he mentioned that the ministry is planning to engage experienced professionals and implement training and mentoring programs of which the Federal Controllers will be involved in field training due to their wealth of experience.

On their part, the Federal Controllers requested the Ministry to renew the contracts of facility managers for projects in the states to avoid being vandalised by miscreants.

Earlier, Director, Human Resources in the Ministry, Akinola Adeshina, said the meeting summoned at the behest of the Permanent Secretary was to ensure synergy between the headquarters and Federal Controllers.

The engagement with state controllers indicates a hands-on approach to addressing operational challenges and enhancing efficiency at both federal and state levels.

Feb

11

2025

Dangiwa Calls for Excellence, Dispute-Free Construction Industry

*  says ICIArb provides a robust framework for resolving disputes

* dispute-free culture in construction industry ensures timely housing, infrastructure projects delivery 

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to fostering a dispute-free environment in Nigeria’s construction industry. 

The Minister made this assertion while receiving members of the Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb), at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja today.

The Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators (ICIArb), is a leading arbitral institution dedicated to resolving disputes in Nigeria’s construction sector. 

The minister acknowledged the institute’s expertise in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, saying that it provides a robust framework for resolving disputes in a timely, cost-effective, and amicable manner. 

“By promoting a culture of dispute-free construction, we can ensure that our housing and infrastructure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, he stated.

Dangiwa made reference to the approval for the insertion of the ICIArb arbitration clause in building contracts during the 12th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development held in Kaduna State, saying it was a notable milestone in the collective efforts to streamline dispute resolution mechanisms in the construction industry.

According to the Minister, the clause applies to building contracts, tenancy agreements, leases, and facility management contracts to reduce litigation and ensure smoother project execution.

While emphasizing that delays caused by bureaucracy and contractors prioritizing financial gains over project completion often leads to cost overruns and budget inefficiencies, Dangiwa assured that the ministry was implementing strategies to ensure timely project execution and delivery.

Accordingly, he called for stronger partnerships among relevant stakeholders in the built environment so as to create enabling environment for the construction industry, pointing out that capacity-building initiatives and public awareness campaigns would drive industry excellence and efficiency.

Speaking earlier, the President of the ICIArb, Chief Felix Okereke Onyeri, requested partnership with Ministry in order to promote seamless dispute resolution culture in the housing sector.

He sought the Minister's support in implementing the Institute's arbitration clause in building contracts, as approved by the 12th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development; and as well, offered collaboration to ensure compliance to the content of the clause by ministries and agencies.
 

Feb

05

2025

Belgore Receives ARCON's Leadership, Pledges closer collaboration 

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore has played host to the leadership of the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) on a visit to the Ministry, pledging to work closely with them to move the housing sector forward.

Dr Belgore, in his remarks, affirmed the importance of  Architects in nation building, saying architects turned inhabitable sites to beautiful cities for human beings to live. 
 

He expressed his happiness to the delegation, that the lingering disputes among the professional bodies in the built environment has been resolved amicably, adding that the housing sector was now professionally stronger to deliver services.

On the closer collaboration, Belgore stated "I understand that when it comes to any structure, building, architects are extremely important, therefore you can be assured of my cooperation." 

While reminding them of the ministry's projects; such as the National Housing Program and the Renewed Hope Housing Projects, he told them that he would continue to seek more clarification from their end, assuring that the Ministry will work closely with them to succeed.

Comparing the current city of Abuja to what it was when it was first created as the Nigeria's capital, Dr Belgore said that Architects had turned a forest to a beautiful liveable city through their expertise, noting that their role in nation building was very visible for everyone to see.

Speaking earlier, the ARCON President, Arch. Dipo Ajayi, who led a high - powered delegation of architects from various fields, emphasized the importance of collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s built environment.

Arch Ajayi highlighted that tapping into the wealth of experience of the Permanent Secretary would significantly impact the architectural landscape, enabling growth and innovation. 

" Collaborating with the Ministry and leveraging the Permanent Secretary's expertise will take architecture to new heights and redefine Nigeria’s landscape," he stated.

Reaffirming ARCON’s readiness to contribute, Arc. Ajayi expressed the council’s willingness to assist the Ministry in any capacity, urging the Permanent Secretary to empower architects by entrusting them with assignments that would allow them to execute and implement projects effectively.

"We are ready to support the Ministry in every possible way. We seek empowerment that will enable us to maximize our potential in executing and implementing architectural projects for national development," he added.

The meeting underscores ARCON’s dedication to fostering a strong partnership with the government to ensure architectural policies and projects align with the nation’s developmental goals.

Jan

30

2025

Housing Deficit a Big Opportunity for Transformative Change – Dangiwa 

•    Advocates Public-Private Partnerships at the Saudi Arabia Real Estate Forum

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has described Nigeria’s housing deficit as both a challenge and an opportunity for transformative change. 

Speaking on Wednesday 29th January 2025 at the 4th Edition of the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Minister highlighted the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing the housing shortfall through a blend of government finance and strategic public-private partnerships (PPP).

Dangiwa commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its advancements in housing and urban development, noting that well-planned housing is essential for sustainable urban growth, economic prosperity, and improved living conditions.

“With a housing deficit of over 20 million units and a rapidly growing population, Nigeria presents a vast opportunity for investment in affordable housing,” the Minister stated. “To bridge this gap, we need to build about 500,000 housing units annually over the next decade. 

He outlined Nigeria’s ambitious Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, a government-driven initiative to deliver 100,000 housing units in the first phase. These developments, designed as integrated communities, will cater to all income levels, including high-end residences and affordable units for low- and middle-income earners.

The Hon. Minister emphasized that affordability is central to the programme’s success, with mortgage loans, rent-to-own options, made available through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Beyond housing construction, Dangiwa listed the government’s plans to establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs (BMMHs) in each of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones. These hubs aim to reduce dependence on imported building materials, lower construction costs, and drive industrial growth.

Additionally, he noted that the government is working to implement a Comprehensive Nationwide Social Housing Delivery Programme targeting vulnerable groups, aiming to provide 100,000 social housing units across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.

Recognizing the scale of investment required, the Minister called on international investors, housing finance institutions, and reputable global developers to partner with the Nigerian government through Public-Private Partnerships. He assured investors of a conducive environment, including access to land, bankable offtake guarantees, and necessary concessions to ensure mutually beneficial collaborations.

“The housing challenge in Nigeria is not just a problem; it is a massive opportunity for investment,” Dangiwa concluded. “By partnering with us, investors can play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigerian housing while securing substantial returns on investment.”

The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and sustainable housing sector and invited stakeholders to collaborate in building a prosperous and resilient urban future for Nigeria.

The last day of the Saudi Real Estate Foprum featured presentations from notable international figures such as the former President of the United States, Mr. Bill Clinton, Mr. Tucker Carlson, Global Media Influencer and several other high profile speakers. 
 

Jan

25

2025

Belgore Applauds Nigeria's HCSF, Walson-Jack's effort to make Nigerian Civil Service a World Class 

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,  Dr Shuaib Muhammad Lamido Belgore has applauded the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack for her effort in making Nigerian Civil Service a world class service. 

Belgore spoke on the sideline following a landmark study tour to Singapore by the Nigerian Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Walson-Jack along with the 36 States' Heads of Civil Service and the FCT. 

Dr Shuaib Belgore was part of the delegation to Singapore led by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Didi Esther Walson-Jack. 

Singaporian Public Service is a global model, renowned for efficiency and accountability, and the study tour by Nigeria was meant to adapt, enhance and bring the Nigeria’s Civil Service at par with the global best.

He said " The purpose of the study tour is to leverage Singapore's public service excellence and apply the same to accelerate an efficient service delivery in Nigeria" 

Accordingly,  he explained that since assumption in to office, Mrs Walson-Jack has expanded collaborations and engagement with stakeholders, international development partners and has received significant support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

" The study tour is no doubt a landmark for Nigerian Civil Service under the headship of Mrs Walson-Jack, aimed at bringing the Service at par with the global best " he added 
 

Jan

22

2025

Promotion: Dangiwa, Ata Decorate, Congratulate Police Officers 

* Urge them to rededicate to Service

Minister and Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata have decorated and congratulated four police officers attached to them on their promotion.

In their remarks during the decoration ceremony that took place at the Ministry's headquaeters, the Ministers urged the officers to rededicate themselves to serving the nation. 

Minister Dangiwa stated that success is often accompanied by challenges, encouraging the promoted officers to rise to the new challenges that come with their elevated positions. 

"Your promotions were well-deserved, You have demonstrated good conduct in the course of your respective duties,  I wish you  more promotions ahead " he said.

