Feb

22

2024

“Perform or Leave”, Minister Charges New Management of Housing Agencies

…..Says Current Housing Crisis Leaves no Room for Underperformance

The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged newly appointed Executive Management Teams of federal housing agencies to deliver on reform targets saying that “anyone who fails to perform will be asked to leave”.

The Hon. Minister gave this charge during his first meeting with the Management Teams of Nigeria’s premier housing agencies - the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Federal Housing Authority (FHA), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 22nd February 2024.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Thursday 15th February 2024 approved the appointment of new management teams for the FMBN and FHA, with Mr. Shehu Usman Osidi emerging as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive of the FMBN and Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo as Managing Director and Chief Executive of the FHA.

Arc. Dangiwa noted that the new leadership should see their appointment by the President as a call to impactful service, and not an opportunity to make merry and self-enrich. He reiterated the President’s resolve to periodically assess and replace appointees that fail to meet expectations, reminding them of their responsibility to Nigerians.

“As Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I have my deliverables from Mr. President. As leaders of agencies under the supervision of my Ministry, you are to fashion out ways to deliver on them. If you work hard and deliver, you will stay. If you don’t work hard and fail to deliver, you will leave before your term. I believe that is a strong message that Mr. President has already passed across to all appointees. Don’t look at the 5-year term, look at your ability to meet the targets for every review session. Because when it comes to review and KPIs, I won't be looking at your faces.

“What we want is action, progress, improved customer service delivery and more Nigerians owning homes. Both the FMBN and FHA Management Teams must see this as a new beginning for real progress. This must reflect in the quantum of houses delivered and fully occupied by Nigerians.

The Minister added that despite the harsh economic realities and the rising cost of housing construction, the new leadership must transform and innovate in order to drive Mr President’s Renewed Hope vision for housing and urban development.

Speaking on the expectations of the FMBN, he said the bank should work towards delivering a minimum of 5,000 new homes annually, disburse mortgage loans to at least 20,000 Nigerians annually, increase the National Housing Fund (NHF) collection by expanding the subscription net, address the backlog of audited accounts and clean up its books for better financing opportunities, and quickly roll out the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme for increased housing delivery, among others.

“For the FHA, I expect to see more flexibility and innovation in its operations rather than the usual, conventional, docile way of doing things. The ministry expects the FHA to make judicious use of its license to operate across all income segments in the broad strategy of the government to deliver housing to Nigerians, as well as get more funding from the capital market by issuing bonds to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, pay back the loans, and declare profit.

“We also expect to see the FHA delivering a minimum of 5,000 houses annually to Nigerians. The agency should also take advantage of its status as an agency without budgetary allocations to be inventive, partner with credible investors, and local and international financing partners to deliver more houses to Nigerians,” he said.

Dangiwa added that the Ministry will keep track of the progress in both agencies on a year-to-year basis, noting that their KPIs are the only things that will matter when the time comes to assess them. “We have a responsibility to Nigerians, and we cannot afford to fail. On our part, we will continue to work to strengthen your capacities and break down the limitations that hamper your performance.

“Let me, once again, reiterate the seriousness of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure the full implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development. We can already see that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is one of the signpost projects of his administration. He will not tolerate failure or mediocrity, and neither will I,” he said.

Other members of the Executive Management Team of the FMBN are Mr. Ibidapo Odojukan, Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services; Mr. Muhammad Sani Audu, Executive Director, Loans & Mortgage Services; and Mrs. Executive Director, Business Development & Portfolios. In the FHA Management are Mr. Mathias Terwase Byuan, Executive Director, Housing Finance & Accounts; Mr. Umar Dankane Abdullahi, Executive Director, Business Development; and Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, Executive Director, Project Implementation.

Feb

15

2024

Housing Minister to Meet Cement, Other Building Materials Manufacturers to Tackle Rising Prices

In a bid to stem the incessant rising cost of cement and other building materials and enhance the delivery of affordable housing in Nigeria, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has revealed plans to meet with manufacturers of Cement and other building materials in the country. The move is aimed at better understanding the challenges in the sector, sharpening measures to mitigate the rising cost of building materials in the country and finding sustainable ways to address them.

The Minister said this during a courtesy call by a delegation of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) to discuss the progress of the collaboration between the FMBN and the labour centres, especially as it concerns the National Affordable Housing Delivery Programme for Nigerian Workers (NAHDEP), which he initiated during his time as Managing Director of the FMBN.

He queried the recurring disproportionate increase in the price of cement in particular, especially considering that cement producers in the country source virtually all their raw materials locally. “It is disheartening to see how much Nigerians have to pay for essential building commodities like cement, with the prices rising almost on a daily basis. I don’t understand the reason for this increase, and it is not acceptable.

“I am going to be meeting with these manufacturers soon, so that they can explain to Nigerians their reasons for such incessant hikes. I know that the cement producers source their raw materials in Nigeria, the limestone, clay, silica sand, gypsum, iron ore, and the rest. These minerals abound in Nigeria and these manufacturers get them here, so there is no justification to try and blame it all on the rise of dollar”, he said.

Arc. Dangiwa assured the delegation of the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to providing decent and affordable shelter and livable communities to low- and medium-income earners, as well as the vulnerable in society. He said this also involves creating a conducive environment for private sector to thrive, including through ensuring building materials are affordable and accessible.

Recall that the Ministry in January inaugurated the Building Materials Reform Task Team as part of efforts to develop the building materials industry through the creation of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs in each of the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country. The Minister said while the hubs are yet to come on stream, there is a need to continue to interface with players in the industry such as building materials manufacturers in a bid to promote affordability.

Speaking on the partnership between the FMBN and Organized Labour, Dangiwa emphasized the need for the FMBN to reform and innovate its operations, calling on the NLC, TUC, and NECA to see the Bank and the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme as their own that they must encourage and support the institution to do better towards delivering decent shelter to their members.

“The truth is that despite FMBN’s inadequacies, which we are working to address, there is no other home ownership platform that can provide housing to the segment of Nigerians whom you represent at the terms and conditions that the FMBN provides.

“From the single-digit interest rate on loans ranging from 6 – 7 percent versus the commercial rates of 18-24 percent in commercial housing loans, to long tenors of 30-years versus 5-to-10-year commercial tenors, zero to maximum 10 percent equity versus 30 percent equity for commercial loans, FMBN is an institution that requires the support of all stakeholders so that it works. There is absolutely no alternative”, he said.

He noted that a key priority of President Tinubu is the reform of all federal housing agencies under the supervision of the ministry, clearly demonstrated by the inauguration of the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team under the Chairmanship of Mr. Adedeji Adesemoye with representatives from other stakeholders. The team, he said, will review and facilitate necessary legislative amendments of relevant housing industry laws, including those of the NHF Act, 1992 and the FMBN Establishment Act, 1993.

Feb

08

2024

SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA, AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF THE RENEWED HOPE CITIES & ESTATES PROGRAMME AND GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE 3,112 HOUSING-UNIT RENEWED HOPE CITY IN KARSANA, ABUJA, ON FEBRUARY 8, 2024, BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

Protocols

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

• First, I would like to seize this special occasion to publicly express my gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing me as Minister and his confidence in my capacity to lead the actualization of his Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development.
• Mr. President, Sir, I consider your trust in me and my Minister of State and the task that you have placed on our shoulders as a huge honour and privilege. Since that appointment in August 2023, we resolved and committed ourselves to deploying our time, energies, resources and capacities towards delivering on this important national assignment. 
• And God willing, Mr. President, we will make your Renewed Hope Vision for housing a Practical Reality in terms of decent, quality, and affordable homes with infrastructure that support dignified living for our people, in the Federal Capital Territory, State Capitals, and across the country.  
• That is why we have planned and commenced the actualization of this vision under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Development Programme, which your Excellency is officially launching today. 
• Under phase One, we plan to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria. The Cities will have 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones in the country and FCT, while the Estates will have 500 housing units per site in the remaining thirty (30) States. 
• We have designed the Renewed Hope Cities as integrated living communities targeting all income brackets. They comprise one-bedroom blocks of flats, two-bedroom blocks of flats and three- bedroom blocks of flats; two-, three- and four-bedroom terraces, four-bedroom duplexes, and five-bedroom duplexes.
• On the other hand, we have conceptualized the Renewed Hope Estates to cater to low- and medium-income earners. They comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows. To enhance affordability and ease of offtake, we used organic designs where one bedroom can be expanded to two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms as the income of beneficiaries increase over time. 
• Furthermore, the program aims to address social inequality by providing a broad range of affordable ownership options. This includes single digit and up to 30-year mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Rent-to-Own options where beneficiaries can move in and pay towards homeownership in monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments and Outright Purchase for high income earners.
• The funding for these projects will come from a mix of sponsors comprising the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers. As you will recall, Your Excellency has graciously approved the total sum of 126.5bn from the 2023 supplementary and 2024 budget for these projects including slum upgrade and urban renewal.
• We have also made cross subsidy a key part of our efforts to enhance affordability for low-medium income earners to foster integrated living.  Under this concept, the housing units built in the Renewed Hope Cities will be sold at commercial rate while a substantial percentage will be sold at concessionary rates to low- and medium-income Nigerians who are members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
• Your Excellency, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is not only a grand vision; it is a necessity for many reasons. As our population continues to grow, the demand for housing and urban infrastructure is rapidly growing. Our existing cities are grappling with issues like congestion, inadequate housing, and strained infrastructure.
• Establishing new cities and estates also provides an opportunity for us to deliberately plan and design urban spaces that are not only beautiful additions to our landscape but also efficient and sustainable. This is more so given the climate challenges that we face and ensure that the housing sector contributes its quota to helping our country meet its green gas reduction targets. At the Ministry, we believe that implementing green building techniques, efficient waste management, and creating green spaces can contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly urban landscape.
• Furthermore, these projects will also help to alleviate the burden on existing cities and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
• Secondly, Sir, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is designed to be a catalyst for economic growth. The construction and development of these new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and attract investments. The 50,000 units that we plan to deliver under phase 1 will create 1,250,000 direct and indirect construction jobs. This is in addition to the value chain effects of purchase, supply of building materials, businesses around the construction sites, etc. 
• The programme also aligns with your Excellency’s broader vision of national development. It is a step towards creating smart and modern cities that can compete on a global scale, attracting both domestic and foreign investments. This will not only enhance our country's image but also position Nigeria as a forward-thinking nation ready to embrace the challenges of the future. The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is therefore a strategic initiative that addresses multiple facets of development – from urban planning and economic growth to social inclusion and environmental sustainability. 
• Your Excellency, Sir, today we are here to kickstart this nation-wide Programme with the ground-breaking ceremony for a 3,112-housing unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory as part of 20,000 housing units to be built in Abuja. 
• This project is the pilot under a Public Private Partnership between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a consortium of developers comprising Continental Civil and General Construction and Ceezali Limited signed in December 2023 to deliver a total of 100,000 houses nationwide. 
• Under this PPP arrangement the Ministry is creating the enabling environment and facilitating off takers for the houses through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) while the developers will source for land and finance the construction. By encouraging this PPP arrangements, we are taking the financial burden off government while meeting our citizens needs for decent and quality shelter. 
• We chose to start in the Federal Capital Territory because it is the heart of the nation. We are also impressed that the Hon. Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda, and understands the importance of housing and access roads to residents and is taking steps to improve infrastructure in the FCT. 
• While we have been engaging with the Hon. Minister, I would like to make three formal requests to enable us achieve the big plans that we have for the FCT. First is for the Hon. Minister to kindly include the construction of access road to this Karsana site and other Renewed Hope Cities Sites in the FCT in its road expansion programme. We had earlier requested for 100 hectares of land along the Airport Road to site a bigger Renewed Hope City project. We believe that the Hon. Minister will kindly oblige us as we have made the necessary arrangements to commence work. 
• Additionally, we plan to develop another big housing project in Gbagadalape at the boundary between Nasarawa State and the FCT (near Abacha Barracks) and would kindly request the Hon. Minister of the FCT to help open up the access road there to enable us begin work. These expansions and siting of cities on the outskirts of the FCT will help decongest the city center, lessen pressure on infrastructure and create jobs in the FCT. 
• Also, in Lagos, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Information which has land in prime location to develop another Renewed Hope City. We look forward to the cooperation of the Hon. Minister, Mohammed Idris Malagi to make that happen soonest.  
• Your Excellency, this ground-breaking is one of many more to follow. We have scheduled the ground-breaking for several additional sites nationwide for the commencement of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in this first quarter. This includes 2,500 Renewed Hope City housing units at the Ibeju-Lekki Coastal City, Lagos, the development of a 500-housing unit Renewed Hope Estate in Kano and 250 housing units in twelve (12) states (2 per geopolitical zone) as Renewed Hope Estates. This amounts to 6,000 housing units under the 2023 Supplementary Budget. 
• From the Ministry’s 2024 Approved Budget, we are also rolling out another batch of Renewed Hope Estates comprising 250-housing units each in 6 additional states totalling 1,500 housing units.
• This means from the housing component of the Supplementary Budget and the 2024 budget, in which you graciously approved N100bn and N18.9billion respectively for us to implement our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates and Urban and Slum Upgrading programmes, the Ministry is set to deliver 7,500 affordable housing units that will cater to the average Nigerian worker. 
• Our objective is to follow your clear direction in charting a progressive path and demonstrating that your administration has what it takes to set our dear country on the path of sustainable growth and development. And that a better and prosperous Nigeria that cares for its citizens is possible. 
• We sincerely thank you but also like Oliver Twist wish to also crave that you kindly consider an upward review of the Ministry’s budget given the size of the housing problem that the country faces and designation of the housing sector as key infrastructure for achieving the Renewed Hope Vision for a 1-trillion- dollar economy. 
• Your Excellency, Sir, access roads and infrastructure are key to the success of this programme. We would therefore like to plead that as part of government contribution, you kindly ask relevant Ministries and State governments to provide access roads to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project sites in all the locations across the country to enhance affordability and liveability. 
• With your capable, bold and history making leadership, we intend to turn the country into a giant construction site in our quest to not just provide affordable homes and decent communities for Nigerians, but also contribute to the reengineering of the nation’s economy through job creation and amplification of the housing construction value-chain.
• I would like to thank the Consortium of developers especially Continental & Civil Construction Ltd and Ceezali Limited and financiers for keying into our vision of housing Nigerians, and I urge you all to adhere to agreed designs and standards, using only quality building materials, while also sticking to stipulated timelines for completion of the projects.
• Also, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that all Nigerians including the NO INCOME, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation, we are also creating the framework for the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF). This is because we believe that access to decent shelter is a not only a necessity but a human right and that all Nigerians across all income segments deserve a decent home to live and grow.
• Your Excellency, we are pursuing your desire to reform the housing and urban development landscape with vigor because you have demonstrated an uncommon political will to get things done. Weeks ago, with your approval, we inaugurated four housing sector reform task teams to develop blueprints for strengthening federal housing institutions, increasing housing supply, streamlining land administration, and establishing building materials manufacturing hubs in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.
• The recommendations that these teams will produce and the actions that we will take will lead to a major and historic transformation of Nigeria’s housing and urban development space. 
• Once again, Sir, I thank you for the confidence in our capacity to drive your Renewed Hope Agenda for the housing and urban development sector. 
• Thank you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Feb

06

2024

Tinubu to Flag off 3,112 Housing Units as FG Launches Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to flag off the construction of 3,112 housing units at the Karsana area of the Federal Capital Territory. 

The groundbreaking exercise, scheduled for Thursday 8th of February 2024, is part of a Public-Private Partnership project signed in December 2023 between the Ministry and a consortium of companies comprising Continental Civil and General Construction Limited and Ceezali Limited for a total of 100,000 housing units nationwide.

The first phase of 20,000 housing units is set to be delivered in the FCT, out of which 3,112 units are to be constructed at the Karsana site.

The ground-breaking exercise to be conducted by the President will mark the official launch of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme, initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to increase the housing stock in the country and bridge the prevailing housing deficit. The Cities will have a minimum of 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones of the country and the FCT, while the Estates will have a minimum of 500 housing units per site in the remaining thirty (30) States.

The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has continued to emphasize, will be designed as integrated living communities targeting all income brackets, and comprising one bedroom block of flats, two-bedroom blocks of flats, and three-bedroom blocks of flats targeting low – medium income earners; two-bedroom terraces, four-bedroom terraces, four-bedroom duplexes, and five-bedroom duplexes targeting high income earners.

The PPP project at Karsana is being funded by the developers who also sourced for the land, while the Ministry is creating the enabling environment and will facilitate access by off-takers for the houses from subscribers to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme managed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), an agency under the Ministry. The project is the first in a series that the Ministry will be embarking on in the coming weeks. Others are the 2,500 Renewed Hope City housing units at the Ibeju-Lekki Coastal City, Lagos, 500-housing unit Renewed Hope Estate in Kano and 250 housing units in twelve (12) states, two in each geopolitical zone, as Renewed Hope Estates in Ogun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Abia, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Benue, Yobe, Gombe, Katsina and Sokoto. 

At the core of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme is the cross-subsidy component where 80% of the housing units developed will be sold at commercial rate while 20% will be sold at concessionary rates to low- and medium-income Nigerians who are members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. The idea is to deploy profits made from the commercial units as a subsidy for the units reserved for low- and medium-income earners.

Also notable are the numerous ownership options available to Nigerians aimed at enhancing the affordability of the houses. These include single digit, 30-year mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Rent-to-Own options where beneficiaries can move in and pay towards homeownership in monthly, quarterly or annual instalments, and Outright Purchase for high income earners.

It would be recalled that the President approved N100bn for the Ministry in the 2023 Supplementary budget and N18.9billion in the 2024 budget for the implementation of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates as well as Urban and Slum Upgrading programmes. The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project also made the list of the President's Top 10 projects for 2024, spurring widespread optimism about his commitment to the project.

Jan

16

2024

FG Inaugurates Housing Reforms Task Teams, Urges Commitment to Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has Tuesday 16th January 2023 inaugurated four (4) Reform Task Teams to ensure the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development.

The Task Teams are the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team, Land Reforms Task Team, and the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team. In his remarks, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa noted that the Task Teams represent an important step towards delivering on the mandate of the Ministry in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

He decried the failure of successive governments to implement plans and recommendations put forward by committees in the past, noting that the difference with the present inauguration is the political will of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, his commitment as Minister, and the reputation of the chairmen and members of the Task Teams.

"What unites us is the desire for Nigeria to have a vibrant, functional, and efficient housing industry that not only meets the shelter needs of Nigerians but also to unlock the massive potential of the sector for catalyzing inclusive economic growth. Over the 60 years of Nigeria’s independence, we have witnessed successive governments roll out a series of housing development plans and policies. Despite these many plans, our country has sadly failed to meet the housing needs of Nigerians as we still grapple with a huge housing deficit. 

"Housing sector contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) hasn’t moved in any significant way over the past several decades, housing development institutions are still only functioning at sub-optimal capacities, and the enabling housing laws are obsolete", he said.

Arc. Dangiwa noted that the President has demonstrated that housing is a part of his priorities towards actualizing his vision of creating a $1 Trillion economy by demerging the Ministry from the Ministry of Works and appointing built professionals to lead it, adding that the Task Teams are a major foundational step necessary to implementing the historic reforms for actualizing the Presidential vision.

"The Task Teams have been carefully constituted to include all relevant stakeholders, such as agencies of government, professional and regulatory bodies, the academia, industry experts, traditional rulers, and other groups. The goal is to tap from the wealth of knowledge and experience of these relevant sectors and individuals and come up with strategies that are inclusive, wholesome, and can stand the test of time.

While he acknowledged the skepticism that often accompanies such Teams due to past failures and public mistrust, he assured that the chairmen and members of the Teams are individuals of character who have exhibited professionalism, result-oriented leadership, and distinguished service in their various fields. "I am confident that they will deliver, and the deliverables will form the foundation for a strong and vibrant housing and urban development sector", he said.

The Housing Institutions Reform Task Team is expected to develop a robust framework for ensuring that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver effectively on the Renewed Hope Vision for the provision of quality, decent, and affordable homes to Nigerians. This includes a thorough review and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments of relevant housing industry laws including the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act,1973, and PenCom Act to allow for increased investment in housing. 

The Team will also map out strategies for driving the nationwide adoption and passage of the model mortgage foreclosure law in States.

On their part, members of the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team are saddled with the responsibility to ensure that all housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development work collaboratively towards optimizing their strengths to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians, by removing the bottlenecks that hinder effective collaboration between the Ministry and housing agencies. 

The Minister said part of its Terms of Reference includes developing a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for the construction of 50,000 new houses per year. 

The Land Reforms Task Team, on the other hand, is tasked with developing a blueprint that will aid the sustainable implementation of much-needed reforms necessary for streamlining land administration and ensuring easy, cost-effective, and efficient access to land in Nigeria, drawing from the extensive work of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) which has been working for the past 14 years towards comprehensive reforms including the establishment of a National Land Commission.

The fourth is the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team which is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector in Nigeria, including existing facilities, capacities, and key players, as well as identify challenges and opportunities within the sector. 

The result will be a blueprint that will ensure sustainable implementation of reforms for the sector and the establishment of building materials manufacturing hubs in each of the six (6) geo-political zones across the country.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Minister of State, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo urged the Task Teams to take the job as a call to national service to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the initiatives.

The leaders of the Teams were handed the Terms of Reference for each team and urged to work within the stipulated timelines for the speedy actualization of the deliverables.

Jan

13

2024

Ogunbiyi Assumes Office as Perm Sec Housing Ministry, Vows to Uphold Service Ethics in the Ministry

The newly assigned Permanent Secretary to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, has assumed office at the Ministry's Headquarters in Abuja, Friday, January12th, 2024.

Dr Ogunbiyi was deployed to Housing Ministry from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHCSF), where he held fort as the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO)

At the occassion, Dr. Ogunbiyi expressed his commitment and readiness to work with the staff of the Ministry, and solicited for their support and cooperation, while also promising to foster peace in order to collectively achieve the desired mandate of the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary, who is a champion of the Performance Management System, a pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25), pledged to continue in his quest to promote a seamless implementation of the Plan in the Ministry.

"As great disciples of the Head of Service, we must all do everything possible to uphold the implementation of FCSSIP 25 in our Ministry, because it has come to stay in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development”, he stressed.

Dr Ogunbiyi took over from the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Works and Housing, Mamuda Mamman, who supervises both the Works and Housing ministries since the demerger of the two ministries in August, 2023. Mamman was deployed to the Federal Ministry of Power. 

In his remarks, on behalf of the staff of the Housing ministry, Director and Head of department, Engineering Services, Engr. Cyril Onyeneke welcomed the new Permanent Secretary and expressed enthusiasm to cooperate as well as follow his directions in order to achieve the goals of the Ministry.

Highlight of the occasion was the formal signing and presentation of the handover notes between the outgoing and incoming Permanent Secretaries.

In attendance at the event were the management and staff of the Ministry

Dec

21

2023

Ministry of Housing Signs MOU with Consortium on Delivery of 100,000 Housing Units

In its continued effort to leverage private sector collaboration towards bridging the housing deficit, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a consortium to deliver 100,000 affordable housing units across the nation. The MOU, signed Thursday 21 December 2023 at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, marks a milestone for the Ministry’s Action Plan in view of its Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Projects.

The agreement with the Consortium of private sector-led companies, headed by Continental Civil and General Construction Company Limited and Ceezali Limited, represent the heralding of renewed attention to Public Private Partnership arrangements, which the ministry has made a major part of its housing delivery strategy. The units are to be delivered in two phases, starting with 20,000 units in the Federal Capital Territory followed by 80,000 units across the six (6) geopolitical zones.

In his remarks, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa noted that the MOU was the result of months of hardwork and strategic planning resulting in a robust framework to ensure the PPP arrangement was structured to succeed. Speaking on the modalities of the MOU, Arc. Dangiwa said, “under the terms of this partnership, the consortium will be the ones to provide construction finance and build the housing units to completion based on agreed housing designs and prices.

“The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, on its side, will facilitate provision of affordable mortgage loans to off-takers through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), as well as facilitate the approval and grant of all legal titles in select lands for the projects as part of its efforts to create an enabling environment for private sector investment in the housing sector”, he noted.

Acknowledging the severe housing crisis in Nigeria and the inadequacy of budgetary allocations to address the deficit, Dangiwa emphasised the need to see increased access to decent and affordable housing as a collective endeavour, requiring the active participation of all stakeholders across the entire housing value chain. “These partnerships enable leveraging the strengths of both the public and private sectors, fostering innovation, efficiency, and increased access to funding. Our long-term goal is to address the housing shortage and enhance the quality of life of our citizens”, he added.

The Minister further touched on the job creation component of the project, noting that it is in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu to raise 100 million Nigerians out of poverty. Notably, the PPP arrangement will create 2.5 million direct and indirect jobs at 25 jobs per housing unit.

He asked the consortium to continuously engage the technical staff of the ministry in the siting, design, monitoring, and cost evaluation of the project, while urging them to ensure the delivery of the project within agreed timelines.

Consultant for the consortium and Principal Partner of C23 Consultants Limited, Damola Akindolire, noted that the PPP arrangement is first of its kind in Nigeria, in respect of the scale and scope of the project. He added that the MOU speaks to the focus and seriousness of the leadership of the ministry to address the housing deficit in Nigeria.

On their part, Executive Director of Continental Civil and General Construction Company Limited, Alamu Adegbenga and Contract Manager of Ceezali Limited, Sule Wada, assured the Minister of their technical and financial capacities to deliver on the project based on their track record and experience.

Highlight of the event was the signing of the MOU by the Minister and representatives of the consortium.

Dec

17

2023

GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA, AT THE AFRICA HOUSING AWARDS AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER, ABUJA 17TH DECEMBER 2023

1.    Protocols
2.    First, I would like to thank the organizers of the Africa Housing Awards for inviting me to deliver a goodwill message at the 5th edition of this annual event.
3.    I sincerely believe that the task of developing Africa’s housing sector, ensuring increased access to decent and affordable housing is a collective endeavor. It is a patriotic job that requires the contribution, active participation, and monitoring of all stakeholders and stakeholders across the entire housing value chain. From developers, mortgage bankers, development finance institutions, government owned housing institutions, housing policy leaders, advocacy institutions and groups and so many others. We are all part of the housing eco-system and all that we do in our various spaces and areas of responsibilities impact positively or negatively our collective desire to build a better and functional housing system that works for Africans.  
4.    This is why I want to take a special moment to commend those who conceived, birthed, and have sustained the Africa Housing Awards. I am particularly impressed at the continental theme of the Awards: Africa – Not Nigeria Africa Awards.
5.    This yearly practice of recognizing and honoring housing industry personalities, leaders in both private and public sectors who have demonstrated uncommon commitment in the discharge of their duties is a vital to promoting the spirit of excellence in the industry.
6.     As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I would like to encourage all stakeholders in housing delivery in all countries in Africa and Nigeria to never loose sight of the responsibility that goes with each office that we hold. Whether in the private sector or the public sector – we must be constantly reminded that our job is to house Africa. And there are millions in need of housing, and they cut across all income segments. We must at all times never lose sight of the fact that the decisions that we take, the energy that we commit or don’t commit have practical results.
7.    So, to all the institutions, individuals that are going to take home awards today, I want to congratulate you for being outstanding in the discharge.
8.    Their recognition and honor should stir all of us to work harder towards ensuring that we fix the housing shortfall in Africa as we unlock the catalytic power of the housing sector to ignite national development.
9.    At the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development we have outlined a bold Action Plan to Actualize the Renewed Hope Vision for Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria.
10.    As part of our plans to ensure that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver on our target of providing affordable homes to Nigerians, we have composed a Housing Reform Team of experts, stakeholders, agency representatives, professional bodies, and academia to develop a robust framework for reform of the housing sector including thorough review of relevant laws and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments. This includes the Land Use Act, 1978, National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act,1973, PenCom Act to allow for increased investment in housing.
11.    We are also working to implement the much-needed reforms that will ensure quick, easy, and efficient access to land. We have composed a land reforms team comprising state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, stakeholders to ensure buy-in and inclusivity.
12.    In line with the Renewed Hope plan to ensure that all Nigerians including the NO INCOME, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation, we are also creating the framework for the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF). This is because we believe that access to decent shelter is a not only a necessity but a human right and that all Nigerians across all income segments deserve a decent home to live and grow.
13.    We have also prioritized building materials manufacturing in the country. This will ensure economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. To ensure success, we have composed a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team comprising of experts and representatives from relevant government agencies, academia, professional bodies, and industry associations. They will conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector and produce a strategic plan for reforming the sector for implementation. Our plan is to build six (6) building materials manufacturing hubs, one in each of the six (6) regions of the country.
14.    To increase the stock of housing supply, we have also composed and will inaugurate a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team. The Team will ensure that all housing agencies including FHA work together towards optimizing their strengths to increase the stock of quality houses to Nigerians. The Team comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals with expertise in housing development, urban planning, infrastructure, finance, and project management.
15.    Under our New City Development Plan, the Ministry plans to lead partnerships with the private sector, local and international investors, towards redefining the concept of cities in Nigeria and decongesting city centers and state capitals in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
16.    The first phase of the New City Development Plan aims to deliver Renewed Hope Cities ranging from 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones of the country and FCT namely: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Enugu States, while the remaining thirty (30) States will have Renewed Hope Estates each with a minimum of 500 housing units.
17.    The Renewed Hope Cities will have inclusivity at their core: They will include Multi-Level Flats to cater to low-medium income earners; Terrace and Detached Bungalows and Duplexes for the high-income earners. The Renewed Hope Estates will have 1,2- and 3-bedroom affordable bungalows.
18.    Overall, we aim to deliver under this phase 1, a total of 40,000 homes from a mix of sponsors comprising the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and through Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers in the delivery of the new cities.
19.    Ownership Options include Mortgage Loans, Rent-to-Own and Outright Purchase. At 25 jobs per unit, the first phase of the project will create direct and indirect 1,000,000 jobs helping to achieve the target to lift 1million Nigerians out of poverty.
20.    Under Phase 1 of the Slum Upgrading Programme, the Ministry plans a total of 26 sites nationwide. This includes four (4) sites in each of the six regions of the country totaling twenty-four (24) and two (2) in the FCT. The key services to be provided at the identified sites will include water supply, solar streetlights, rehabilitation of access roads, construction of drainages and waste management and sanitation services amongst others.
21.    These are some of our key focus areas at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. We are fully aware of the challenges ahead of us and are passionate about making a difference. However, we know that we are only one part of the housing value chain and as such know that for us to achieve, we would need the support of all stakeholders.
22.    So, once again I want to thank the organizers of this 5th edition of the Africa Housing Awards, and I congratulate all the winners while encouraging us all to continue to work harder towards ensuring that we provide increased access to decent and affordable housing to all Africans.
23.    Thank you all.