On his part, Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Yusif Abdullahi Ata, rejoiced with the promoted police officers and prayed for Allah's boundless guidance as they discharge their statutory duties.

Former Speaker and immidiate past Governor of Katsina State Aminu Bello Masari, who was in attendance, congratulated the officers and urged them to be thankful to God Almighty for keeping them alive to witness a milestone in their profession.

He noted that Nigeria was in dire need of the services of security officers, particularly the present times when the country is facing security challenges.

The promoted officers were; Kabir Haido, Chief Security Officer to Minister Dangiwa, who got promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), and Jibril Kawari, the Minister's Aide-de-Camp, who was promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

Others are; Jamilu Danjani, Chief Security Officer to the Minister of State, who got promoted to CSP, and Othman Umar Farouk, Aide-de-Camp to the Minister of State elevated to DSP.
 

Jan

13

2025

New Permanent Secretary Meets Minister of State for Housing

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shu'abu Lamido Belgore, paid an official visit to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusif Abdullahi Ata, at his office on Monday, January 13, 2025.

During the meeting, Minister Abdullahi Ata and Permanent Secretary Belgore engaged in extensive discussions on ways to enhance their working relationship and complement each other's efforts. 

Their goal is to ensure effective service delivery within the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

This visit marks an important step in fostering collaboration and cooperation between the Ministry's leadership. 

As Permanent Secretary, Dr. Belgore brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served in various capacities, including as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

Dec

24

2024

Housing Ministry Celebrates Dr Olakunde's  Distinguished Service Career 

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has celebrated the distinguished service and remarkable career of Dr. Akinola David Olakunde, the outgoing Director and Head of the Urban and Regional Development Department, who retired from the civil service of the Federal Government of Nigeria after years of exemplary service.

The event, which also marked Dr. Olakunde’s 60th birthday, was held at the Ministry's  Headquarters in Abuja. 

Dr. Akinola David Olakunde is an accomplished and seasoned Town Planner and an Associate  Chartered Accountant.

In his remarks at the event, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, commended the outstanding professionalism and dedication of Dr Olakunde, describing him as a trailblazer who has left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector.

“Dr. Olakunde’s contributions to the Ministry’s housing programs and his meticulous attention to detail have significantly shaped our country’s housing landscape. His unwavering commitment to excellence and service is an inspiration to us all,” the Minister said.

Citing his engagement with him in one of their meetings in Kenya, Arc  Dangiwa added that through his various leadership roles and initiatives,  Dr Olakunde has been a cornerstone in the ministry having  effectively facilitated collaborations with Shelter Afrique Development Bank.

The Minister also commended the role the retiring Director played in mentoring younger professionals, noting that his leadership and guidance have strengthened the capacity of the Ministry.

 “His legacy is not only in his professional accomplishments but in the countless individuals he has mentored and inspired,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Director of Human Resources, Akinola Adeshina, expressed gratitude to God for granting Dr. Olakunde a fulfilling career and good health upon his retirement. He encouraged staff members to emulate his outstanding attitude towards work by serving with dedication and integrity.

Similarly, colleagues and associates who spoke at the occassion described Olakunde as a visionary leader, a mentor, and an advocate for hard work and dedication to service.

Responding, Dr. Olakunde expressed gratitude to God for His mercies and protection through out his career spanning 34 years, emphasising,     many died along the way.

"It is by His mercy, it is by His grace one is witnessing today." he stated 

While applauding the staff of Urban and Regional Development  Department for the support given to him as the head of the department, Dr Olakunde enjoined them to continue with the maximum support to the incoming director.

He also advised the staff to embraced integrity, admonishing that, it is better to make a name before making money.

The ceremony celebrated Dr. Olakunde’s years of service, dedication, and the indelible mark he has left on the Ministry and Nigeria’s built environment.

Dec

12

2024

FG Issues Ultimatum to Developers on Lagos Shoreline to Regularise or Risk Revocation 

* Collaborating with the Lagos State Government to stop the abnomalities 

*  Haphazard Developments on shoreline not Tolerable - Dangiwa 

The Federal Government has given a one month ultimatum to developers on the shoreline in Lagos to come up for regularisation or risk revocation and demolition.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa issued the ultimatum and warning today after the Inspection visit to the Lagos Lagoon Estates and shoreline front.

Dangiwa is on official working visit to Lagos State to inspect the Federal government landed properties and assets. He is being accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi and some Directors of the Ministry.

The Minister stated that developments on the Lagos shoreline must be orderly and in line with existing laws and regulations, adding that his meeting with the Lagos State Governor yesterday, arrived at a common agreement that the Federal Government and Lagos State Government will work together to ensure there is disciplined development on the Lagos Shoreline. 

" The Federal government is taking stock of its assets and landed properties with the view to having proper documentation of its  assets spread across the country", he said.

Dangiwa who took a boat tour with his team and officials of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority to see things for himself, explained that, what they found on the Lagoon Shoreline in Lagos was alarming. The shoreline is littered with irregular developments where people carved some areas, sand filled it and built without first obtaining Federal Government title and necessary documentations. 

"There is no room for Haphazard developments on the Lagos Shoreline. We are working with Lagos State to fix these anomalies", Dangiwa said.

The Federal Government, through Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has the rights to issuance and administration of title on shorelines in  accordance with the Land (Title Vesting) Act 1975; and through Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, grants permit to dredging along the shoreline, while the State Government has the control over physical development on the shoreline. 

He emphasised that the federal government will not tolerate such Haphazard development and irregular activities on the shoreline, hence the ultimatum.

Other Federal government's sites visited  by the Honourable Minister in Lagos  today include;  Ogbogbo Housing Project Ikorodu and Ikorodu Low Cost Housing sites.

The Honourable Minister will be rounding off his working visit with a Stakeholder Engagement, Friday, December 13th, 2024. 
 

Dec

10

2024

Welcome Remarks by the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, at the Presentation of the 1st to 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment on Implementation of the Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables on Monday, December 9, 2024

The Special Adviser to Mr. President on Policy and Coordination & Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, and her Team, 

The Hon. Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, 

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, 

Heads of our Agencies – FHA, FMBN, and OSGoF, 

Directors, 

Aides, 

Members of the Press, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

1. It is my pleasure to welcome the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Policy and Coordination & Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, my sister, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, and her team to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for a review of our performance. 

2. Madam, we are delighted to have you with us here today. The work that you and your team are doing is critical to actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. By constantly monitoring and shining a light on our work, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit keeps us all on our toes. Well done! 

3. It has been over eleven months since we commenced reporting on our deliverables. As your team has already seen from our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quarter reports, we have been focused, working hard, and creatively as a Ministry to deliver results and impact. 

4. Although your assessment covers only our 3rd-quarter performance, I am pleased to update you that we have not paused but are making even more progress. Under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, we currently have construction ongoing for a total of 10,112 housing units at fourteen (14) sites nationwide. This includes 3,000 housing units for estates in 12 states—250 units each, funded under the 2023 N50bn supplementary budget—and 3,612 units for cities in Kano (500 units – budgetary) and FCT (3,112 units – under PPP).

5. From December 17 to 18, Mr. President has graciously accepted to break ground for two additional Renewed Hope Cities totaling 3,500 units —2,000 housing units in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, and 1,500 housing units in Kano. In fact, construction work is already ongoing at these sites. This brings the total active sites under the Ministry’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme to 13,612 units.

6. When we add these figures to the housing units delivered by our agencies—the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)—we are clearly on track to meet our annual target of 20,000 housing units. Initially, our plan was to deliver 500 units under Renewed Hope Estates in each of the twelve locations. However, the rise in building material costs forced us to reduce the target to 250 units, which affected our output.

7. It will also interest you to note that less than 50% of the funding for these projects is from budgetary allocation. We have embraced Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and innovatively leveraging private sector funding for the delivery of these projects because we know that the less than N50bn budgetary allocation is grossly inadequate to make a difference.

8. With more Renewed Hope Cities Sites coming up – 2,000 units each - in Nasarawa, Enugu, Borno States and housing development institutions like Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), the Ministry wants to assure the Central Coordination and Delivery Unit that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is fully on course to another stellar reporting round of stellar performance.

9. If we are looking at where we are coming from, we can praise ourselves. This is because we have already outperformed by 100 percent the previous 8 years before the Renewed Hope Agenda. However, when we look at the size of the housing problem which requires that we build 550,000 housing units per annum over the next years, it is clear that we are far from scratching the surface. This means we must do more. The Ministry needs a bigger budgetary allocation for housing even as we drive PPPs. We have engaged the National Assembly, and they have expressed willingness to support a N500bn budget for the Ministry in 2025. We would like the CDCU Unit to help us support and push this cause.