Dec

07

2023

REMARKS BY THE HONORABLE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT THE MEETING WITH MILLARD FULLER FOUNDATION ON THURSDAY, 7 DECEMBER, 2023 IN ABUJA

Protocols
Good afternoon, ladies, and gentlemen.
1.    It is my pleasure to welcome the leadership and staff of the Millard Fuller Foundation, an organization that embodies the spirit of progress and compassion in the realm of affordable housing, to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
2.    The mission of the Millard Fuller Foundation resonates deeply with the core values of our Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Renewed Hope Vision His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Quality Housing for All Nigerians.
3.    Their commitment to providing truly affordable homes for mid-low-income earners through collaborative partnerships is commendable and inspiring.
4.    Like Millard Fuller, we also believe that what we do here does not only lead to the construction of houses, but that we are also helping to build lives and empower communities across Nigeria.
5.    We also share in the understanding that a home is not just a structure made of bricks and mortar. It is the cornerstone of stability, the sanctuary of safety, and the conduit to essential amenities. It represents a vital asset that can transform lives, create opportunities, and be the foundation upon which dreams are built.
6.    Moreover, their programmatic focus on building basic, decent, and affordable homes for low-income earners aligns perfectly with our ministry's goals.
7.    Since my assumption of office, I have made it clear that as a Ministry we must build for the 80 percent of Nigerians that fall within the low to medium income segment. They are in fact the majority. And as Nigerians, every one of them deserve to have access to decent and affordable housing. That is why we set up an Affordable Housing Design Committee with an initial focus of building homes that are organic and with price tags as low as N4M. I am particularly saddened that the possibility of this is fading with the high inflationary trends which are having a negative impact on the price of construction materials.
8.    But I have not given up on my charge to our Directors and the Committee on exploring all possible areas to lower the price barrier of homeownership for Nigerians.
9.    Relatedly, as part of the Renewed Hope Vision for Urban development, the Ministry plans to upgrade a total of 26 slums in the Six (6) regions of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory. This project would ensure the provision of key infrastructure and ancillary services including access roads, water supply, solar streetlight, drainages, sanitation, and waste management services etc., that would improve the living standards of the slum residents in the project sites and the urban poor in general.
10.    We also plan to set up a National Social Housing Fund (NHSF) to ensure that all Nigerians including the NO INCOME, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation.
11.    We also plan to boost building materials manufacturing in the country towards ensuring economic growth, creating jobs, reducing dependency on imports, and lowering the cost of construction materials and housing delivery.
12.    Our plan is to build six (1) Building Materials Hubs in each geo-political zone in the country. The hubs will be provided with relevant facilities, including access roads, electricity, fit for purpose housing and relevant linkages for manufacturers to site their firms and operate.
13.    These are some of our plans that align with the work that Millard Fuller Foundation is doing.
14.    And I must say that as a private sector initiative, their work serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion, dedication, and innovation converge. Their collaborative approach, engaging with individuals and organizations, showcases the power of unity in tackling complex societal issues.
15.    As we move forward in our quest to ensure housing security and inclusivity for all, I consider a partnership with the Millard Fuller Foundation as necessary. We would like to learn from your lessons in designing and delivering decent but low-budget houses, and how you are innovating in the face of high inflationary trends.
16.    Once again, I thank Millard Fuller Foundation for the visit and look forward to further collaboration.
17.    Thank you.

Dec

02

2023

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE 20TH EDITION OF MORTGAGE BANKING SUB-SECTOR CEO’S ANNUAL RETREAT AT THE TRANSCORP HILTON, ABUJA, ON SATURDAY, 2ND DECEMBER 2023

Protocols
1.    First, I would like to commend the leadership of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) for sustaining this Annual CEO Retreat.
2.    Each year this Retreat provides a platform for CEOs of Mortgage Banks, Mortgage Brokerage Companies, Statutory Regulatory Bodies, Federal and State Governments/Policy Makers and other housing industry stakeholders to gather, network, share experiences, discuss sector challenges to produce clear recommendations that border on effective housing delivery in the country.
3.    These Retreats are important because they help in the cross pollination of industry experiences, ideas, and knowledge critical to sharpening government policy on sustainable housing delivery in our dear country.
4.    This 2023 edition is the 20th in the series, and I am happy to be here to address you for the first time as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
5.    However, I am pained to note that the same problems that have been militating against the growth of housing finance, mortgage adoption and housing delivery in this country and have been the points of discussion at every one of the previous 19 editions are the same ones that still plague the sector today.  
6.    While preparing for this Keynote Address, I recalled a paper titled “Mortgage Banking/Housing Finance Sector in Nigeria: Past, Present and Future” presented by the former MBAN Executive Secretary, Mr. Kayode Omotosho in 2011 – 12 years ago. That was years before I became the MD/CEO of FMBN in 2017 and began attending these Retreats.
7.    In the paper he listed the following as the major constraints bedeviling the industry and I quote:
•    Affordability gap in home ownership
•    Dearth of long-Term Funds
•    Critical Need for Enhanced Capital and Resource Base of Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN)
•    Difficulty in accessing Land and secure title to Land due to the shortcomings in the provision and implementation of the Land Use Act of 1978.
•    Inadequate Legal Framework
•    Inadequate Housing Infrastructure
•    Inadequate incentives, concessions and taxes and non-availability of insurance Framework
•    Insufficient production and high cost of building materials as well as inadequate skilled labour.
•    The critical need to significantly grow the contribution of the entire Mortgage Banking/ Housing Finance Sector to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which was put at 0.38%, compared to other Countries such as South Africa and Malaysia with an average rate of 40%.
Mr. Kayode in that paper went on to list the following key success factors. First was expedited action to review mortgage related laws. This includes:
•    The Land Use Act 1978
•    The National Housing Fund Act 1992
•    The Mortgage Institutions Act 1989
•    The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Act 1993
•    The Trustee Investments Act 1962
•    The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Act 1993
•    The Insurance Act 2002
•    The Investments and Securities Act 1999
•    The Federal Housing Authority Act 1990
•    Securitization Bill
•    Foreclosure Laws Bill (Residential Mortgages Act & Residential Mortgages (Incentives) Act
•    Others included the need to reduce cost of title perfection, improving access to long-term funds, computerization of land registry offices, capitalization of Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

8.    Now, fast forward to 2023, and you will agree with me that not much has changed. Most of these problems are still with us. The National Housing Strategy Report developed in collaboration with FMDQs and launched by the previous administration cited just about the same problems. The report lists land, infrastructure deficit, high housing construction cost, household demand (which means the ability to pay and willingness to pay), and lack of affordable housing financing options.

9.    It is therefore against the backdrop of these recurring conversations and growing industry challenges that the theme for this year’s Retreat “Advancing Sustainable and Affordable Housing in Nigeria: Navigating Macro-Economic, Legislative, and Policy Frontiers” is so apt.

10.    This is because the theme emphasizes the need for all players to find ways to NAVIGATE the macro, legal and policy bottlenecks. This speaks to the need for innovation. It speaks to the need for creativity. And it speaks to the need for effective leadership at every point in the value chain. This is because leaders are supposed to make progress despite challenges. Leaders are supposed to navigate the complexities of situations to make progress.

11.    I make bold to say that even in the midst of these persistent challenges, it is possible to make progress. As the MD/CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, we were able to innovate despite challenges to post results in five years that surpassed the 25-years before we came on board.

12.    I am well aware that the cost of funds is a major macro-economic issue that has made the interest rate on commercial mortgages so high, thereby affecting affordability. This is an issue that reflects the state of the national economy and I want to assure you that the Renewed Hope Vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is particular about growing the economy and creating a more friendly environment that would support the growth of the sector.

13.    So, while the government works to fix this macro-economic challenge, I still believe that as CEOs of mortgage banks, you can still find creative ways to develop innovative mortgage products that are responsive to the current state of Nigeria’s economic situation. This includes adopting rent to own mortgage options, flexible monthly mortgage loan repayments to make commercial loans more affordable.

14.    I note with concern that the Capital Market has not been maximally tapped to raise long term funds to refinance mortgage loans and to explore more creative ways to make mortgages more affordable even as we work to fix the larger macro-economic problems. As leaders, we must not only see provision of housing and home loans from a business and profit motive, but also see expanding access to affordable mortgages as a moral imperative. So, we must do all we can even in these difficult times to ensure that not only the elites, but Nigerians within the low- and medium-income segments have access to affordable mortgages.
15.    On the government side, the message that I bring from His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is that he is ready to break the jinx of macro-economic, legislative and policy issues that have held down the growth of effective housing delivery in our country. He is ready to work with all stakeholders including MBAN to implement a holistic housing reform program to chart a new, progressive, and innovative path forward for the mortgage sector.
16.    Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, our goal is to ensure that as years go by, we are systematically tackling all these persistent issues and consigning them into the annals of history so that we can ensure increased access to affordable housing for Nigerians.
17.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development we aim to implement the most historic housing sector reforms the country has ever witnessed.
18.    A notable part is the implementation of comprehensive land reforms towards streamlining land administration and ensuring easy, cost effective and efficient access to land in our country.
19.    We have composed and secured Presidential consent to inaugurate a land reforms team comprising state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, industry experts to ensure buy-in and inclusivity.
20.    With their recommendations we will draft an Executive Bill and proceed to the National Assembly for the amendment of the obsolete Land Use Act 1978 that has hindered the development of the housing sector.
21.    In line with our policy of building on existing knowledge so we can move at a faster pace to deliver value, we recently invited and met with the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms. And I must say that it was a wise decision to do so. This is because we now have access to the comprehensive work, they have done over the past 14 years on Land Reforms in our country. Immediately after the meeting we set up an Internal Ministerial Committee to review and recommend for inclusion in our land reforms strategy relevant parts of their recommendations. Part of this will be the establishment of the National Land Commission to spell out the guidelines and regulations for operationalizing the Land Use Act, 1978.
22.    Currently, we have a situation where the Land Use Act was enacted but there was no complementary institution set up alongside it to provide the necessary framework, guidelines, and regulations for operationalizing it.
23.    This will improve land titling and boost Nigeria’s ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business where we currently rank 186th out of 190 countries.
24.    The second related reform is the nationwide adoption of the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law. The law is a housing industry stakeholder initiative that is focused on establishing an enabling environment for investment in real estate and the growth of mortgages. It provides contemporary provisions on the creation, registration, and enforcement. I must recognize and commend the critical role that MBAN has played in this regard.
25.    As of date, the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL) has been passed in only four (4) States, including Lagos, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Nasarawa States. We aim to drive its passage in all the states of the federation as part of the efforts to ensure that investments in the housing and mortgage sector are protected.
26.    We have also composed and secured presidential consent to inaugurate a Housing Institutions’ Reform Team comprising relevant agencies of Government, Professional/Regulatory Bodies, Academia, and Industry Experts to review some aspects of the existing laws listed below to align them with contemporary realities.
•    The Land Use Act, 1978.
•    National Housing Fund (NHF) Act, 1992.
•    Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993.
•    Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act 1973.
•    PenCom Act (to allow for increased investment in housing development); and
27.    I am happy to say MBAN has been included in the membership of our Reform Teams.
28.    The reforms and legislative amendments that the Housing Institution’s Reform Team will execute in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria.
29.    We are also working to boost building materials manufacturing in the country. This will ensure economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. On this too, we have composed a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team comprising of experts and representatives from relevant government agencies, academia, professional bodies, and industry experts. They will conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector and produce a strategic reform plan for implementation.  
30.    To increase the stock of housing supply, we have also composed and will inaugurate a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team. The Team will ensure that all housing agencies work together towards optimizing their capacities to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians. It comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals with expertise in housing development, urban planning, infrastructure, finance, and project management.
31.    Our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program seeks to deliver 40,000 housing units ranging from 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones of the country and FCT namely: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Enugu States. House types will include Multi-Level Flats to cater to low-medium income earners, Terrace and Detached Bungalows and Duplexes for the high-income earners. We will also have Renewed Hope Estates of 500 housing units per site in each of the remaining thirty (30) States. House Types include 1,2- and 3-bedroom affordable units.
32.    The projects will be financed by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and majorly through Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers. Ownership Options include Mortgage Loans, Rent-to-Own and Outright Purchase.
33.    We are also working to comprehensively upgrade our slums and embark on urban renewal. Under Phase 1 of the Slum Upgrading Programme, the Ministry plans a total of 26 sites nationwide. This includes four (4) sites in each of the six regions of the country totaling twenty-four (24) and two (2) in the FCT. The key services to be provided at the identified sites will include water supply, solar streetlights, rehabilitation of access roads, construction of drainages and waste management and sanitation services amongst others.
34.    It is important for me state that MBAN will be part of the offtake solution for these housing units at two levels. One as partner banks to the FMBN as retail outlets for NHF loans and as a partner to explore other commercial mortgage financing options especially through the capital market.

35.    Like I said earlier, as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I will continue to work closely with MBAN towards ensuring that all the issues that affect the development of the sector receive the highest consideration and treatment. I look forward to receiving the communique on the important resolutions and recommendations from this Annual Retreat for review and possible inclusion in our housing reform strategy.

36.    Together we can make progress. Together we can break barriers and unleash the potential of the housing market for economic and social transformation in Nigeria.

37.    I wish you all fruitful deliberations.

38.    Thank you.

Nov

30

2023

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT THE GROUNDBREAKING OF A 480 HOUSING UNIT PROJECT BY CITYGATE HOMES IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Protocols
1.    Good morning, ladies, and gentlemen,
2.    It is with pleasure that I stand before you today on this occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony of the remarkable 480-housing unit project by Citygate Homes here in the heart of Abuja. This groundbreaking event marks a significant contribution to our ongoing efforts to address the pressing need for adequate housing in our country.
3.    Housing is not merely a fundamental human need; it is the cornerstone upon which stable communities and vibrant societies are built. The provision of decent housing stands as a testament to a government's commitment to the welfare and well-being of its citizens. Today's groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to that commitment.
4.    The initiative taken by Citygate Homes aligns perfectly with the government's vision for sustainable urban development. This project embodies the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, showcasing how partnerships can drive impactful change and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.
5.    In a rapidly growing city like Abuja, the demand for housing has surged, and it is our collective responsibility to respond to this need. I commend Citygate Homes for their dedication and investment in this endeavor. This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community.
6.    Furthermore, I want to emphasize the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in urban development. As we move forward, it is imperative that our housing projects incorporate eco-friendly designs, embrace technological advancements, and cater to the diverse needs of our society, including the low- and medium-income earners.
7.    In this regard, I will request that the Management of City Gate Homes earmark a certain percentage of the 480-homes as affordable housing with price tags that average Nigerians can afford to buy.
8.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am an advocate of affordable housing with the focus on the average Nigerian worker, who are indeed, the majority.
9.    However, I recognize that all Nigerians across all income segments desire access to decent housing and must applaud City Gate for tapping into this market segment. The approach that we are promoting at the Ministry is building integrated communities with housing types that reflect the diverse income segments of our society using cross subsidies. This way we aim to sell high-end homes at market rates and deploy the profits towards subsidizing the units for low and medium income households. This enhances inclusivity.
10.    I therefore urge all stakeholders involved in this project to ensure adherence to the highest standards of quality, timely execution, and transparency throughout its development phases. Let us work together to make these 480 housing units a reality, ensuring they become homes that foster happiness, security, and a sense of belonging for the families who will reside here.
11.    In closing, I want to commend the Management of Citygate Homes for their dedication to the task of housing Nigerians and to everyone present today for their support. Together, let us continue to strive towards building a future where every citizen has access to affordable and dignified housing.

12.    Thank you.

Nov

29

2023

Ministry to Partner IOD Centre for Corporate Governance on Staff Training and Capacity Building

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is set to enter into collaboration with the Institute of Directors’ Centre for Corporate Governance to provide training and capacity building for its staff. The move is intended to optimise the processes of both the Ministry and its agencies and bolster their outlook by entrenching professionalism and enhancing their corporate governance.

This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa during a courtesy visit by the institute to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa at his office in the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The Minister underscored the important role the institute plays in enhancing professionalism in the workplace, promoting good governance practices, and boosting performance across sectors.

“We would leverage your capacities and resources to boost professionalism and effective leadership at all levels within the Ministry and Agencies towards powering our Action Plan for Housing and Urban Development. We hope that we can do this through periodic retreats, seminars, brainstorming sessions to empower our professionals with the right leadership techniques.

“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we intend to build a Ministry of Housing and Urban Development that embraces the performance-driven culture of the private sector so that we can more effectively deliver homes and livable communities for Nigerians,” he said.

Dangiwa noted that the most important resource in any establishment is the human resource, and all personnel must be empowered with the requisite skillsets, mentality, and attitude to bring about positive change and transformation. He added that the IoD is a trusted resource that has been instrumental in boosting efficiency for optimal performance across organisations in Nigeria.

“The ideals that the Center promotes align seamlessly with the fundamental principles that underpin effective and responsible leadership. This includes Integrity, Meritocracy, Professionalism, Accountability and Probity, Customer Centricity and Teamwork. I recall that as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) IoD was a strong partner and insightful resource during the series of Board/Management Retreats and Capacity Building/Training programs that we carried out.

“During these sessions we sought to build a new culture of high performance that delivers results even while confronting systemic and institutional bottlenecks. I believe that the robust contributions and input from IoD helped to bring clarity to our initiatives and increase staff capacity. All these resulted in the historic performance that I was able to lead the Management to record within our five years at the Bank. I am proud to say that what we achieved in five years at FMBN was far more than what previous managements had achieved in 25 years before we came on board,” he said.

On his part, leader of the delegation and Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute, Urum Eke noted that the purpose of the visit was to offer useful tools to the Ministry and seek the Minister’s intervention in ensuring that agencies such as the FMBN and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) take advantage of their expertise to position themselves for growth.

“It is clear to us that, with respect to housing and urban development, government does not have the wherewithal to do the massive work that is needed. What that means is that you’ll certainly be doing more of Public-Private Partnerships. However, no private sector partner will put his money in a parastatal, agency or company where there is no strong corporate governance; that is clear. Corporate governance is at the root of corporate performance, so we want to urge you to prevail on the agencies under the Ministry to take advantage of what we offer” he said.

Nov

28

2023

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT THE MEETING WITH THE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS (IoD) AT THE MINISTRY’S HEAD OFFICE IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023

Protocols
1.    First, I would like to thank the Board of Governor led by Mr. U.K. Eke, MFR, FIoD of the IoD Center for Corporate Governance for paying me this courtesy visit.
2.    I am a very proud member of the Center, so I know and acknowledge the good and important work that you are doing in promoting good governance practices in Nigerian companies and the Public Sector.
3.    The ideals that the Center promotes align seamlessly with the fundamental principles that underpin effective and responsible leadership. This includes Integrity, Meritocracy, Professionalism, Accountability and Probity, Customer Centricity and Teamwork.
4.    I recall that as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) IoD was a strong partner and insightful resource during the series of Board/Management Retreats and Capacity Building/Training programs that we carried out.
5.    During these sessions we sought to build a new culture of high performance that delivers results even while confronting systemic and institutional bottlenecks.
6.    I believe that the robust contributions and input from IoD helped to bring clarity to our initiatives and increase staff capacity. All these resulted in the historic performance that I was able to lead the Management to record within our five years at the Bank.
7.    I am proud to say that what we achieved in five years at FMBN was far more than what previous managements had achieved in 25 years before we came on board.
8.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I plan to continue this collaboration with IoD.
9.    Fortunately, the FMBN is under the supervision of our Ministry, so we are going to promote and encourage that engagement. We will do the same for the Federal Housing Authority.
10.    We would leverage your capacities and resources to boost professionalism and effective leadership at all levels within the Ministry and Agencies towards powering our Action Plan for Housing and Urban Development.
11.    We hope that we can do this through periodic retreats, seminars, brainstorming sessions to empower our professionals with the right leadership techniques.
12.    In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we intend to build a Ministry of Housing and Urban Development that embraces the performance-driven culture of the private sector so that we can more effectively deliver homes and livable communities for Nigerians.
13.    I acknowledge the challenges and past failed attempts in the housing sector. But I am hopeful that by leveraging the wealth of expertise of groups such as the IoD Center for Corporate Governance, and the cooperation of our Directors and Ministry staff, we shall deliver the Renewed Hope vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the housing and urban development sectors.
14.    Thank you all for your attention.

Nov

23

2023

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ON THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF FEDERAL HOUSING AUTHORITY AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE ABUJA ON 23RD  NOVEMBER 2023.

Protocols
1.    I would like to start by congratulating the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Nigeria’s oldest housing institution, on this occasion of its 50th anniversary celebration.
2.    I also want to congratulate the Management and staff – retired and present – of FHA for keeping the fire of its mandate burning through these 50 years despite systemic, human-made and macroeconomic challenges.
3.    While we mark 50 years it is important for us to confront the truth of its history to learn the lessons from there. It is only based on this basis that we can begin the process of building a new FHA that delivers on its mandate.
4.    In 1973, the Federal Housing Authority was created with the mandate to provide housing to low- and medium-income earners nationwide. These functions were further expanded under the 2012 National Housing Policy to include the following key provisions.
•    To develop and manage real estate on a commercial basis in all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
•    To provide sites and services for all income groups.
•    To execute housing programmes in the public interest as may be approved by the Federal Government and
•    To mobilize offshore funding for housing development.

5.    Pursuant to the re-defined roles, the National Council on Privatization in May 2013, approved FHA’s commercialization. The aim was to reduce the magnitude and scope of financial support of the Federal Government and allow the Authority to adapt to changing business requirements. At this time FHA had only managed to deliver 37,000 houses in its 40 years of existence.
6.    Now, ten years after commercialization, records show that FHA has only delivered a cumulative of just over 50,000 housing units. That shows an average of 1,000 houses per year in 50 years. This is clearly not acceptable, especially from Nigeria’s foremost housing agency that has so many institutional advantages that it can leverage to deliver more results. This includes free access to land from the federal government in all layouts and new districts, relationships with other government entities like the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and strategic positioning to engage in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with reputable developers given its name recognition as a government agency.  

Last month, during the Shelter Afrique EGM in Algeria, I discovered from my engagements with the Algerian Government that an Agency like the FHA delivers between 400,000 and 1m houses annually. In fact, in a particular year, that Agency delivered 1,060,000 houses.  This underscores the need for FHA to aggressively upscale its delivery capacity.

7.    I am also pained to say that analysis of all the PPPs that the FHA has entered into over the years have delivered little or no value to the country. This is also not acceptable. FHA needs to wake up to its responsibilities.  

8.    We have a serious housing crisis and current efforts; speed of delivery and strategies must be increased to meet the challenge. FHA must see this 50 years anniversary as a moment of soul-searching and resolve that the next 50 years will tell a different story. Like they say, we cannot change the past, but we can shape the future by doing things differently.

9.    What we need at FHA is leadership that is visionary and can innovate, think outside the box, while tackling problems. We can see this from the progressive, agenda setting and performance-driven leadership style of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
10.    His leadership is gradually re-setting Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and economic prosperity. It is this sort of leadership that Mr. President demands for the housing and urban development sector, which we must all collectively provide.
11.    So, today, we are celebrating the Renewed Hope for the Federal Housing Authority. The fact that FHA is marking its 50th anniversary just six months into the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is not only a pleasant coincidence, but a golden opportunity for us to begin the process of writing a different, more progressive story for the next 50-years of the institution.
12.    Under the Renewed Hope Vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we want to see a reformed, more efficient, and capable Federal Housing Authority (FHA) that would have the financial strength to deliver more on its mandate.
13.    FHA is the one agency that has the license to play in all income segments, so the ministry expects the FHA to make judicious use of this advantage in the broad strategy of the government to deliver housing to Nigerians. I want to see the FHA go to the capital market, issue bonds, and raise funding to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, payback the loans, and declare profit. In the next fifty years, we expect that FHA would be celebrating millions of homes built and successfully delivered to Nigerians.
14.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am ready to provide the necessary leadership that is required to move FHA forward. This includes granting the necessary Ministerial support for FHA to access funding from international development finance institutions such as Shelter Afrique.
15.    We can do this because we have a President who is a gamechanger. He has the political will to break all systemic barriers that have prevented government agencies such as FHA from delivering on their mandates and playing their role in moving Nigeria forward.   
16.    As part of our plans to ensure that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver on our target of providing affordable homes to Nigerians, we have composed a Housing Reform Team of experts, stakeholders, agency representatives, professional bodies, and academia to develop a robust framework for reform of the housing sector including thorough review of relevant laws and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments. This includes the following:
a.    The Land Use Act, 1978
b.    National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992
c.    Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993
d.    Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act,1973
e.    PenCom Act to allow for increased investment in housing.
f.    Driving Nationwide adoption and passage of the foreclosure law in states.

17.    We have secured the Presidential consent and will be inaugurating the Team within the next two weeks with a mandate to deliver their reports within two months. It is important to say that we are not trying to re-invent the wheel but to build on the existing body of industry knowledge. What we have lacked over the years is the POLITICAL WILL to implement them, which we now have in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

18.    I believe that the reforms and legislative amendments that the Housing Reform Team will execute in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of housing and urban development in Nigeria. This will give birth to a new FHA and other housing agencies that are fully empowered with the legal and financial capacity to deliver on their mandates.

19.    We are also working to implement the much-needed reforms that will ensure quick, easy, and efficient access to land. We have composed and secured Presidential consent to inaugurate a land reforms committee comprising state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, stakeholders to ensure buy-in and inclusivity.

20.    With their recommendations we will draft an Executive Bill and proceed to the National Assembly for the amendment of the obsolete Land Use Act 1978 that has hindered the development of the housing sector.

21.    In line with our policy of building on existing knowledge so we can move at a faster pace to deliver value, we invited and met with the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms. And I must say that it was a wise decision to do so. This is because we now have access to the comprehensive work they have done over the past 14 years on Land Reforms in our country. Immediately after the meeting we set up an Internal Ministerial Committee to review and recommend for inclusion in our land reforms strategy relevant parts of their recommendations. Part of this will be the establishment of the National Land Commission to spell out the guidelines and regulations for operationalizing the Land Use Act, 1978.

22.    On policy implementation we have called up and met with the FMDQs on the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that was launched in May this year. We have reviewed the document thoroughly towards identifying initiatives for inclusion in our plans for implementation.

23.    In line with the Renewed Hope plan to ensure that all Nigerians including the NO INCOME, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation, we are also creating the framework for the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF). This is because we believe that access to decent shelter is a not only a necessity but a human right and that all Nigerians across all income segments deserve a decent home to live and grow.

24.    We have also prioritized building materials manufacturing in the country. This will ensure economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. To ensure success, we have composed a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team comprising of experts and representatives from relevant government agencies, academia, professional bodies, and industry associations. They will conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector and produce a strategic plan for reforming the sector for implementation. We plan to inaugurate the Team very soon. Our plan is to build six (6) building materials manufacturing hubs, one in each of the six (6) regions of the country.

25.    To increase the stock of housing supply, we have also composed and will inaugurate a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team. The Team will ensure that all housing agencies including FHA work together towards optimizing their strengths to increase the stock of quality houses to Nigerians. The Team comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals with expertise in housing development, urban planning, infrastructure, finance, and project management.

26.    FHA will also play a key role in our New City Development Plan. Here the Ministry plans to lead partnerships with the private sector, local and international investors, towards redefining the concept of cities in Nigeria and decongesting city centers and state capitals in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

27.    The first phase of the New City Development Plan aims to deliver Renewed Hope Cities ranging from 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones of the country and FCT namely: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Enugu States, while the remaining thirty (30) States will have Renewed Hope Estates each with a minimum of 500 housing units.

28.    The Renewed Hope Cities will have inclusivity at their core: They will include Multi-Level Flats to cater to low-medium income earners; Terrace and Detached Bungalows and Duplexes for the high-income earners. The Renewed Hope Estates will have 1,2- and 3-bedroom affordable bungalows.

29.    Overall, we aim to deliver under this phase 1, a total of 40,000 homes from a mix of sponsors comprising the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and through Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers in the delivery of the new cities.
30.    Ownership Options include Mortgage Loans, Rent-to-Own and Outright Purchase.