10. Madam, it is also important to note that our Ministry operates on two pillars: Housing and Urban Development. We are also seeking to deepen our urban development interventions. We just came back from the UN – Habitat Executive Board Meeting in Nairobi that I chaired. In our engagements on the sidelines, the Executive Director assured us that every Naira we invest in our National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme (NURSUP) could be leveraged threefold through their institutional partners. This means an investment of N50bn could attract an additional N100bn, totaling N150bn. We need a revolving fund to drive sustainable urban development.  We therefore need a minimum of a N50billion revolving fund to drive sustainable Urban Development which is key to Nigeria meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 20230. Under slum upgrades, we are providing basic services such as access roads, drainage, water, and sanitation facilities to make slum areas more livable. We currently have over 100 projects nationwide, with close to 60 completed. 

11. I have taken time to speak on efforts to increase housing stock and urban development because they are the foundation of our ministry, and we have moved significantly forward since we sent in the 3^rd quarter reports. We have also made progress on the other areas but the last reports that we submitted are fair representations.

12. While we celebrate these achievements, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that have impeded our efforts, which the Ministry is hopeful of collaborating with the CRDCU to address.  For example,  the slow release of budget appropriation has restricted the scope and achievement of some of our Reform Initiatives.  Notably, the high cost of building materials and the rate of inflation have impacted on our ability to deliver affordable housing at scale.  In this regard, while exploring alterantive financing sources from the Private Sector and our Developnetment Partners,  we particularly solicit the support of the CRDCU in ensuring the early release of budgetary allocation from the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Development. 

13. We also solicit the support of the CRDCU in the area of partnerships with the State Government, National Economic Council (NEC) and also the National Assembly and other key Stakeholders; such as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and the Ministry of Finance in achievement of the Ministerial Deliverables on the Review of the Land Use Act and Development of fiscal incentives for Private Investors to manufacture local building components, respectively.

14. As we evaluate our performance today, I want to appreciate the efforts of the Permananet Secretary, Heads of Agencies, our Directors and the Delivey Desk Officers towards the achievement of the Miniserial Deliverables targets. I also extend my gratitude to the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Policy and Coordination, my sister, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman and her Team for their support and diligence in tracking of our Deliverables.

15. At the Ministry we are committed to delivering on our deliverables and even exceeding them.

Thank you.

Dec

10

2024

FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE

We invite you to take 5 minutes of your precious time to fill out this feedback questionnaire of the 13th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development held in Gombe, Gombe State.

Click To Fill The Form

Dec

05

2024

FCSSIP 25: HOUSING MINISTRY SENSITISES STAFF ON INNOVATION

As part of the ongoing reforms in the Federal Civil Service, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has successfully organized a sensitization programme on Innovation Challenge for staff of the Ministry.

The training which held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, was conducted by the department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, a department saddled with the responsibility of coordinating Innovative Ideas and competition in the Ministry. The training was in compliance with the provisions of a recent circular from the Head of Service on the creation of Innovation Division in the MDAs.

Innovation which is one of the pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25), is a systematic introduction of new or significantly improved products, services, or processes, crucial for the improvement of efficiency, effectiveness, and citizen satisfaction.

In her address, the Director overseeing the department, Philips Ogoniba Ibifuro informed that the aim of the sensitization programme was to prepare members of staff on how to strategize for emerging innovation technologies, and encourage participation in the upcoming innovation challenge, with an objective to identify innovative high fliers for proper engagement in the Service, as well as ensure full usage and commendations for all adopted innovative initiatives in the MDAs.

She stated that the Department has always been in the forefront of driving Government reform initiatives and therefore takes inventions, new ideas and innovations seriously because of its ability to enhance efficient delivery of the mandate of the Ministry.

 
The Director said that the Housing Ministry and its Agencies as a specialized Sector, yearly discover creative works and ideas, which sadly doesn’t receive deserved attention due to stereotypes and bureaucracy bottlenecks, hence the need for the sensitization program.

She also recognized the effort of a member of staff who developed an electronic Certificate of Occupancy (e-C of O), adding that it was a tip of the creative mind sets that abound at the Ministry and are yet to be discovered.

The program featured a presentation of an overview of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25) delivered by Henry Nwaedo, from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, and a lecture on ‘Strategies for Emerging Technologies with a Focus on FCSSIP25’, presented by Ojiyovwi Michael, an innovation consultant.

Some proposed innovations for the Ministry emanated from the lectures includes; Capacity Building on emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity awareness, Development Project Management (DPM) methodologies and Facility usage and management.

Others are: Process and Service Delivery Re-engineering and Stakeholder Engagements on the use of technologies for citizen feedback on housing policies, as well the establishment of a contact centre with connectivity to critical departments for real time information dissemination and internal communication.

In her closing remarks, the Assistant Director of the department Zainab Idris, expressed appreciation to the staff of the Ministry for gracing the sensitization program with their presence.

While noting that the resource persons had shared adequate knowledge about innovation, expressing the hope that interested members of staff would participate in the upcoming innovation challenge for the betterment of the Ministry, as well as effective service delivery.

Dec

02

2024

Dangiwa to Chair UN-HABITAT Executive Board Meeting in Nairobi 

The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, will chair the second 2024 session of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) Executive Board Meeting, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 4 to 6, 2024.  

This session will address critical global urban development challenges, including housing, urban regeneration, climate resilience, and sustainable development, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

During the meeting, the Executive Board will, among other responsibilities, consider and potentially approve the draft work programme of UN-HABITAT and the draft budget for the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation for 2025. The Board will also review reports on UN-HABITAT’s activities for 2020–2025, receive updates on the development of the Strategic Plan for 2026–2029, and assess the implementation of the organization’s normative and operational activities. This includes reporting on its 2024 programmatic initiatives, subprogrammes, flagship projects, technical cooperation efforts, and its engagement in countries, territories, and areas affected by conflicts and disasters.  

Nigeria’s leadership role as Chair of the UN-HABITAT Executive Board underscores the country’s commitment to advancing global sustainable urban development. It elevates Nigeria’s visibility and influence on the global stage, positioning the nation as a pivotal player in shaping the urban development discourse.  

Arc. Dangiwa’s chairmanship will amplify Nigeria’s voice in crafting policies and initiatives for sustainable global urbanization. It also reaffirms Nigeria’s dedication to addressing urban challenges, including housing deficits, slum development, and climate resilience.  

The meeting presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to foster partnerships with international organizations, donors, and development agencies. It provides a platform to showcase Nigeria’s achievements and best practices in housing and urban development while cementing its position as a leader in Africa’s urban agenda.  

Moreover, the session aims to promote and adopt innovative, inclusive solutions for urban planning, housing, and sustainability across Africa and beyond.  

Under the leadership of Arc. Dangiwa, who also chairs the African Ministers of Housing Caucus, Nigeria is well-positioned to attract international funding and technical assistance for urban development projects, including real estate and infrastructure.  

The meeting is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for knowledge exchange, strengthen regional alliances, and improve institutional frameworks by exposing participants to global best practices.  

Key focus areas for Nigeria include advocating for international support to address the nation’s housing deficit and promoting affordable housing solutions. Nigeria will also champion sustainable cities and climate adaptation on the global stage.  

A major anticipated outcome of the meeting is the strengthening of global partnerships to drive sustainable urban growth in Nigeria. This is expected to attract increased investments and resources to tackle urban challenges, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive future.  

Feb

19

2025

OPENING STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE YEAR 2025 SECTOR RETREAT HELD ON 19^th FEBRUARY 2025 IN RADDISSON BLU HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS.

PROTOCOL

Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development

Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat

Chairman, House Committee on Urban and Regional Development,

Distinguished Chief Executives of Agencies

The Media and members of the Press,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great honor and privilege that I stand before you today as we gather for this critical sector retreat.  This retreat is not just an assembly of stakeholders; it is a convergence of visionaries, policy-makers, and practitioners, united in our collective ambition to transform the housing and urban development sector in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.

Housing and urban development are central to National progress. They are key drivers of economic growth, social stability and improved quality of life. However, despite significant efforts in the past, we still grapple with the challenges of a housing deficit, inadequate infrastructure, and rapid urbanization. These challenges demand innovative solutions, bold strategies, and a commitment to collaboration among all stakeholders.

Over the course of the day, we shall be highlighting the progress that we are making towards actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President for Housing and Urban Development and look forward to feedback from all Participants on the data insights and technical details that will be shared during this retreat.