31.    At 25 jobs per unit, the first phase of the project will create direct and indirect 1,000,000 jobs helping to achieve the target to lift 1million Nigerians out of poverty.

32.    Under Phase 1 of the Slum Upgrading Programme, the Ministry plans a total of 26 sites nationwide. This includes four (4) sites in each of the six regions of the country totaling twenty-four (24) and two (2) in the FCT. The key services to be provided at the identified sites will include water supply, solar streetlights, rehabilitation of access roads, construction of drainages and waste management and sanitation services amongst others.
33.    The Federal Housing Authority has a major role to play in our ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ for housing and urban development. So, getting FHA to fulfill its mandate is a priority to us. We will encourage the Authority to operate optimally. We will drive the process for the release of the Take- off grant proposed for the Authority prior to its partial commercialization.
34.    As an agency that is not on the budget, we will strengthen FHA to be able to source private sector funds -locally and internationally – to drive its operations. What I want the FHA to know is that being partially commercialized and not being on the budget is a good thing. It gives you the latitude to become more creative and innovative in tapping financing for your activities.
35.    On this note, once again, I thank you all for joining us to mark the 50th Anniversary of Nigeria’s oldest housing institution and to celebrate the Renewed Hope for a more impactful and progressive FHA. It’s the Renewed Hope Era and all federal agencies must be primed to fire on all cylinders towards meeting Nigeria’s housing needs.
36.    Thank you all.

Nov

22

2023

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 63RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS IN ABUJA ON 22ND NOVEMBER 2023.

Protocols:

1.    Esteemed Members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, distinguished guests, and friends.
2.    I extend my warmest greetings to each of you gathered here today on the occasion of the 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the inauguration of Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi as the 30th President of this esteemed institution.
3.    This event marks a significant milestone in the history of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. Architecture, beyond the sheer construction of buildings, stands as a testament to the fusion of art, science, and functionality. It is the manifestation of our aspirations, shaping the physical landscape and transcending the realms of aesthetics to profoundly impact human lives.
4.    In the rich tapestry of our nation’s architectural heritage, architects are the custodians of innovation, sustainability, and societal progress. The built environment reflects our cultural identity and bears the responsibility of creating spaces that foster community, inclusivity, and wellbeing for all.
5.    The Nigerian Institute of Architects stands as a beacon of excellence, embodying the values of professionalism, integrity, and creativity. Throughout its distinguished history, the institute has been a cradle for nurturing talent, fostering collaboration, and advocating for the highest standards of architectural practice.
6.    Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi’s ascendancy to the presidency signifies a new chapter in the institute’s journey. Her leadership qualities, coupled with a wealth of experience, will undoubtedly steer the institute toward greater heights of achievement. I am confident that under her guidance, the Nigerian Institute of Architects will continue to be a trailblazer, shaping the architectural landscape of our nation and beyond.
7.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I want to assure the Institute of our commitment to implementing historic reforms that will reset the housing and urban landscape of the country.
8.    His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has a bold vision for the sector and is committed to backing it up with the necessary political will to break down all barriers that discourage investment in the sector.
9.    At the Ministry, I have taken Mr. President’s vision and am determined to actualize it.  We want to drive through initiatives that will create an enabling environment for easier, safer, and profitable private sector investments in the sectors.
10.    Top on our agenda is establishing credible, scientific, and reliable housing data for planning and policy formulation.
11.    For years, our nation has grappled with conflicting and unsubstantiated figures regarding this crisis. The range of estimates, varying from 17 million to 28 million, has not only been a source of embarrassment but also a hindrance to effective policymaking and strategic planning.
12.    We plan to fix this national embarrassment by developing and implementing a mechanism to deliver reliable housing data to guide policy formulation. We have begun a strategic collaboration with the National Population Commission on housing data. The plan is to work with the Commission to design and implement survey instruments specifically tailored to address housing-related questions to arrive at the actual housing deficit during their upcoming population and housing census exercise.
13.    We understand clearly that the housing deficit is not solely about the quantity of structures but also about the quality of living conditions. So, we want to know whether the homes that Nigerians live in provide access to good sanitation, proper toilets, sufficient living spaces, a healthy environment, and other essential amenities. We have written to Mr. President and we are hopeful that with his approval for the conduct of the Census, we should fix this problem and put an end to this national embarrassment.
14.    To ensure that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver on your target of providing affordable homes to Nigerians, we have composed a Housing Reform Team of experts, stakeholders, agency representatives, professional bodies and academia to develop a robust framework for reform of the housing sector including thorough review of relevant laws and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments.
15.    This includes the Land Use Act of 1978, National Housing Fund (NHF) Act 1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act 1993, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act 1973, PenCom Act to allow for increased investment in housing and the nationwide adoption and passage of the foreclosure law in states.
16.    The reforms and legislative amendments that the Reform Team will execute in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of housing and urban development in Nigeria.
17.    We have also composed a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team that will ensure that all housing agencies work collaboratively together towards optimizing their strengths to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.
18.    In line with the Renewed Hope vision, we are also leading the much-needed reforms to ensure quick, easy, and efficient access to land, we have defined a framework for implementing historic land reforms that would unlock estimated $300bn in dead capital. Our aim is to ensure that Nigerians have legal titles over their land so they can use it to access credit for their business. Over 97% of land in Nigeria do not have titles thereby limiting its potential as an economic resource. We have engaged the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) and committed to reviewing and incorporating relevant recommendations.
19.    A key part of this includes the establishment of a National Land Commission. The Commission will provide the guidelines and regulations for operationalizing the Land Use Act 1978. This will help streamline land administration.
20.    To drive this process, we have composed a land reforms committee comprising state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, stakeholders to ensure buy-in and inclusivity. With their recommendations we will draft an Executive Bill and proceed to the National Assembly for the amendment of the obsolete provisions in Land Use Act 1978.
21.    In line with the Renewed Hope Vision to ensure that all Nigerians including the NO INCOME, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation, we are creating the framework for the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF) for your consideration and approval. We believe that access to decent housing is a human right, and all Nigerians deserve access to quality shelter.
22.    We also plan to boost building materials manufacturing in the country towards ensuring economic growth, creating jobs, reducing dependency on imports, and lowering the cost of construction materials and housing delivery.
23.    Our plan is to build six (1) Building Materials Hubs in each geo-political zone in the country. The hubs will be provided with relevant facilities, including access roads, electricity, fit for purpose housing and relevant linkages for manufacturers to site their firms and operate.
24.    To this end we have already composed a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team comprising of experts and representatives from relevant government agencies, academia, professional bodies, and industry associations. Primarily, their job is to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector and produce a strategic plan for reforming the sector for implementation. We have already identified a set of consultants for prototype design of the hubs to be located one in each geo-political zone.
25.    In doing all these, we recognize the indispensable role of architects as key stakeholders in this endeavor. Our partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Architects will remain steadfast as we work hand in hand to devise innovative solutions, implement policies that promote sustainable development, and create environments that enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
26.    I extend my sincere congratulations to Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi on assuming the esteemed role of President and commend the institute for its unwavering dedication to advancing the architectural profession in Nigeria.
27.    May this gathering serve as a catalyst for renewed collaboration, innovation, and collective action toward building a brighter, more sustainable future for our nation.
28.    Thank you.

Feb

22

2024

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT A MEETING WITH THE NEW MANAGEMENT TEAMS OF THE FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA (FMBN) AND THE FEDERAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (FHA) ON MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2024

Protocols

1.    It is my pleasure to welcome on board what I call The Renewed Hope Executive Management Teams of Nigeria’s two premier federal housing agencies – The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
2.    These appointments, by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on Thursday, 15th February 2024 mark the beginning of a renewed hope era at these two agencies.
3.    So, before we proceed, let us take the National Pledge to mark the seriousness of the moment.
4.    Like I said earlier, this is the renewed hope era for housing and urban development. All of you who have been honored and privileged to lead these institutions must align with the vision. In doing your work you must put Nigeria first. You must make Nigerians the center of the work that you do. And you must ensure that we deliver results.
5.    You must thank Mr. President for giving you this national assignment. He has carefully selected you based on your pedigree, experience, and capacity to contribute towards the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development.
6.    So, you must see your appointments first, as a privilege to be chosen out of millions of Nigerians, second as a call to serve the country at a very trying time, and third as an opportunity to be part of the historic transformation of the sector under the leadership of Mr. President.
7.    You have a responsibility to approach your work as Managing Directors and Executive Directors with the urgency that is required. The inefficiencies of the past decades have compounded the problems that we face in the housing industry today. As you all know, to have a strong a strong economy, better life, the housing sector must work to create jobs, contribute to GDP and boost health and productivity.
8.    His Excellency understands the importance of housing, its catalytic role to national development and economic growth. That is why he made the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development a standalone Ministry and is moving with speed to reform the housing sector.
9.    The two institutions that you now lead are Nigeria’s oldest federal government-owned housing delivery agencies. These institutions are not in good form. You are coming on board as doctors who would help to fix them, so that they can be strong, and have the capacity to meet the need of Nigerians for housing so Mr. President can deliver on his promise.
10.    I will start with the Federal Housing Authority which was set up in 1973. I remember that we marked the 50th year anniversary last year. I used the word “marked” deliberately because after 50-years, there was not much to celebrate.
11.    Like I said at the event, it is important for us to confront the truth of FHA’s history to learn the lessons from there. I therefore expect the new FHA Management to be mindful of this. It is only on this basis that we can begin the process of building a new FHA that delivers on its mandate.
12.    As you may recall, in 1973, FHA was created with the mandate to provide housing to low- and medium-income earners nationwide. These functions were further expanded under the 2012 National Housing Policy to include the following key provisions.
1.    To develop and manage real estate on a commercial basis in all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
2.    To provide sites and services for all income groups.
3.    To execute housing programmes in the public interest as may be approved by the Federal Government and
4.    To mobilize offshore funding for housing development.
13.    Pursuant to the re-defined roles, the National Council on Privatization in May 2013, approved FHA’s commercialization. The aim was to reduce the magnitude and scope of financial support of the Federal Government and allow the Authority to adapt to changing business requirements. At this time FHA had only managed to deliver 37,000 houses in its 40 years of existence.
14.    Ten years after commercialization, records show that FHA has only delivered a cumulative of just over 50,000 housing units. That shows an average of 1,000 houses per year in 50 years. This is clearly not a good result, especially from Nigeria’s foremost housing agency that has so many institutional advantages that it can leverage to deliver more results. This includes free access to land from the federal government in all layouts and new districts, relationships with other government entities like the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and strategic positioning to engage in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with reputable developers given its name recognition as a government agency.  
15.    PPPs that the FHA has entered over the years have delivered little or no value to the country.  We have a serious housing crisis and current efforts; speed of delivery and strategies must be increased to meet the challenge. The new FHA Management must ensure that it sets a different and progressive tone for the agency under the renewed hope era. I expect you to provide leadership that is visionary, can innovate, think outside the box, while tackling problems. I want to see a reformed, more efficient, and capable Federal Housing Authority (FHA) that would have the financial strength to deliver more on its mandate.
16.    As you may be aware, FHA is the one agency that has the license to play in all income segments, so the Ministry expects the FHA to make judicious use of this advantage in the broad strategy of the government to deliver housing to Nigerians. I want to see the FHA go to the capital market, issue bonds, and raise funding to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, payback the loans, and declare profit. In the next fifty years, we expect that FHA would be celebrating millions of homes built and successfully delivered to Nigerians.
17.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am ready to provide the necessary leadership that is required to move FHA forward. This includes granting the necessary Ministerial support for FHA to access funding from international development finance institutions such as Shelter Afrique. The Shelter Afrique Development Bank Board and Management Team are currently on a working mission to Nigeria. I have asked them to meet with both FHA and FMBN later today to map out points of partnerships.
18.    The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is also critical to the actualization of the Renewed Hope Vision for Housing. Its own case holds personal significance to me. I remember years ago; I was here at the Ministry after my appointment as MD/CE of FMBN to report to my predecessor. Then I was on the other side. Today I am on this side. That is the way of God, and I am thankful to Mr. President for the opportunity and the promotion. This is the first time someone moved from being MD of FMBN to Minister of Housing.
19.    Like I said at the 2024 Annual Management Retreat recently, this is another God given opportunity to take FMBN to the next level. My charge to the new Management Team is the same as the one I gave the outgone Management; you will be seeing a lot of pressure from me. This is because I expect you to do ten times better than I did.
20.    What this means is that FMBN must transform. FMBN must innovate. And FMBN must lead a new era of massive housing development and delivery even in these difficult times of high construction costs and lower incomes. This requires a radically new mindset, thinking out of the box and identifying the opportunities that these challenges present.
21.    For me FMBN faces several fundamental challenges that must be dealt with, and we have already set the ball rolling with the inauguration of the Housing Institutions’ Reform Task Teams under the Chairman of Adesemoye with representatives from the Bank.
22.    As you are all aware the task of the Tast Team is to develop a robust framework for ensuring that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver effectively on the Renewed Hope Vision for the provision of quality, decent and affordable homes to Nigerians.
23.    This includes a thorough review and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments of relevant housing industry laws including the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993. A lot of work has already been done in this regard, having achieved successful passage of the amendments to the two Bills during my stewardship as MD/CE of the Bank by the two chambers of the National Assembly while Presidential assent was declined.  
24.    The Housing Institution Reform Task Team comprises housing industry experts, stakeholders, agency representatives, professional bodies, and academia. The reforms and legislative amendments that the Reform Team will carry out in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria.
25.    FMBN is also a key part of the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team which we inaugurated. The aim is to ensure that all housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development work collaboratively towards optimizing their strengths to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.
26.    I expect strong participation of the FMBN in this Team as it is expected to outline frameworks for synergy between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) and propose processes to eliminate bottlenecks in housing development to increase the national housing stock, amongst others.
27.    But it is important to say that while these teams are working and we expect them to come up with blueprints in the next few weeks ahead, I expect the new Management to hit the ground running, giving each day in the office to the transformation process. This applies to FHA too. FMBN must work to improve customer service delivery and to do this requires the completion and full operationalization of the Core Banking Application.
28.    I am also committed to the N500billion Recapitalization of the Bank. Its been in the pipeline for too long. Now is the time to get it done.
29.    FMBN should also make greater effort towards reducing its non-performing loan portfolio and the clearance of backlog of its audited accounts. A major step to take in this regard to ensure efficient processing and approval of corresponding NHF loans for all completed projects to ensure effective offtake and inter-account settlement to clean up the Bank’s books.
30.    I also expect to see measurable progress in the implementation of the revised 5-Year Strategic Plan.
31.    Now to FMBN Statistics: Between 1992 and December 2023, FMBN had only delivered a meager 38,756 houses. This means over a 31-year time frame, FMBN was doing a yearly average of 1,250, just slightly better than FHA. The bank also disbursed a total of N426bn in mortgage loans and created about 24,629 mortgage loans.
32.    As it is with FHA, so it is with FMBN. What has been done is little compared to the size of the problem that we face.
33.    In fact, I am proud to say that the only bright spot in FMBN’s 31-year history based on facts and statistics that can be checked is my five-year term between 2017 to 2022 where I was able to post results that exceeded all that was achieved over the 25 preceding years of the Bank.
34.    And that is why the reform of the housing sector and that of federal housing agencies was made a key part of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
35.    So, I want you all to know that these appointments didn’t just happen out of the blue. They are part of a carefully planned Strategic Broad Renewed Hope Roadmap towards the actualization of Mr. President’s vision for the housing sector.
36.    Earlier I called you Renewed Hope Executive Management Teams of Federal Housing Agencies for three key reasons.
•    Nigerians have given Mr. President a mandate to provide decent and affordable housing to them and to fix urban development challenges.
•    Mr. President has given me that job to deliver using the FMBN and FHA as institutional tools.
•    You are the focal persons at these agencies tasked with making sure that Mr President's promise of increased housing to Nigerians is fulfilled.
37.    So, today, I am not telling you “Congratulations”.
38.    Your appointment is a privilege, and not an invitation to make merry and enrich yourselves.
39.    I have my deliverables and you are to fashion out ways to deliver on them. If you work hard and deliver, you will stay. If you don’t work hard and fail to deliver, you will leave before your term. I believe that is a strong message that Mr President has already passed across to all appointees. Don’t look at the 5-year term, look at your ability to meet the targets for every review session. Because when it comes to review and KPIs – I won't be looking at your faces. What we want is action, progress, improved customer service delivery and more Nigerians owning homes.
40.    16. Both the FMBN and FHA Management Teams must see this as a new beginning for real progress. This must reflect in the quantum of houses delivered and fully occupied by Nigerians.
41.    17. For the FMBN, we expect that you meet and exceed the targets in your Action Plan.
42.    The delivery of at least 5,000 new homes annually; with a significant portion of this through the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
43.    Disbursement of mortgage loans to at least 20,000 Nigerians annually, and this will mean quicker turnaround time and a more efficient customer service.
44.    Increased National Housing Fund (NHF) collection by expanding the subscription net for more Nigerians. You can achieve this by making it easier to accommodate more private sector players in the scheme.
45.    Speedy rollout of the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme to facilitate an increase in NHF collection and the provision of more houses to Nigerians.
46.    Up-to-date audited accounts and corporate stability to facilitate fruitful cooperation with financing institutions like Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
47.    For the FHA, I expect to see more flexibility and innovation in its operations rather than the usual, conventional, docile way of doing things.
48.    The ministry expects the FHA to make judicious use of its license to operate across all income segments in the broad strategy of the government to deliver housing to Nigerians.
49.    We expect to see the FHA get more funding from the capital market by issuing bonds to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, pay back the loans, and declare profit.
50.    We expect to see the FHA delivering a minimum of 5,000 houses annually to Nigerians.
51.    The FHA should also take advantage of its status as an agency without budgetary allocations to be inventive, partner with credible investors and local and international financing partners to deliver more houses to Nigerians.
52.    We will keep track as a Ministry and monitor your progress on a year-to-year basis. Like I said earlier, your KPIs are the only things that matter because we have a responsibility to Nigerians, and we cannot afford to fail.
53.    On our part, we will continue to work to strengthen your capacities and break down the limitations that hamper your performance.
54.    Let me, once again, reiterate the seriousness of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure the full implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development. We can already see that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is one of the signpost projects of his administration. He will not tolerate failure or mediocrity, and neither will I.
55.    24. I will be the first to acknowledge that you now carry a huge responsibility on your shoulders; one that is time-bound and measurable. I expect that you see this not just as an opportunity to write your name in the annals of history, but also to be a part of the team that looked the challenges to housing delivery in the face and overcame them with innovation, strong commitment, transparency, and a great sense of responsibility and urgency.
56.    This is because you have been called, selected, and appointed to serve Nigeria our country in those roles.
Thank you.