• The Renewed Hope Agenda: A Strategic Imperative

The Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development is a transformative vision that seeks to ensure that every Nigerian has access to affordable, decent, and sustainable housing. Our mission is clear: to create inclusive cities, unlock economic opportunities in the housing sector, and drive large-scale housing delivery.

Key Strategies for Implementation

To actualize this agenda, we are focusing on the following key strategies:

1. Accelerated Housing Delivery at Scale:
   • Partnering with the private sector and Development Finance Institutions to unlock funding and drive mass housing projects.
   • Expanding the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities Programme and National Housing Programme to reach more States and underserved communities.
   • Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to facilitate large-scale investments in housing.
2. Access to Affordable Housing Finance:
   • Enhancing mortgage penetration through improved policies and financial incentives.
   • Expanding the reach of the National Housing Fund (NHF) and deepening collaboration with Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs).
   • Supporting innovative homeownership schemes, including rent-to-own and cooperative housing models.
3. Slum Upgrade and Urban Regeneration:
   • Implementing an inclusive Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Framework to address informal settlements and slums.
   • Strengthening collaboration with State Governments on sustainable city planning.
   • Enhancing infrastructure development to improve the livability of our urban centers.
4. Innovative Building Technologies and Sustainability:
   • Promoting the adoption of local building materials and Green construction practices.
   • Encouraging digital technology and automation in housing development.
   • Driving climate-resilient and energy-efficient housing solutions.
5. Legislative and Policy Reforms:
   • Reviewing and streamlining land acquisition and titling processes to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
   • Strengthening the Land Use Act (1978) to facilitate easier access to land for housing development.
   • Enhancing housing policies that align with global best practices and sustainable development goals.

Identifying Opportunities to Boost Scale and Impact

Beyond strategies, we must explore emerging opportunities that can help us scale our efforts and achieve maximum impact. These include:

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Housing: Encouraging global investment into Nigeria’s real estate sector.
• Diaspora Investment in Housing Development: Engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in housing finance and property development.
• Institutional Housing Development Funds: Mobilizing pension and sovereign wealth funds for long-term investment in housing.
• Youth and Women Empowerment in Housing Delivery: Supporting skills development and entrepreneurship in the housing value chain.

Call to Action

As we deliberate today, I urge us all to contribute actively to shaping a pragmatic and results-driven Roadmap.  We must not only develop policies but also ensure their effective implementation. I assure you of this Ministry’s commitment to supporting policies and programs that will drive affordable housing, improve urban planning, and enhance sustainable development. Working together, we can make the Renewed Hope Agenda a reality for all Nigerians.

Conclusion
Let this retreat be a defining moment in our journey toward a reformed and revitalized housing and urban development sector. Let us seize this opportunity to align our collective efforts, leverage our resources, and implement solutions that will leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Thank you and I look forward to our productive discussions and outcomes.

Feb

18

2025

ADDRESS BY THE DIRECTOR (FINANCE & ACCOUNTS), BARR. OKORO OSONDU PETER ON THE OCCATION OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE IPSAS IMPLIMANTATION COMMITTEE OF THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT HELD ON FRIDAY, 14^TH FEBUARY 2025 AT THE DFA’S OFFICE, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, MABUSHI-ABUJA.

 It is my pleasure to welcome you as member of this important committee and to congratulate you for being found worthy to serve in this capacity. Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing transparency, accountability and effective financial reporting.

2. Your committee is expected to implement all the operational guidelines issued by the office of the Accountant -General of the Federation vide Treasury Circular Ref.No TRY/A5 & B5/2014 OAGF/CAD/POL./C.0301/VOL.1 dated 23^rd October ,2014 captioned “steps to successful Implementation of International Public sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Accrual Basis in Nigeria by 2016” that will ensure the successful implementation of IPSAS by the ministry especially on the Identification,  measurement and Disclosure in our books of account and financial statement, all Non-current Assets of the Ministry including Legacy Assets (Property, Plant and Equipment) acquired prior to commencement of IPSAS Accrual effective 1^st January 2016.Moreso, with the recent pronouncement by the Accountant-General of the Federation of the intention to sanction MDA,s that fail to upload their Legacy Assets to the GIFMIS platform on or before 31^st December,2024 so as to reduce drastically the negative Net Assets of about 33 Trillion Naira which is not good for the Financial Position of the country.

3. I therefore charge you to work collaboratively, leveraging your collective expertise to overcome any obstacles and achieve the committee’s goals. I also want to assure you of my resolve to provide necessary support towards a seamless discharge of your duty.

4.  Again I congratulate you on your nomination to serve the nation in this capacity. I wish you God’s guidance.

5.  It is therefore my honour and privilege to inaugurate the IPSAS Implementation committee of the Federal Ministry of Housing & Urban Development.

 Thank you all!         

Feb

17

2025

Dangiwa Receives Centenery City Plc Team, Says PPP Reliable Way to Reduce Housing Deficit

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has today received a high level delegation from the Centenary City Plc, led by its Vice Chairman, a one time President of the Nigerian Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Prius Anyim.

The Centenary City Project Plc, is a Federal Government Legacy Project to celebrate and mark Nigeria’s centenary in 2014, a master planned development designed to create a smart city, attract global investment and position Nigeria as a prime destination for business and development

Dangiwa was glad to note that the concept of the Centenary City Project aligned with the Renewed Hope City agenda being an inclusive city with various living options and facilities such as sports, medical tourism, amongst others.

He underscored the importance of engaging the Public Private Partnerships in  addressing the housing deficit and create jobs for the people, adding that it was part of the Ministry’s plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda giving that government alone cannot fund the entire housing deficit currently being faced in the Country.

“This government has a priority of ensuring that affordable houses are provided 
to Nigerians, and also creating an enabling environment for public private partnership to flourish”, he said.

While disclosing that the Ministry had received some expressions of interest from potential investors, the Minister said that more investors would be invited to explore opportunities at the Centenary City project.

Accordingly, Dangiwa directed the department of PPP in the Ministry to engage with the team from the Centenary City PLC for investor partnerships and also introduce them to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), for partnership.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the Centenary City PlC, Senator Pius Anyim Pius, emphasized that the vision of the Centenary City aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and called for the Ministry’s collaboration to bring the vision to fruition.

He informed that the ministry can partner with the Centenary City Project by sourcing and facilitating the participation of investors and developers.

Senator Anyim urged the Ministry to help secure funding that would enable cooperative societies and individuals to own homes in Centenary City.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to its core mandate of ensuring access to affordable housing for all Nigerians. 

He assured the delegation that the Ministry remains dedicated to building, maintaining, and managing public housing assets across the country.

Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a Centenary City Project Publications by Senator Anyim, to the Honourable Minister.

Feb

13

2025

Belgore Receives NIA's Leadership On Courtesy visit, Pleadges Enhanced Collaboration, Culture of Hardwork

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore has played host to the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) on a courtesy visit to his office, and pledged enhanced working Collaboration and culture of hardwork with the institute.  

Dr Belgore expressed delight over the visit and the pledge of closer collaboration by the NIA, assuring that the Ministry would give all necessary support to the institute to ensure high standard in the construction industry .

While showing concern over the dispute preventing the registration of architects over a period close to 10 years, Dr. Belgore promised to double effort to ensure resolution of all issues in no distant time.

“Next week we are going to Lagos for a retreat. I’m sure you would get an invitation  to be part of it, perhaps while there, we will resolve all this in the meeting and sort everything out so that our children can get registered.” he stated.

Reacting on closing the housing deficit, sustainable urban planning, affordable housing and community engagements raised by the NIA, the Permanent Secretary noted that they are issues that aligned with the presidential deliverables of the Ministry and encouraged the partnership of the institute with the ministry in that regard.

On the other hand,  Dr Belhore frowned at the menace of building collapses particularly in newer constructions, emphasizing on the need to improve the quality of building materials and adhering to standards in order to correct the hazard.

He disclosed that the Ministry is looking into the standardizing certification for artisans into construction, “we are building schools and we want to have a situation where every artisan has a certification”.

Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary explored the possibility for the ministry establishing an agency for building material standards that would be saddled with the issuance of building material standard certificates.

Belgore also emphasized the importance of team work in moving the Ministry and Country forward by providing excellent service to Nigerians.

Speaking earlier, the  President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to addressing the nation’s housing and urban development challenges through strategic collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Arc Adeniyi emphasised the crucial role of  effective partnership in solving Nigeria’s housing deficit, highlighting the readiness of the institute to introduce innovative designs, promote the use of sustainable materials, and enhance community engagement to create more inclusive and resilient urban spaces.

As part of efforts to ensure quality and safety in the construction industry, Adeniyi requested that the Building Materials Standards Organization be moved to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), saying that, it will strengthen regulatory oversight, tackle the proliferation of substandard building materials, and curb the increasing cases of building collapses across the country.

Feb

05

2025

Dangiwa Underscores Importance of Collaboration, Innovation to Addressing Challenges of Urbanisation

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has underscored the relevance of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges of urbanisation.

Dangiwa spoke during a meeting with delegates from Hip City Innovation Centre, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, Wednesday, 5th February, 2025.

HipCity Innovation Centre is a research, development and advocacy organization that focuses on strengthening youth and community resilience, fostering active citizen participation in democratic processes. They are also a member of the World Urban Campaign (UN-Habitat affiliate) and Making Cities Resilient MCR2030

The minister expressed readiness of the Ministry to partner with youth organizations in order to harness their talents and ideas, which would contribute to the creation of resilient cities and urban centers equitable and prosperous for all.

While recognizing the youths as the largest demographic and the drivers of change in Nigeria, the Minister commended their commitment to sustainable urban and housing development in Nigeria, pointing out the significance of their energy, creativity, and passion to the shaping of cities and communities.

He commended the initiative of the delegation to form a Youth Advisory Group for Housing and Urban Development, saying that it aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s vision of inclusive and participatory governance, where every citizen has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

Explaining further, Dangiwa recalled  “The 2024 World Cities Day event and the World Urban Forum in Cairo were important moments for us as a Ministry. They reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of urbanization”

Stating the opportunities and challenges presented by the growth of Nigeria’s cities, the Minister acknowledged that the young people as the dominant population of city dwellers have a unique perspective on the issues affecting urban areas, from housing affordability to transportation, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.

Arc. Dangiwa further assured of his commitment as the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, to inclusive urbanization, as well as the Ministry’s openness to the idea of a Youth Advisory Board.

“We will work with you to holistically review the concept that you have proposed, make necessary inputs so that it is transparent, inclusive and sustainable”, he promised.

On their part, the Executive Director of the  HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE, Bassey Bassey, requested the Ministry to consider the constitution of a Youth Advisory Board to ensure youth participation in housing and urban development policy making, in order for their insights, priorities, and innovative ideas to reflect in national strategies.

He commended the leadership of the Minister as the Chair of the UN-Habitat Executive Board, particularly in the area of strategic plan for 2026-2029 which focuses on areas like adequate housing, issues of land, transformation of informal settlement and slum, among others.

While referencing the existence of the Youth Advisory Board at the UN Habitat level, Mr Bassey emphasized on the need for the Board at the National level, while further expressing desire for the Board to be set up within the shortest possible time in order to position the Nigerian Youths to contribute to global conversation and take local action when the strategic plan at the global level kickstarts in the year 2026.

Highlight of the visit, was the presentation of a research publication by the HIPCITY INNOVATION CENTRE on Abuja as a city for Hub.

Feb

04

2025

Dangiwa Lauds Mr. President for FEC Approval of N31bn Access Road to Karsana Renewed Hope City

Abuja, Nigeria – Tuesday, February 4, 2025  – The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has extended his deepest appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his bold vision for housing development and consistent support towards achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development.  

This commendation follows the approval of N31.66 billion by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the construction of a critical access road to the 3,112 Housing Unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The approval was granted during the FEC meeting held today, following the presentation of a memo by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bar. Nyesom Wike.  

The memo was in line with the Presidential Directive issued last year during the launch of the Karsana Renewed Hope City project by President Tinubu. The directive emphasized the need for proper infrastructure and accessibility to all Renewed Hope Housing Project sites across the country.  

Arc. Dangiwa described the approval as a significant milestone in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and ensure sustainable urban development. He noted that the construction of the access road will not only ease transportation to the Karsana Renewed Hope City but also open up the axis for rapid housing development and economic activities.  

“This approval demonstrates Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to providing affordable housing for Nigerians and ensuring that all Renewed Hope Housing Projects are supported with the necessary infrastructure. The construction of this road will enhance accessibility to the Karsana Renewed Hope City, making it easier for Nigerians to benefit from this landmark housing project,” Arc. Dangiwa stated.  

The Karsana Renewed Hope City is a flagship project under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, designed to deliver 3,112 housing units to Nigerians. The project is part of a broader strategy to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap and provide decent, affordable housing for all citizens.  

The Honourable Minister also commended the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Bar. Nyesom Wike, for his diligence in presenting the memo and ensuring that the project aligns with the administration’s vision. He reiterated the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to deliver the Renewed Hope Housing Projects on time and to the highest standards.  

The construction of the access road is expected to commence soon, with the project being closely monitored to ensure timely delivery.  

Jan

28

2025

DANGIWA WOOS FOREIGN INVESTORS FOR RENEWED HOPE HOUSING PROGRAMME AT SAUDI REAL ESTATE FORUM

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Riyadh - Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has called on global investors in Saudi Arabia to take advantage of the huge opportunities in Nigeria's housing sector, specifically the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme of the Federal Government.

Speaking in a Panel Discussion at the Saudi Arabia Real Estate Forum yesterday, he disclosed that Nigeria's huge housing deficit offers enormous business opportunities, and the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme serves as a low-hanging fruit for investors in the Middle Eastern nation to take advantage of and get good returns.

The Forum themed, "Balance and Innovation in the Real Estate Landscape." was held at the Four Points Hotel in Riyadh and featured esteemed panelists including HE Eng. Abdullah Al-Attiya, Minister of Municipality, Qatar, and HE Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing, and Infrastructure, Republic of Maldives.

"Nigeria's real estate sector contributed around 5.2% to the nation's GDP in 2024, and will increase in market volume to $2.25 trillion by the end of 2025. Despite this, there is still tremendous opportunity for investment, especially in the Residential Real Estate segment. Nigerians need homes now more than ever and you can partner with the Nigerian government to deliver these houses at scale," he said.

Dangiwa noted that Nigeria faces an estimated housing deficit of 28 million units, a situation exacerbated by rapid urbanization and migration. "The government is tackling this by prioritizing large-scale housing delivery through public-private partnerships, innovative financing, and government-led interventions. Additionally, efforts are underway to engage state governments in unlocking land for affordable housing projects, as difficulties in land acquisition continue to hinder progress," he added.

Speaking on the theme, Dangiwa set the context by emphasizing that housing is a fundamental driver of economic growth, social stability, and national development. However, achieving a balance in the real estate sector between affordability and profitability means that the challenges of sustainability and cost efficiency, as well as policy and private sector incentives must be addressed.

"In Nigeria, rapid urbanization, population growth, and economic pressures necessitate a rethinking of housing delivery strategies. The Federal Government is committed to addressing these challenges through initiatives like the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, the National Social Housing Fund, and strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders," he said.

Addressing the tension between affordable housing and profitability for developers, he acknowledged concerns that affordability often conflicts with commercial viability. "To counter this in Nigeria, the government is using incentives such as bankable offtake guarantees, facilitated land access, and low-interest financing to encourage investment in affordable housing.

"The planned National Social Housing Fund aims to mobilize long-term concessional financing to ensure accessibility for lower and middle-income Nigerians. Furthermore, innovative models such as off-plan sales and bulk purchasing by cooperatives are being explored to reduce financial risks for developers while ensuring affordability for buyers," he noted.

The Minister also touched on the subject of sustainability, stressing that energy-efficient buildings, the use of local materials, and smart construction techniques ultimately lower maintenance and operational costs. On this note, he said the Ministry is working with international partners like IFC EDGE to integrate green building practices into Nigeria’s housing sector through capacity building, technology transfer, and financial incentives. "Additionally, the establishment of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones is expected to reduce reliance on imported materials, cut costs, create jobs, and support sustainable housing solutions," he said.

He further assured the investors of the government's commitment and actions towards enhancing the affordability of Nigerians to purchase homes through mortgage. Dangiwa pointed out that high-interest mortgage rates, which can reach up to 30% per annum, have historically made homeownership difficult for many Nigerians. To address this, he said the government is expanding the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria’s reach and recapitalizing it with N500 billion to provide more accessible single-digit mortgage products.

"Additionally, collaborations with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated are in progress to leverage the Nigerian Capital Market and mobilize private sector funding for housing development. The Real Estate Investment Fund, targeting 12% mortgage interest rates instead of the market’s 28-30%, aims to provide bankable offtaker guarantees for developers. Meanwhile, rent-to-own schemes are being introduced to facilitate homeownership through flexible payment structures, including a rental assistance product that enables qualifying applicants to pay rent in monthly installments rather than upfront lump sums," he added.