Feb

20

2024

FG Expresses Strong Displeasure at Cement Manufacturers, Says They Can Do More Despite Economic Headwinds

.....We Are Government, we have Options, says Minister of State

.....Sets up a Technical Committee to Review & Establish Validity of Cement Manufacturers’ Concern

.....To Present Valid Concerns to FEC for Consideration

The Federal Government has said cement manufacturers are not doing enough to stem the rising cost of cement in the country, stating that it will not accept a situation where the price of essential building materials like cement continue to rise uncontrollably. This was relayed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa when he summoned cement manufacturers to a meeting at the Ministry headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday 20th February 2024.

Arc. Dangiwa expressed displeasure over the steady, recurring, and alarming increase in the prices of cement and other building materials and accused the manufacturers of hiding behind unstable FOREX to inflict hardship on Nigerians. He described the situation as unacceptable and inimical to the country's growth, saying that the government cannot accept such illicit price hikes.

Dangiwa noted that the incessant hike has overtaken the country in the past few months, which has seen the price rise by over 100%, from N5,500 a few months ago to more than N10,000 today.

“This represents a 100 percent rise. And it is not only cement; we have also seen near-record high escalations in the prices of other building materials such as iron rods and other fittings. I recall that late last year, BUA Cement announced a commendable reduction in the price of cement from N5,500 to N3,500 per bag. I applauded the gesture, and several other stakeholders did too. But today, the reality is that of escalating cement prices. This is a crisis for housing delivery.

"An increase in essential building materials means an increase in the prices of houses. An increase in the cost of building houses means more and more Nigerians can no longer afford to own houses and provide decent shelter for themselves and their loved ones”, he noted.

Arc. Dangiwa charged the manufacturers to be honest in their dealings and desist from making life difficult for Nigerians. "We know that some of the key components of producing building materials, especially cement, are locally sourced, so the recurring disproportionate increase in the price of cement is unacceptable and unreasonable. Key input materials such as limestone, clay, silica sand, and gypsum within our borders should not be dollar-rated.

"You cannot continue to give excuses and blame it on the dollar all the time. The worst part is that other building materials manufacturers take a cue from cement manufacturers, and once they see that you increase your price, they do the same. Recently, this is happening almost every week, and it has to stop”, he said.

He noted that rather than make Nigerians bear the brunt in their quest to make a profit in the face of slight macroeconomic headwinds, cement manufacturers need to be innovative and come up with a roadmap as part of the committee that has been set up to tackle the challenges for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking further, he said the unfortunate situation poses a threat to housing delivery which is the main focus of the Ministry, and a priority of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. “For example, if we were planning to build a one-bedroom apartment for about N8 million, it will now cost twice that much, about N16 million to build. If a Nigerian could afford to own a home of N8 million, it would now be impossible to do so. We are also aware of several persons who have had to suspend construction work because of this development”, he said.

He added that the Ministry is alarmed by the current situation, especially considering the projects the Ministry has embarked on to provide affordable and social housing delivery to low- and medium-income earners and vulnerable members of society. “We have already awarded contracts for Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in 15 states of the Federation. There is also the PULAKU Initiative through which we intend to build at least 1,000 houses in seven (7) states affected by banditry. We are worried that the rising cost of cement and other building materials in the country will affect these plans”, he said.

He further directed the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, to get the committee working quickly and come up with recommendations based on the issues raised by manufacturers, so that they can be taken to the Federal Executive Council.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, called on the manufacturers to make some sacrifices in their operations, understanding that they have a corporate social responsibility to stand by Nigeria in difficult times. “This is not the time to focus too much on profit, but on our collective responsibility to the people of Nigeria.

“Cement manufacturers must realize that, as government, we have options, but we would not want it to get to the point where we have to use those options because it may not be good for local producers. That is not to say we do not have options. As the Minister said, the Federal Government placed a ban on cement importation in a bid to empower you to flourish, but that cannot happen at the detriment of Nigerians", he said.

In the meeting were the Group Chief Commercial Officer for Dangote Industries Limited, Rabiu Umar; Commercial Director for Lafarge Cement PLC, Gbenga Onimowo; and Secretary of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN), James Salako, among other top officials of the represented cement companies.

Feb

14

2024

Dangiwa Lauds Pulako Resettlement Programme for Displaced Nigerians

•    Thanks President Tinubu for trusting him with "crucial national assignment"

Following his inauguration as Chairman of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Pulako Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme aimed at revitalizing communities affected by banditry and displacements, by His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a "crucial national assignment".

Arc. Dangiwa thanked the President for trusting him with such an important task of overseeing the efforts towards providing succour to victims of banditry in the country. He noted that providing resettlement options and revitalizing affected communities are part of the government's commitment to decent shelter for the vulnerable in society.

The committee, inaugurated at the State House on Tuesday 13th February 2024, will initially focus on seven states that have been disproportionately affected by banditry and conflicts. They are Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna States.

The Minister said he considered the appointment as a huge responsibility which he is committed to delivering on as Chairman. 

"I am profoundly thankful to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his steadfast dedication to addressing systemic challenges to national unity, uplifting our nation, and ensuring the welfare and security of its citizens. Like several other programmes under the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, the Pulaku Initiative serves as a beacon of hope for a better and more inclusive Nigeria.

"As we embark on this significant undertaking, I am optimistic about the transformative impact that the Pulaku Resettlement Programme can have on our communities and our country. With the collective efforts of the State Governments, the distinguished committee members, and the support of stakeholders, I am confident that we can implement the initiative in a way that helps it create sustainable impact in the communities impacted by banditry crisis through the construction of residences, roads, schools, and provision of essential facilities to enhance living standards", Dangiwa said.

Other members of the Committee include representatives of governors of the benefiting states, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mamman Ahmadu; BUA Group, Dangote Group, and the Director General of NEMA, amongst others.

The Minister gave the assurance that he would work closely with all members of the committee towards actualizing the mandate.

Feb

08

2024

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Unveils Ambitious Nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme

●    Commends Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on plans to turn Nigeria into a huge construction site. 
●    Housing Minister reels out plans for more new cities ad estate developments in Abuja, Lagos, twelve other locations nationwide.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has officially launched the Nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme with the groundbreaking of a 3,112-housing unit project at the Karsana District in the Federal Capital Territory. The historic event which took place on Thursday, February 8, 2023 is in line with the government’s plans to provide decent, quality and affordable housing to Nigerians across all income brackets. 

The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, aims to revolutionize housing across the nation. In its initial phase, the Ministry plans to construct 50,000 housing units of diverse types, leveraging various funding streams such as budgetary allocations, support from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and strategic Public-Private Partnerships.

During the launch event, President Tinubu underscored the paramount importance of housing as a fundamental human right, emphasizing the government's duty to ensure its provision for all citizens. He lauded the Ministry's dedication to transforming Nigeria into a construction powerhouse, signaling a robust commitment to national development.

"I listened to the Minister say they are committed to transforming Nigeria into a giant construction site of Housing units.

"He has shown that he is an exemplary champion that understands how to use housing as a catalyst for economic resurgence and national development. We must all be positive about our country and work together so that we can win together", he said.

Addressing the audience, Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, reiterated the Ministry's unwavering commitment to actualizing the Renewed Hope Vision. He outlined plans to deliver 50,000 housing units nationwide, strategically distributed across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, catering to various income levels and housing needs.

Arc. Dangiwa further disclosed upcoming projects, including a 2,500-unit development in Ibeju-Lekki Coastal City, Lagos, and the establishment of Renewed Hope Estates in Kano and twelve other states. These initiatives, supported by government funding allocations, represent a significant step towards bridging the housing gap and promoting inclusive urban development.

“Under phase One, we plan to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria. The Cities will have 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones in the country and FCT, while the Estates will have 500 housing units per site in the remaining thirty (30) States. 

We have designed the Renewed Hope Cities as integrated living communities targeting all income brackets. They comprise one-bedroom blocks of flats, two-bedroom blocks of flats and three- bedroom blocks of flats; two-, three- and four-bedroom terraces, four-bedroom duplexes, and five-bedroom duplexes,” he said.

“On the other hand, we have conceptualized the Renewed Hope Estates to cater to low- and medium-income earners. They comprise one-, two-, and three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows. To enhance affordability and ease of offtake, we used organic designs where one bedroom can be expanded to two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms as the income of beneficiaries increase over time. 

Furthermore, the program aims to address social inequality by providing a broad range of affordable ownership options. This includes single digit and up to 30-year mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Rent-to-Own options where beneficiaries can move in and pay towards homeownership in monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments and Outright Purchase for high income earners” he added.

Expressing gratitude, Arc. Dangiwa acknowledged the president's crucial support, which included substantial budgetary allocations for housing and urban development initiatives. He also recognized the collaboration with other ministries and stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information and the FCT Minister, emphasizing the collective effort required to realize transformative change.

The Karsana project exemplifies the innovative PPP model, with developers financing construction while the Ministry facilitates off-taker arrangements through flexible homeownership options like Rent-to-Own and Mortgage schemes. This approach not only accelerates project implementation but also fosters an enabling environment for sustainable urban growth.

Arc. Dangiwa appealed for collaboration in infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of access roads to facilitate project execution and alleviate urban congestion. With a shared commitment to Renewed Hope, stakeholders stand poised to usher in a new era of prosperity and progress for all Nigerians.

Jan

23

2024

Housing Ministry Plans Training of Artisans in Building Sector

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development plans to train Artisans in the building sector to improve their capabilities.

The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa disclose this in Abuja while inspecting the ministry's Training Institute for Artisans in the building sector located in Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja 

Arch. Dangiwa said that the training when started would empower and enable Artisans to acquire robust skills in the building sector 

He added that participation would be drawn from selected Artisans such as Carpenters, Welders, Plumbers, Masons, Electricians and painters across the 36 States.

The Minister emphasizes the role of Artisans in building   industry and the economy at large as they contribute largely to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dangiwa who expressed satisfaction with the facilities on ground said necessary arrangements should be made for the completion of work in all the blocks so that training would be conducted on quarterly basis.

Earlier, the Minister inspected work at the site for the proposed Renewed Hope City at Karsana Estate phase 3 in Abuja which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to do the ground breaking in a few weeks time.

The Honourable Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi and Some Directors in the Ministry.
 

Jan

16

2024

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT THE INAUGURATION OF REFORM TASK TEAMS FOR THE ACTUALISATION OF THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA FOR HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE NAF CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA

Protocols

• Good morning, ladies, and gentlemen.
• I would like to sincerely welcome and thank you all for taking out time to be here with us at this historic event today. 
• We are gathered here as Nigerians, public and private sector players, stakeholders in the housing industry, management, and staff of housing development agencies.
• What unites us is the desire for Nigeria to have a vibrant, functional, and efficient housing industry that not only meets the shelter needs of Nigerians but also to unlock the massive potential of the sector for catalyzing inclusive economic growth.
• Over the 60 years of Nigeria’s independence, we have witnessed successive governments roll out series of housing development plans and policies. Despite these many plans, our country has sadly failed to meet the housing needs of Nigerians as we still grapple with a huge housing deficit. Housing sector contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) hasn’t moved in any significant way over the past several decades, housing development institutions are still only functioning at sub-optimal capacities, and the enabling housing laws are obsolete. 
• Researchers and experts have stated clearly that most of the housing plans and policies since Independence failed to deliver the expected results due in large part to a lack of political will on the side of the government.  
• The good news now is that our President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recognizes that to achieve the Renewed Hope Vision Target of building a 1Trillion-Dollar Economy, housing must be prioritized. This means undertaking comprehensive housing sector reforms that will ensure that systemic and prevalent issues that have caused under development are fixed, all legal impediments are removed, and the institutional frameworks of housing agencies necessary to ensure that they deliver optimally on their mandates to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians are reviewed and upgraded. 
• Mr. President has demonstrated a strong political will and an unmatched boldness to take steps towards breaking the jinx of underdevelopment in Nigeria in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda. 
• The first sign of this in the housing sector was his demerger of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from the Works Ministry. Second was his preference for a housing industry professional and his eventual choice of my humble self to lead delivery and implementation of his Renewed Hope Vision for the Housing Sector as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
• Alongside the Hon. Minister of State, my brother Alh. Tijani A. Gwarzo, I have taken this job with all sense of commitment and responsibility and pledged to work hard to deliver on the assignment working closely with all industry stakeholders. 
• Shortly, I will be taking a major foundational step necessary to implementing the historic reforms for actualizing the Renewed Hope Vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for Housing and Urban Development by inaugurating four (4) housing sector reform task teams. 
• First is the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team. The task of this Team is to develop a robust framework for ensuring that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver effectively on the Renewed Hope Vision for the provision of quality, decent and affordable homes to Nigerians.
• This includes a thorough review and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments of relevant housing industry laws including the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act,1973, and PenCom Act (to allow for increased investment in housing). The Team will also map out strategies for driving the nationwide adoption and passage of the model mortgage foreclosure law in States.
• The Housing Institution Reform Task Team comprises housing industry sector experts, stakeholders, agency representatives, professional bodies, and academia. The reforms and legislative amendments that the Reform Team will carry out in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria.
• Second is the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team. The aim is to ensure that all housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development work collaboratively towards optimizing their strengths to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.
• The Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals with expertise in housing development, urban planning, infrastructure, finance, and project management, amongst others. 
• They will outline frameworks for synergy between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) and propose processes to eliminate bottlenecks in housing development to increase the national housing stock, amongst others.
• Part of its Terms of Reference includes developing a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for the construction of at least 50,000 new houses per year for a start through multiple funding sources. 
• Third is the Land Reforms Task Team. This Team is tasked with developing a blueprint that will aid sustainable implementation of much-needed reforms necessary for streamlining land administration and ensuring easy, cost effective and efficient access to land in Nigeria. 
• This Task Team comprises state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, stakeholders/sector experts to ensure buy-in and inclusivity. The Team is to draw from the extensive work of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) which has been working for the past 14 years towards comprehensive reforms including the establishment of a National Land Commission.
• Fourth is the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is setting up the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda to boost building materials manufacturing in the country towards ensuring economic growth, creating jobs, reducing dependency on imports, and lowering the cost of construction materials and housing delivery. 
• The Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team is made up of sector experts, representatives from relevant government agencies, academia, and industry associations. 
• Primarily, their job is to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector in Nigeria, including existing facilities, capacities, and key players. They are to also identify challenges and opportunities within the sector. 
• The result will be a blueprint that will ensure sustainable implementation of reforms for the sector and the establishment of building materials manufacturing hubs in each of the six (6) geo-political zones across the country. This may include feasibility studies on the most viable locations for the hubs within each zone for siting of housing projects. 
• The Task Teams have been carefully constituted to include all relevant stakeholders, such as agencies of government, professional and regulatory bodies, the academia, industry experts, traditional rulers, and other groups. The goal is to tap from the wealth of knowledge and experience of these relevant sectors and individuals, and come up with strategies that are inclusive, wholesome, and can stand the test of time.
• I am well aware of the skepticisms that usually greet the constitution of work groups by government or its agencies. I am also aware that many Nigerians see such teams as a waste of time and resources because of many years of abuse and nonperformance on one hand, and the lack of willingness to implement the outcomes and resolutions of such teams on the other hand. However, I make bold to ask Nigerians to trust us. 
• The chairmen and members of these teams have been carefully selected. They are individuals of character who have exhibited professionalism, result-oriented leadership, and distinguished service in their various fields. I am confident that they will deliver, and the deliverables will form the foundation for a strong and vibrant housing and urban development sector we can all be proud of. From the Chairmen to the Sector experts to the housing industry stakeholders, we have done so from the basis of expertise, experience, and patriotism.
• We have chosen individuals who are not only knowledgeable, experienced, but also passionate about the development of the housing sector. These are people who over the years have been identified in the industry to be dissatisfied with the slow pace of development and share with me the urgent importance of getting things right.
• And getting it right is not rocket science. It is about sincerity of purpose, and the political will to do what is right for the benefit of Nigerians. This sincerity of purpose and political will we now have in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. 
• Additionally, we have the support of the National Assembly. From the Senate President, the Speaker, Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Housing and Urban Development, and stakeholders, we now have a historic alignment of critical stakeholders who believe that we are serious about doing things right and are ready to assist us to change the narrative for good. 
• With these I am confident that we shall succeed. I am assured that the work that the Task Teams will do and the recommendations that they will bring up will not end up in filing cabinets in the Ministry. We will Act on them with all sense of urgency. The recommendations should include clear Action Plans with deliverables and timelines. 
• And that is why we have proactively appointed Private Sector Consultants for each of the Task Teams. They will provide Technical Support for the Teams to ensure speedy access to needed resources, efficient harnessing and synthesis of deliberations, structured reporting, and timely delivery of stated Terms of Reference. 
• On this note, I encourage all members to see the work that they have been called up to do as part of making history. Several years away from today, when the history of Nigeria’s housing industry is written, it would be said that this event that we are witnessing today, the teams that we are inaugurating today and the Nigerians who are part of it, were the ones that laid the foundation for the historic transformation and development of Nigeria’s housing industry. So, I want to charge you all to give it your best for the good of Nigerians and for posterity.
• Dear chairmen and members, the trust we bestow on you today is a great honor. You carry on your shoulders the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians who expect us to do well as a Ministry and for the government of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to meet their aspirations having voted for him overwhelmingly at the polls. On our part, we will provide all the resources you need to the best of our abilities to ensure you deliver within the timelines stipulated in the Terms of Reference.
• Once again, I want to thank you for accepting to be a part of this national assignment. I also look forward earnestly to your recommendations in the coming eight weeks so we can begin the process of implementing them towards building a vibrant and efficient housing industry that delivers decent and affordable housing to Nigerians. 

Thank you.

Dec

21

2023

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE FHMUD MOU SIGNING WITH CONTINENTAL CIVIL AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED AND CEEZALI LIMITED ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023.

Protocols

Good morning, ladies, and gentlemen.
1.    I am really excited because after several months of strategic planning, engagements and hard work we are today set to record a significant milestone in our quest to deliver on the Renewed Hope Vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Housing and Urban Development.
2.    In a short moment we will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with a consortium comprising CONTINENTAL CIVIL AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED and CEEZALI LIMITED for the delivery of 100,000 housing units across Nigeria.
3.    The housing units are to be delivered under a Strategic Public Private Partnership (PPP) as part of our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program. Under the terms of this partnership the consortium will be the ones to provide construction finance and build the housing units to completion based on agreed housing designs and prices.
4.    The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on its side will facilitate provision of affordable mortgage loans to offtakers through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), facilitate the approval and the grant of all legal titles in select lands for the projects as part of its efforts to create an enabling environment for private sector investment in the housing sector.  
5.    Target beneficiaries are Nigerians in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy that contribute to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme.
6.    The 100,000-housing Renewed Hope Housing Project is to be implemented in two phases. Phase One will deliver 20,000 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while Phase Two will deliver 60,000 houses in select locations across the six geopolitical zones of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
7.    At 25 jobs per unit, this PPP will create 2,500,000 direct and indirect helping to achieve His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s target to lift 100million Nigerians out of poverty.
8.    The housing problem that Nigeria faces is massive, and I sincerely believe that the task of developing Nigeria’s housing sector, ensuring increased access to decent and affordable housing is a collective endeavor. It is a patriotic job that requires the contribution, and active participation of all stakeholders across the entire housing value chain - from developers, mortgage bankers, development finance institutions, and government-owned housing institutions. We are all part of the housing eco-system and all that we do in our various spaces and areas of responsibilities impact positively or negatively on our collective desire to build a better and functional housing system that works for Nigerians.  
9.    We recognize that we cannot tackle Nigeria’s housing problem from budgetary allocation. So, we have prioritized Public Private Partnerships as effective tools for complementing government efforts to bridge the housing deficit.
10.    And we aim to do it right. That is why we have developed a robust framework to ensure that each one that we as a Ministry enters is structured to succeed. Our PPP model involves transparent agreements, clear roles and responsibilities, and risk-sharing mechanisms to ensure accountability, fairness, and long-term sustainability.
11.    These partnerships enable leveraging the strengths of both the public and private sectors, fostering innovation, efficiency, and increased access to funding. By combining the resources, expertise, and creativity of both sectors, we plan to facilitate the development of affordable housing, infrastructure, and sustainable communities that align with the diverse needs of our populace. Our long-term goal is to address the housing shortage and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
12.    I would like to commend the leadership of the consortium CONTINENTAL CIVIL AND GENERAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED and CEEZALI LIMITED for their passion for this project. And I look forward to working with them towards ensuring that we deliver as spelt out in the MoU.
13.    With this MoU Signing, we are ending the year 2023 on a very strong note and setting a solid foundation for a strong start for the new year 2024.
14.    Thank you.

Dec

20

2023

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE MEETING WITH REGISTRARS OF PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BODIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023, IN ABUJA

1.    Protocols
2.    Honorable Chairmen/Presidents, esteemed Registrars, distinguished members of the Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN), and Town Planners Registration Board of Nigeria (TOPREC), it is with immense pleasure and honor that I welcome you all to this auspicious occasion.
3.    Your presence here today symbolizes the unity and collective dedication towards the advancement of the built environment in Nigeria. The collaboration and synergy between the government and professional regulatory bodies plays an integral role in steering our nation's housing and urban development agenda forward.
4.    As stakeholders in the built environment sector, your respective organizations play a pivotal role in ensuring professionalism, adherence to standards, and the promotion of sustainable development practices. The Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN), and Town Planners Registration Board of Nigeria (TOPREC) have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of our nation.
5.    Your commitment to upholding ethical standards, fostering innovation, and promoting continuous professional development among your members is commendable. The strides made in advancing the quality and safety of our built environment through your collective efforts have not gone unnoticed.
6.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I want to assure you all of my commitment to implementing historic reforms that will reset the housing and urban landscape of the country.
7.    His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has a bold vision for the sector and is committed to backing it up with the necessary political will to break down all barriers that discourage investment in the sector.
8.    At the Ministry, I have taken Mr. President’s vision and am determined to actualize it.  We want to drive through initiatives that will create an enabling environment for easier, safer, and profitable private sector investments in the sectors.
9.    Top on our agenda is establishing credible, scientific, and reliable housing data for planning and policy formulation.
10.    For years, our nation has grappled with conflicting and unsubstantiated figures regarding this crisis. The range of estimates, varying from 17 million to 28 million, has not only been a source of embarrassment but also a hindrance to effective policymaking and strategic planning.
11.    We plan to fix this national embarrassment by developing and implementing a mechanism to deliver reliable housing data to guide policy formulation. We have begun a strategic collaboration with the National Population Commission on housing data. The plan is to work with the Commission to design and implement survey instruments specifically tailored to address housing-related questions to arrive at the actual housing deficit during their upcoming population and housing census exercise.
12.    We understand clearly that the housing deficit is not solely about the quantity of structures but also about the quality of living conditions. So, we want to know whether the homes that Nigerians live in provide access to good sanitation, proper toilets, sufficient living spaces, a healthy environment, and other essential amenities.
13.    To ensure that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver on your target of providing affordable homes to Nigerians, we have composed a Housing Reform Team of experts, stakeholders, agency representatives, professional bodies and academia to develop a robust framework for reform of the housing sector including thorough review of relevant laws and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments.
14.    This includes the Land Use Act of 1978, National Housing Fund (NHF) Act 1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act 1993, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act 1973, PenCom Act to allow for increased investment in housing and the nationwide adoption and passage of the foreclosure law in states.
15.    The reforms and legislative amendments that the Reform Team will execute in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of housing and urban development in Nigeria.
16.    We have also composed a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team that will ensure that all housing agencies work collaboratively together towards optimizing their strengths to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.
17.    In line with the Renewed Hope vision, we are also leading the much-needed reforms to ensure quick, easy, and efficient access to land, we have defined a framework for implementing historic land reforms that would unlock estimated $300bn in dead capital. Our aim is to ensure that Nigerians have legal titles over their land so they can use it to access credit for their business. Over 97% of land in Nigeria do not have titles thereby limiting its potential as an economic resource. We have engaged the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) and committed to reviewing and incorporating relevant recommendations.
18.    A key part of this includes the establishment of a National Land Commission. The Commission will provide the guidelines and regulations for operationalizing the Land Use Act 1978. This will help streamline land administration.
19.    To drive this process, we have composed a land reforms team comprising state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, stakeholders to ensure buy-in and inclusivity. With their recommendations we will draft an Executive Bill and proceed to the National Assembly for the amendment of the obsolete provisions in Land Use Act 1978.
20.    In line with the Renewed Hope Vision to ensure that all Nigerians including the NO INCOME, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation, we are creating the framework for the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF) for your consideration and approval. We believe that access to decent housing is a human right, and all Nigerians deserve access to quality shelter.
21.    We also plan to boost building materials manufacturing in the country towards ensuring economic growth, creating jobs, reducing dependency on imports, and lowering the cost of construction materials and housing delivery.
22.    Our plan is to build six (1) Building Materials Hubs in each geo-political zone in the country. The hubs will be provided with relevant facilities, including access roads, electricity, fit for purpose housing and relevant linkages for manufacturers to site their firms and operate.
23.    To this end we have already composed a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team comprising of experts and representatives from relevant government agencies, academia, professional bodies, and industry associations. Primarily, their job is to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector and produce a strategic plan for reforming the sector for implementation. We have already identified a set of consultants for prototype design of the hubs to be located one in each geo-political zone.
24.    In doing all these, we recognize the indispensable role of all professional bodies in the built environment and requested that you send representatives in those reform teams. Our partnership with the professionals will remain steadfast as we work hand in hand to devise innovative solutions, implement policies that promote sustainable development, and create environments that enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
25.    I assure you of my ministry's unwavering support in creating an enabling environment that fosters growth and development within the built environment sector. We are committed to working hand in hand with your esteemed organizations to formulate policies that are responsive to the evolving needs of our nation and its citizens.
26.    Once again, I thank you for gracing us with your presence today, and I look forward to working with you all. Together, let us build a better Nigeria for generations to come.
27.    Thank you.