Technology and digital transformation in real estate also formed part of the Minister’s discussions. He underscored the importance of PropTech in digitizing property transactions and management, making them more efficient and secure. He revealed that this was being done in collaboration with the World Bank, who is undertaking a National Land Registration and Documentation Programme to streamline land titling, enhance transparency, and improve formalization in the sector.

"Localization of housing production remains a priority, with the Ministry championing modular and prefabricated housing technologies to accelerate delivery and reduce costs. By promoting local production and reducing dependence on expensive imports, Nigeria aims to build more homes efficiently and affordably," he stressed.

Declaring that Nigeria's Real Estate sector is open for business, Dangiwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for real estate growth through strong policies, regulatory frameworks, and investment incentives. "Collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is also ongoing to improve land access, streamline approval processes, and enhance urban planning policies. Furthermore, urban renewal and slum upgrading initiatives are being expanded to improve living conditions in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas," he explained.

While he acknowledged the headache investors feel with regards to achieving balance in the sector, he urged all not to treat balance and innovation in real estate as mutually exclusive, noting that they can be pursued simultaneously through smart policies, innovative financing, sustainable construction, and digital transformation. He reiterated his commitment to advancing policies that make housing more accessible, affordable, and sustainable in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
 

Jan

23

2025

Renewed Hope Medic Estates, Cities Underway - Dangiwa 

*  10,000 housing units across the nation 
*   Health Ministry, FMBN, REDAN, PPP involved
*  Wellbeing of health care workers, a priority of Renewed Hope Agenda

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) plans to construct 10,000 housing units RENEWED HOPE MEDIC CITIES across the country in order to meet the housing needs of the Nation’s medical workers.

Housing Minister,  Ahmed Dangiwa disclosed the plan during his meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Thursday,  23rd, January, 2025 in Abuja.

He appreciated the commitment and sacrifices of the medical workers in saving lives even under challenging conditions, noting that their well-being which includes access to decent and affordable housing was a priority that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the mandate at this Ministry.

“Housing is a fundamental need that directly impacts productivity, stability, and quality of life. We recognize the difficulties many healthcare workers face in securing suitable accommodation, particularly in high-demand urban centers where medical facilities are concentrated. Addressing these challenges requires strong partnerships between the government and professional bodies like yours”, he added.

Restating the objective of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme to expanding access to affordable housing for all Nigerians, Dangiwa informed the delegation that, 10,112 housing units were currently under construction in fourteen locations across the country which includes 3,112 units of Renewed Hope Cities in Karsana Abuja, 2,000 units in Lagos State, and 2,000 units in Kano State. 

Accordingly, the Minister also said that there were twelve on-going Renewed Hope Estates of 250 units each in twelve States, adding that the Ministry plans to extend to the remaining 18 states in the country, “Your members can take advantage of these housing projects to own their homes”, he encouraged.

On the ownership options to the housing units, the Minister informed of an Up to 30-Year National Housing Funds (NHF) Mortgage Loans, a Rent to Own option, Instalment Payment, as well as an Outright Purchase option, adding that the online portal https://renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng was created by the ministry for ease of application for the homes.

The Minister further expressed the commitment of the Ministry to supporting policies and programs that uplift the living standards of Nigerians.

“Your visit today strengthens our resolve to design housing interventions that serve our national heroes-those who dedicate their lives to saving others”. He said.

Speaking earlier, National President, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Tope Osundara, appreciated the Minister for supporting and keying into President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, by championing the Renewed Hope Housing project, and making NARD a beneficiary.

Emphasizing the importance of the Resident Doctors to the Nation’s Health Care System, the NARD President appealed to the Minister to assist the association to key into the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, pointing out that it would play a significant role in forestalling the long standing issue of Nigerian Doctors leaving the country.

Dr. Osundara informed that the Association is proposing a 1000 housing unit under phase one for a start in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which would serve as a template and encourage other members of the association across the states to key in.

He also noted the importance of building housing units for the Doctors in the hospital premises, considering that the Resident Doctors are ideally supposed to be resident within the hospital in order to enable timely attendance to emergencies.

Also speaking, the representative of REDAN and a member of NARD, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar Sadiq explained that the RENEWED HOPE MEDIC CITIES project for the Health Workers would be a partnership between the Ministries of Housing and Health, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
 
According to him, the housing construction which is expected to commence across the country between January and February 2025, aims to build 10,000 housing RENEWED HOPE MEDIC Estates and Cities across the Nation.
 
Dr. Sadiq expressed hope that the project would be a significant step toward,  enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring they have access to safe and affordable housing, thereby improving morale and productivity in the health sector.

Jan

21

2025

Budget 2025: Housing Minister Seeks Increased Funding to Deliver Affordable Housing to Nigerians

* Prioritises completion of ongoing Renewed Hope Housing Projects
 
* Says insufficient budgetary provisions, allocation and high cost of building materials, a challenge 

The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc.Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has highlighted the urgent need for increased budgetary allocation to deliver the Presidential mandate of providing affordable housing and reducing the housing deficit.

The Minister gave the higlight during the 2025 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat respectively, Monday, 20th January,  2025.

The Senate Committee is under the Chairmanship of His Excellency Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while the House of Representatives Committee is headed by Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin.

Dangiwa, who alongside the Minister of State, Rt Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata led the management staff of the Ministry to the budget defence, also presented the 2023/2024  budget performance of the Ministry.

In his presentation, he highlighted the ministry's priorities for 2025, emphasizing the need to complete ongoing housing projects, slum upgrading, and urban renewal programs across the nation.

Arc Dangiwa also listed the focus areas of his ministry in the 2025 budget to include; construction of 20,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, and completion of National Housing projects in over 20 states and the FCT.

Accordingly, the Minister urged the committee to increase budget allocations in seven key areas which he said were critical to the transformative policies and programmes of Mr President to put the economy on the path of recovery and growth.

The seven key areas, he mentioned were;

- Increased funding for the completion of ongoing housing projects.

- Enhanced allocation for slum upgrading and urban renewal programs.

- Additional resources for the National Housing projects.

- Improved funding for affordable housing initiatives.

- Enhanced allocation for housing infrastructure development.

- Increased support for housing research and development. 

- Improved funding for housing policy and regulatory framework development.

Both committees expressed their support for the vision and commitment of the ministry to turn around the housing sector of the country and assured the Ministry of their collaboration to assist the ministry to meet it's demands and obligations 
 

Dec

24

2024

Belgore Assumes Office as Permanent Secretary Housing Ministry, Assures Staff of inclusiveness, team work

* FMHUD in safe hands - Ogunbiyi 

Dr Shuaib Mohammed Lamido Belgore has assumed office as the new Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. He replaced Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi who was redeployed to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

In a brief handing and taking over ceremony today, Tuesday,  December 24th, 2024, at the Conference hall of the Housing Ministry, Dr Belgore who was redeployed from Federal Ministry of Regional Development assured the staff of his readiness to work with them as a team, stating that his pattern of leadership revolves round inclusivity.

" Generally, my style is that of being inclusive. I work with whom I meet on ground and want to work with you. I believe in team work, " he said.

Belgore enjoined the staff of the ministry to be hardworking, committed in the line of duty and embrace the culture of loyalty and transparency.

"  I expect hard work, commitment and loyalty." he stated 

Declaring his readiness to hit the ground running, Belgore has directed the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry to earnestly brief him on the status of the Ministry on FSCCIP and the housing sector ministerial delivery because of their importance to the current administration.

Belgore said, "I want to know where we are on the FSCCIP as well as the Ministerial delivery. I want to know the job ahead of me because these are the two main things I have to achieve while carrying out the mandate of the ministry."

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary also urged the Director, Reform Coordination and Service Delivery of the ministry to be prepared for work ahead, noting the department is responsible for the coordination of the FSCCIP. 

"The Director, Reform Coordination and Service Delivery, you have a lot of work to do because you have to do the coordination," he asserted.

Dr Belgore also advised the directors at the meeting to get the presentations on their departments ready using the template that would be circulated to them from his office.

"I expect presentations. Templates will be circulated, exactly what I want to know, I want that given to me," he noted.

On Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, the Permanent Secretary gave assurance of his commitment to ensuring successful delivery of the projects by the ministry.

"The Renewed Housing is a big deal. I intend to ensure that we  succeed with it. We will carry from where he has left it and we will move to the greatest height so we can achieve more," he assured.

On his part, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr, Marcus Ogunbiyi informed his incoming colleague of the flagship projects of the ministry which he listed as; Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, National Housing Project, Slum Upgrade among others, adding, it is important to see that the projects succeed because they are the programme that give the ministry the name it bears, " Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Dr. Ogunbiyi, expressed his appreciation to the staff and called on the management and staff of the Ministry to give the incoming Permanent Secretary all the necessary support to make him succeed , stating that if the ministry fails it is the Permanent Secretary that would take the blame.

He also assured the staff not be anxious of who the incoming Permanent Secretary is, assuring them they are in safe hands.

Earlier in a welcome remarks,  Director,  Human Resource and Management, Akinola Adesina described the Dr Murcus Ogunbiyi as a wonderful, though tough because he believes in result, person to work with while describing the incoming Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore as equally a wonderful person whom he had worked with while in Federal Ministry of Interior. 

On ground to receive the new Permanent Secretary and witness the handing and taking over were the Directors, Heads of Developments and Units of the Ministry.
 

Dec

13

2024

Housing Ministry to Renovate, Safeguard, Optimize Federal Assets Nationwide 

  * To Enforce Compliance with Land Administration Laws

•⁠  ⁠Holds Stakeholder- Citizens Engagement to facilitate Inproved Land Administration Service 

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government  to renovating, safeguarding and optimizing the value of its assets nationwide while enforcing strict compliance with land administration laws.

The Minister made this declaration during a Stakeholder - Citizens Engagement on Land Administration held at Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Friday,  December 13th, 2024.

The stakeholder - citizen engagement to facilitate improved  Land Administration Service in Nigeria was the concluding part of his three-day working visit to Lagos.

Arc. Dangiwa in his remarks emphasized the resolve of the Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to restore order in federal land and asset management.

"In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Ministry is resolved to ensure strict adherence to the provisions of the law regarding the control and administration of its assets to maintain order," he stated 

The Minister who, alongside his team, toured various federal government facilities, field offices, and housing projects in Lagos over the course of three days expressed concern over the poor condition of federal assets and uncompleted housing projects, vowing to expedite their renovation, upgrade, and completion.

“We have resolved to optimize these facilities and put them to good use so they can provide value to the government and Nigerians. Our aim is to fast-track the completion of housing projects to increase the stock of affordable housing for Nigerians in Lagos,” He noted.

The Ministry also announced plans to transform its field offices into modern, functional workspaces to boost staff productivity and enhance operational efficiency in Lagos.

Addressing irregular developments along the Lagos shoreline where unauthorized land reclamation and construction have been rampant, Dangiwa reiterated the Federal Government’s authority over shoreline titles and warned developers who fail to comply with legal requirements of appropriate action.

"We have observed numerous haphazard developments along the shoreline, where people have reclaimed and built on land without proper clearance or authorization. This is unacceptable," the Minister said.

To curb these practices, the Ministry issued a one-month ultimatum for all developers on shorelines to regularize their papers or risk having their properties revoked and demolished.

Underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Housing and the Lagos State Government in resolving land disputes, both parties agreed to form a joint committee to resolve longstanding land issues and foster a coordinated approach to land administration.

“We are one government, and it is vital that we work as partners to ensure effective administration of federal government assets. Proper coordination will prevent exploitation by third parties and ensure compliance with the law,” Dangiwa stated.

The Stakeholder Engagement on Land Administration provided an opportunity for developers, residents, and key stakeholders to share insights and contribute to the Federal Government's strategy for sustainable urban development.

The Minister also noted that the interactive session was a critical step toward improving land administration in Lagos and delivering on the ministry’s  promise of affordable housing and urban development for all Nigerians.

Issues that came up during the stakeholders engagement amongst others were;  payment of double ground rates, issuance of CofOs, canal discharge and flooding in some Federal Government Estates,  land ownership litigation and compensation, and  deplorable road infrastructure in some estates. 

" The Ministry is ready to address the myriad of such challenges, hence the stakeholder - citizens engagement for the ministry to understand the needs and concerns of the citizens with the view to identifying areas for improvement" Dangiwa stated. 

Dec

11

2024

Housing Ministry, Lagos State Government Agree to Resolve Perennial Land Issues 

*  We will give ministry necessary support to succeed - Sanwo-Olu

*  Technical Committee sets up to Review, Assess and Recommend Mutually Beneficial Way Forward.

Federal Ministry  of Housing and Urban Development and the Lagos State Government have agreed to work together towards an amicable resolution of all pending issues around land administration in the State. 

This was a key outcome of the meeting between the Hon Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu held at the Marina, Lagos Government House, Wednesday,  December 11th, 2024.

Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa was on a working visit to Lagos State where he visited the Ministry’s field offices, including the Glass House which houses over 40 federal government 's agencies, landed Federal government properties and the former Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi which is currently under dispute with the Lagos state government.
 
The Minister and the Governor agreed to set up a tripatite committee comprising the ministry, Lagos State Government and the Resort International Limited, who took over the complex and started work on it before the dispute, to review and assess all positions in order to solve the lingering  dispute in a mutually beneficial to all the parties involved.

The minister used the opportunity of the courtesy visit to abreast the Governor of the Ministry’s efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to provide descent and affordable houses to Nigerians and ensure urban development and slums upgrade 

Dangiwa commended the remarkable progress made by the state under the  administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu in delivering good governance and transforming Lagos state into a beacon of progress and innovation.

He also appreciated the Governor for graciously providing land in Ibeju- Lekki area to the Ministry for the Renewed Hope City Project which construction for 2000 housing units is already ongoing, and expecting the official groundbreaking by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu early next year. 

To foster an investment-friendly, smart, and sustainable environment in Lagos state, the the Minister sought the consideration of the Governor on the need for harmonization of federal and state regulatory activities, saying that building the synergy was crucial to attracting private sector investment, as well as ensuring sustainable urban development.

Dangiwa appealed to the governor for common ways to resolve the lingering lands problems with the federal government in Lagos state, which he said has been a concern, emphasising the significance of coming together to consolidate on the existing relationship between the Federal Government and Lagos State being the former seat of the  Government

 “Your Excellency, the Federal Government and the Lagos State are partners in development and land administration. It is important for us to work together in the spirit of cooperation and understanding” he said 

He expressed confidence that addressing the problems collaboratively will further strengthen the relationship between the two tiers of government, enhance urban development, and improve the lives of Lagosians. 

The Minister was further delighted to state that Lagos State is the first to domesticate the National Building Code, further looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership between the Ministry and the state.

At the glass house, the Minister used the opportunity of the visit to address the staff of the over 40 agencies occupying the facility, and assured them that,  his Ministry will carry out a major renovation of the building, restore it back to life with electricity, water supply and other necessities to make it conducive for workers 

Dec

10

2024

We are on Track to Meeting Annual Target for Housing Delivery -  Dangiwa

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has affirmed that the progress so far recorded under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate programme alongside the housing units delivered by the agencies of the Ministry, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Federal Housing Authority, shows that the Ministry is clearly on course to meet close to an annual target of 20000 housing units.

Dangiwa made this affirmation during the engagement with the Special Assistant to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hadiza Bala Usman. 

The engagement with CRDCU was on the 1st - 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development which was presented by Hadiza Bala Usman 

Dangiwa appreciated the continuous monitoring from the CRDCU team, saying that it has kept the Ministry at an alert and ready to deal with problems.

“As your team has already seen from our first, second and third quarter reports, we have been focused and working creatively hard as a Ministry to deliver results and impacts”, he noted.

The Minister informed that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates program currently has 10, 112 housing units ongoing at 14 construction sites nationwide, which includes 3000 housing units in 12 estates at 250 units per state, under the 2023 ₦50bn supplementary budget; and 3,612 units in Karsana Renewed Hope City, aside the 1,500 units in Kano and 2000 units in Lagos State.

He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu, GCFR, would next week, December 17th and 19th respectively be officiating the groundbreaking of two additional Renewed Hope Cities in Kano and Lagos States, consisting of 2,500 units in Ibeju Lekki
Lagos and 1 500 units in Kano, saying that the funding was by the FMBN and a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. 

Dangiwa also explained that the Ministry has embraced the PPP arrangement to compliment the insufficiency of funding from the budgetary allocation. 

Expressing concerns that the housing problems in the nation requires at least 550,000 housing units annually over the next 10 years to close the deficit, the Minister maintained optimism that the Ministry has achieved a significant progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda 

“The Ministry needs a bigger budgetary allocation for housing units, we have engaged the National Assembly currently and they have expressed willingness to support ₦500bn budget for the Ministry in 2025, we would like the CRDCU to also help us support and push for this course”, he said.

Accordingky, he also informed the CRDCU team that the Ministry is seeking to deepen its urban development interventions, citing the assurance of the executive director of the UN-Habitat during a recent executive board meeting in Nairobi, that every money invested in the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade program could leverage 3 folds through their institution partners;

In his words, “we need a minimum of ₦50bn annually revolving, to drive a sustainable Slum Upgrade and Urban development which is key to Nigeria meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) 2030”.

Similarly. Dangiwa informed that the Ministry's intervention in slums upgrade includes providing basic services like access roads, drainages, water, among others, to make slum areas more livable;

“ We currently have over 100 projects nationwide with close to 60 already completed" he said

While appreciating the Ministry's significant progress since submission of the Q 3 report, he acknowledged some challenges hindering some efforts at the Ministry to include untimely release of budgetary allocation and high cost of building materials.

He further solicited the support of the CRDCU in the area of assuring early release of budgetary allocations; partnerships with the state governments, National Economic Council, the National Assembly and other key stakeholders as well as the review of the Land Use Act.

In her remarks and presentation of the Q1-Q3 2024 Performance Assessment Report, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hadiza Bala Usman, emphasized the importance of collaboration and data -driven governance, noting that effective data management is essential for validating progress and enhancing performance. 

She highlighted the Ministry’s High-Impact Deliverables and Indicators, developed in partnership with the CRDCU, as part of the Performance Bond signed by Ministers in November 2023, mentioning enhancing Infrastructure and Transportation as enablers of growth. 

Similarly,  the Special Adviser listed the housing ministry's deliverables which includes; reviewing the Land Use Act in conjunction with the National Assembly and State Governments, facilitation and construction of at least 20,000 affordable housing units annually, and rehabilitating  federal secretariats nationwide to improve government infrastructure.

The CRDCU stressed the need for improved data management systems within the ministry, highlighting the critical role of accurate data in tracking project timelines, particularly the recommended one-year gestation period for project completion.

CRDCU also recommended that the office of the Minister in conjunction with the permanent secretary take a more coordinated approach to the project management of the inter ministerial deliverables to enable rigorous approach to weekly project tracking and reporting.

Dec

06

2024

DANGIWA SEEKS INCREASED UN-HABITAT SUPPORT FOR NIGERIA’S NATIONAL URBAN RENEWAL AND SLUM UPGRADE PROGRAMME

•    Announces Plans for Nigeria’s First National Urban Forum Mid 2025

Nairobi, Kenya – December 5, 2024: In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s efforts in addressing urban development challenges, the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called for increased support and collaboration from UN-Habitat.

Speaking during a working lunch with the new Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, on the sidelines of the 2nd Session of the 2024 UN-Habitat Executive Board Meeting in Nairobi, the Minister emphasized the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s housing and urban challenges.

Arc. Dangiwa underscored the critical state of housing in Nigeria, noting that over 75% of the country’s 42 million housing units are substandard, with nearly half of the population living in informal settlements. To address these challenges, he highlighted the Federal Government’s National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme (NURSUP), which has completed projects at 54 sites nationwide, with 56 additional projects underway. These efforts aim to improve essential infrastructure such as water supply, solar-powered streetlights, access roads, drainage systems, and waste management solutions.

The Minister stressed the importance of robust partnerships with international organizations like UN-Habitat to scale up these initiatives. “Our collaboration with UN-Habitat is critical. With your support, we aim to expand and enhance Nigeria’s National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme to deliver transformative outcomes for our people,” he stated.

As part of Nigeria’s commitment to the global urban agenda, Arc. Dangiwa announced plans to host the country’s first National Urban Forum in June or July 2025. The forum will bring together stakeholders—including government representatives, urban planners, developers, civil society organizations, and development partners—to discuss Nigeria’s urban development strategies and align them with the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

The NUA, adopted at the Habitat III Conference in 2016, is a global framework guiding urbanization toward sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience. It emphasizes equitable access to housing, infrastructure, and services while advocating for compact, well-connected urban areas to reduce sprawl and enhance mobility. The NUA prioritizes climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and participatory urban governance, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11. Its principles are central to Nigeria's efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, driving sustainable housing and urban renewal.

Arc. Dangiwa also highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in urban transformation, noting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of $500,000 to support UN-Habitat.

“Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda aligns with the global urban agenda, and we are committed to driving meaningful change through partnerships with organizations like UN-Habitat,” said the Minister. He expressed optimism about finalizing a comprehensive partnership framework within six months, with plans to sign the agreement during the National Urban Forum.

In her remarks, Ms. Rossbach praised Nigeria’s leadership role in urbanization and the Federal Government’s contributions to UN-Habitat initiatives, including $3 million toward the African Urban Agenda Programme (2013–2016). She affirmed that Nigeria remains a top priority for the agency and acknowledged the government’s active participation in global urbanization dialogues, such as WUF12 in Cairo and the inaugural Africa Urban Forum.

Ms. Rossbach also highlighted UN-Habitat’s ongoing efforts to align its work plan with Nigeria’s strategic priorities, including a national urban renewal strategy and improved land administration systems. She assured the Minister of UN-Habitat’s commitment to strengthening its operations in Nigeria and maximizing the impact of the government’s $500,000 contribution.
Additionally, she announced that UN-Habitat is negotiating a €10 million grant with the European Union for urban integration projects in Northern Nigeria, alongside other partnerships with the World Bank and Ekiti State for urban planning and investment. She proposed a high-level visit to Nigeria in 2025 to coincide with the launch of a large-scale urban intervention programme.

“UN-Habitat assures the Honourable Minister that, in partnership with the UN Country Team, the agency is committed to supporting Nigeria in addressing its developmental and urbanization challenges sustainably. This aligns with the SDGs by facilitating better access to inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements,” she said.

Arc. Dangiwa’s efforts reflect Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging its partnership with UN-Habitat to drive transformative outcomes. “Nigeria is committed to advancing sustainable urbanization and improving the lives of our citizens through robust initiatives and strategic collaborations,” said the Minister.

Dec

05

2024

UN-HABITAT COMMENDS NIGERIA’S COMMITMENT TO TACKLING HUMAN SETTLEMENT CHALLENGES

•    As Dangiwa Announces FG’s $500,000 Contribution to UN-Habitat Country Office to Boost Multi-Bilateral Fund Mobilization, Advisory Services, and Technical Capacity for Housing and Urban Development

Thursday, December 5, 2024: The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has commended Nigeria for its commitment to fostering transformative change in human settlements and improving urban environments.  

The new Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, gave the commendation yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya, during the opening session of the second meeting of the 2024 Executive Board, chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.  

She praised Nigeria’s effective leadership of the UN-Habitat Executive Board and lauded Arc. Dangiwa for his focused stewardship as Chair. Ms. Rossbach also expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s recent approval of a $500,000 contribution to UN-Habitat.  

“I greatly appreciate Nigeria’s commitment, exemplified by the Chair of the Executive Board, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in advancing the mandate of UN-Habitat. Nigeria’s approval of $500,000 to UN-Habitat reflects its dedication to our partnership. This funding will bolster the UN-Habitat Country Office in Nigeria, enhancing its capacity to provide multi-level support for achieving Nigeria’s housing and urban development goals,” she stated.  

Earlier, Arc. Dangiwa, in his opening remarks at the Executive Board Meeting, announced that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had approved the Ministry’s request for a $500,000 contribution to UN-Habitat. This aligns with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and UN-Habitat for the period 2022–2027. The amount covers the outstanding Tranche 1 contribution for 2022–2023.  

Under the MoU, UN-Habitat is tasked with working with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development towards mobilizing technical expertise, capacity, and financial resources at national, regional, and international levels to drive impactful projects. The MoU also supports the development and implementation of projects and activities, provision of technical advisory services, and capacity-building assistance to federal, state, and local governments. Additionally, UN-Habitat will help foster partnerships and establish effective collaboration with bilateral and multilateral development partners.  

“We recognize the critical importance of enhanced funding to support UN-Habitat’s objectives and appreciate the contributions of member states and partners in this regard. Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to UN-Habitat. Just last week, our President approved a $500,000 contribution to cover Nigeria’s outstanding obligations for 2022–2023, reaffirming our dedication to the organization through our partnership framework,” Dangiwa stated.  

The Hon. Minister added that the Ministry is determined to maximize the value of its relationships with bi-lateral institutions such as the UN Habitat towards actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development. He acknowledged the support of delegates, and the progress achieved during Nigeria’s tenure as Chair of the Executive Board. Notable accomplishments include evaluating progress in implementing Assembly resolutions, reviewing the organization’s work plan and budget, and advancing the strategic plan for 2026–2029.  

“These milestones are expected to strengthen the realization of the global vision for human settlements at the national level. The emphasis on the sustainability and inclusiveness of the strategic plan is particularly reassuring,” he added.