Dec

12

2023

TALKING POINTS FOR THE HONOURABLE MINISTER, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA, AT THE NIGERIA DIASPORA INVESTMENT SUMMIT (NDIS) COURTESY VISIT, ON TUESDAY, 12TH DECEMBER 2023

Protocol

Good morning, ladies, and gentlemen.

1.    It is my pleasure to welcome the leadership of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

2.    I also want to appreciate and acknowledge the innovative drive of the NiDCOM Chairman and her team for the good work that they are doing in actualizing the mandate of the Commission.

3.    Like I said at the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, NIDCOM has over the years championed several initiatives and programs that are helping our country leverage the massive potential of our diaspora for national development. We have over 20million Nigerians in Diaspora remitting an average of over $24bn per annum.

4.    Madam Chairman, we commend your leadership, the support of your team and partners and pray for more strength and wisdom to tap this huge potential.

5.    As a Ministry, we are willing to support Diaspora initiatives in the housing and urban development space as well as encourage partnerships with the Diaspora towards making a change in the housing and urban development narrative of our dear country.

6.    We are also committed to providing necessary support to NiDCOM’s plans to ensure that Nigerians in diaspora can own homes in Nigeria.

7.    At the Summit, I launched the FMBN Diaspora Mortgage Loan which I had initiated and developed as the MD/CE of the Bank.

TALK ABOUT THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE FMBN DIASPORA MORTGAGE LOAN:

8.    The Federal Housing Authority (FHA)is also involved as part of the Ministry’s efforts to cater to the Diaspora. They have undertaken to develop the Diaspora City Project under a Public Private Partnership comprising the FHA, The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the private sector.

TALK ABOUT THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE FHA DIASPORA CITY PROJECT

9.    Our overall goal is to ensure that as our brothers and sisters’ sojourn abroad, they also have a decent shelter over here in Nigeria to call their home.

10.    I would like to assure Madam Chairman that the Ministry is committed to taking relevant actions towards ensuring that FMBN and FHA deliver on the stated objectives of these initiatives.

11.    Thank you for your attention and may God bless Nigeria. 

Dec

02

2023

Dangiwa Charges Mortgage Bankers on Innovation, Says Nigeria's Housing Crisis Requires Creative Solutions

…Sues for affordable mortgage products to match current economic realities

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has called on heads of mortgage banks to be creative in developing mortgage products for Nigerians. The Minister said Nigeria's current economic challenges call for innovative solutions that will make housing finance more easily accessible to Nigerians, and at affordable rates.

Speaking during the 20th edition of the Mortgage Banking CEOs Annual Retreat at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Saturday 2nd December 2023, Arc. Dangiwa said CEOs of mortgage banks must find new ways to navigate the harsh macroeconomic environment and ensure that ordinary Nigerians- especially those in the low-and-medium-income bracket- can access the finance they need for homeownership.

"While the government works to fix this macro-economic challenge, I still believe that as CEOs of mortgage banks, you can find creative ways to develop innovative mortgage products that are responsive to Nigeria's current economic situation. This includes adopting rent to own mortgage options, flexible monthly mortgage loan repayments to make commercial loans more affordable.

"I note with concern that the Capital Market has not been maximally tapped to raise long term funds to refinance mortgage loans and to explore more creative ways to make mortgages more affordable even as we work to fix the larger macro-economic problems. As leaders, we must not only see provision of housing and home loans from a business and profit perspective, but also see expanding access to affordable mortgages as a moral imperative. So, we must do all we can even in these difficult times to ensure that not only the elites, but Nigerians within the low- and medium-income segments have access to affordable mortgages," he said.

While he acknowledged the presence of legacy challenges and barriers that hamper development in the sector, he charged the mortgage bankers to see themselves as leaders with a moral imperative to make housing more affordable and easily accessible to Nigerians.

The Minister noted that the theme for this year's retreat, "Advancing Sustainable and Affordable Housing in Nigeria: Navigating Macro-Economic, Legislative, and Policy Frontiers”, clearly captures the need of the hour. "The theme emphasizes the need for all players to find ways to navigate the macro, legal and policy bottlenecks. This speaks to the need for innovation. It speaks to the need for creativity. And it speaks to the need for effective leadership at every point in the value chain. This is because leaders are supposed to make progress despite challenges. Leaders are supposed to navigate the complexities of situations to make progress," he added.

Aware of the cost of funding and its impact on lending rate, which is a reflection of the broader economic reality, the Minister expressed confidence at the ability and willingness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drive economic growth and create a more friendly environment for mortgage banking to thrive in Nigeria. He assured them that the jinx of macro-economic, legislative and policy issues that have held down the growth of effective housing delivery in the country will be broken under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking earlier, President of the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN), Ebilate Mac-Yoroki noted that the retreat provided a platform for deliberation in order to harness policies and partnerships to create products that would enhance the extension of access to affordable housing finance to a larger segment of the Nigerian populace.

Also speaking at the event were Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), Kehinde Ogundimu, who observed that despite efforts by mortgage bankers in the past years, the industry has performed below expectation. "We must find ways to make affordable housing delivery work, starting with lowering the cost of lending. There's no where in the world that mortgage thrives with double-digit interest rates," he said.

Other attendees include Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Madu Hamman, the leadership of Family Homes Fund Limited, the leadership of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), heads of mortgage banks and institutions, and representayives of regulatory bodies.

Nov

30

2023

Minister of Housing to Encourage Increased Private Sector Investment in Housing, Breaks Ground for 480-Unit CityGate Homes Project in Abuja

…Urges private developers to build integrated, inclusive communities that are inclusive.

As part of efforts to encourage increased private sector participation towards solving Nigeria’s housing deficit, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, on Thursday, 30 November 2023 performed the ground-breaking for a 480-housing unit project at the Kukwaba area of Abuja.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development requires the participation of the private sector to bridge the housing deficit in the country, as the quantum of funding required to fix the housing shortage is beyond what government can provide.

The project by CityGate Homes covers phases II and III of the company’s Kukwaba housing project. It comprises 480 housing units of 6-bedroom semi-detached duplexes and 4-bedroom blocks of flats. Arc. Dangiwa described the ground-breaking event as a significant contribution to the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis in the country.

“The initiative taken by Citygate Homes aligns perfectly with the government's vision for sustainable urban development. This project embodies the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, showcasing how partnerships can drive impactful change and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

“In a rapidly growing city like Abuja, the demand for housing has surged, and it is our collective responsibility to respond to this need. I commend Citygate Homes for their dedication and investment in this endeavor. This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community,” he said.

While the Minister assured that government will continue to provide the enabling environment for private-sector investment to thrive, especially with the uncommon determination displayed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cater for the welfare of Nigerians, he urged them to embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability in their housing and urban development drive.

“I commend Citygate Homes for their dedication and investment in this endeavor. This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community. Furthermore, I want to emphasize the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in urban development. As we move forward, it is imperative that our housing projects incorporate eco-friendly designs, embrace technological advancements, and cater to the diverse needs of our society, including the low- and medium-income earners.

“In this regard, I will request that the Management of City Gate Homes earmark a certain percentage of the 480-homes as affordable housing with price tags that average Nigerians can afford to buy. As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am an advocate of affordable housing with the focus on the average Nigerian worker, who are indeed, the majority,” he added.

He added that developers should borrow a leaf from the Ministry which has recently designed a housing plan to create integrated communities with housing types that reflect the diverse income segments of the country, using cross subsidies. “This way we aim to sell high-end homes at market rates and deploy the profits towards subsidizing the units for low-and-medium-income households. This enhances inclusivity,” he added.

He further urged the management of CityGate Homes to ensure timely execution of the 480 units, while upholding the highest building codes and standards, as well as operating transparently.

Speaking earlier, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CityGate Homes, Michael Ejiogu noted that the company has nine projects in Abuja, and is committed to partnering the government in its quest to bridge the housing gap in Nigeria, assuring that the company will work to ensure affordability for medium-income earners in the country.

Nov

29

2023

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT THE MEETING WITH MODERN SHELTER AT THE MINISTRY’S HEAD OFFICE IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2023

Protocols
Good afternoon, ladies, and gentlemen,
•    First, I would like to welcome the Managing Director of Modern Shelter, Mr. Abdulmalik and his team to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

•    I also want to commend the MD for the presentation and their desire to  partner with the Ministry as we chart a new and progressive path towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for housing and urban development.

•    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development acknowledges the pressing need for accessible housing for all Nigerians. We also know that the size of the housing problem that we seek to solve requires funding that government alone cannot meet.

•    So, for us, addressing the housing deficit, building livable communities, requires collaborative efforts from the Ministry, its agencies and reputable private sector developers.

•    Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are a key part of our housing delivery program. In fact, we have a full-fledged Department in charge of that.  

•    Through PPPs, we aim to leverage the expertise and resources, especially access to finance, of the private sector while ensuring that the needs of Nigerians remain at the forefront.

•    It is for this reason that I agreed that we meet with Modern Shelter and listen to the value proposition that they can bring to our plan.

•    We have listened to your presentation and will engage with you further in identifying areas of collaboration and drawing up the necessary framework for partnership.

ADDRESSING POINTS FROM MODERN SHELTER PRESENTATION:
•    RESPOND/TALK ABOUT KEY AREAS IN THE PRESENTATION
•    MENTION POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS

•    I want to thank the Modern Shelter Management Team once again for their initiative.

•    Thank you.

Nov

28

2023

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT THE MEETING WITH THE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMISSION (FRC) AT THE MINISTRY’S HEAD OFFICE IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023

Protocols
1.    It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and to thank you for the good work that you are doing in upholding the values of transparency and accountability in our nation's financial governance.
2.    The establishment of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission through the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 marked a pivotal milestone in our nation's pursuit of transparent and accountable financial governance.
3.    Over the years, FRC’s dedication to fostering an environment of economic prudence has provided an institutional framework for ensuring efficient resource allocation, and effective debt management.
4.    We are keenly aware of the Commission’s commitment to mainstreaming international best practices and facilitating greater efficiency in public expenditure, revenue collection, and fiscal transparency by all organs of government.
5.    I sincerely believe that your efforts in undertaking fiscal and financial studies, analyzing key economic indicators, and sharing these insights with the public are invaluable for informed decision-making.
6.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I clearly understand the important role that fiscal responsibility should play in guiding the management of the Ministry’s affairs. For me, fiscal responsibility is not just merely a concept; it is a cornerstone that should shape our decisions, policies, and strategies, ensuring the judicious management of the Ministry’s resources so that we can give Nigerians value for money as we conceive, develop, and implement our affordable housing and urban development plans.
7.    I also recognize that the responsible management of finances within our Ministry is not an option but a fundamental obligation to Nigerians. Every decision that we make, every resource that we allocate, carries the weight of public trust and expectation. Therefore, instilling fiscal responsibility is indeed an ethical imperative and a commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
8.    So, I want to assure you of our commitment to fostering the ideals and values that FRC promotes.
9.    I am eager to explore synergies between our entities and identify areas where our combined expertise and mandates can create meaningful impact.
10.    Thank you for gracing this meeting with your esteemed presence. I look forward to a fruitful collaboration.

Nov

28

2023

Dangiwa Reiterates Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility, Judicious Use of Resources in Housing Delivery

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has reiterated his commitment to ensuring strict adherence to fiscal responsibility in the operations of the ministry and its agencies, noting that development in the housing and urban sector is largely dependent on judicious use of resources in the conceptualisation, development, and implementation of affordable housing and urban development plans.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja, Tuesday 28th November 2023, Arc. Dangiwa said the Ministry has a fundamental obligation to manage public funds responsibly and ensure that Nigerians get value for money expended by the Ministry and its agencies.

"As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I clearly understand the important role that fiscal responsibility should play in guiding the management of the Ministry’s affairs. For me, fiscal responsibility is not just merely a concept; it is a cornerstone that should shape our decisions, policies, and strategies, ensuring the judicious management of the Ministry’s resources so that we can give Nigerians value for money as we conceive, develop, and implement our affordable housing and urban development plans," he said.

The Minister further noted that he understands the weight of public trust and will do all in his power to ensure the activities of the ministry are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner. "Every decision that we make, every resource that we allocate, carries the weight of public trust and expectation. Therefore, instilling fiscal responsibility is indeed an ethical imperative and a commitment to transparent and accountable governance," he added.

He thanked the FRC for its efforts over the years and assured them of the support of the ministry to engender fiscal responsibility and reporting within its agencies, while pledging to help the commission make a case for the review of its establishment law to ensure proper compliance by public offices.

Earlier in his remarks, the commission's Chairman, Barr. Victor Muruako noted that the Minister has always been an advocate of fiscal responsibility right from his days as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He sought the Minister's intervention in ensuring agencies under the Ministry adhere to annual financial reporting to the commission.

He further expressed confidence in the Minister's ability to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development. "As MD of the FMBN, he achieved about N270 billion in additional NHF contributions. We are also aware of the N40 billion FMBN Cities' Project which he started in his time. As Minister, I have no doubt in his experience, abilities, and commitment to developing the sector. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real, and very soon Nigerians will begin to see the results," he said.

Nov

22

2023

REMARKS BY ARC. AHMED DANGIWA, HON MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT DURING THE COURTESY VISIT BY THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ADVOCACY NETWORK (HDAN) ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

Protocols
1.    First, I’ll like to thank the entire leadership, and members of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) for taking out time to pay me this courtesy visit.
2.    HDAN has been a part of my story at every turning point. I remember vividly the Special Agenda Setting Dinner that you organized for me at the Sheraton Hotels on August 24, 2023, shortly after my appointment.
3.    At the dinner, I took careful note of all the key points that were laid out by stakeholders at the event. This includes:
a.    The Absence of Credible, Scientific and Reliable Data to Guide Housing Policy Formulation and Implementation.
b.    Tackling the Prevalence of Building Collapses and the need to ensure quality of housing.
c.    The Need to study and implement Important Aspects of the National Housing Strategy Report co-sponsored by FMDQs earlier this year.
d.    Ensuring sustainable Development of urban and rural areas.
e.    Unlocking Affordable Housing Finance
f.    Improving access to land and easing title administration.
g.    Need to drive the nationwide adoption of model mortgage foreclosure law.
4.    It’s been over two months since that day, and I am happy to inform you that we have prioritized all these concerns in our actions over this time.
5.    On DATA, we are making progress. In our first month in office, we held a formal meeting with the National Population Commission to kickstart a strategic collaboration on housing data. We have set up a Ministry Taskforce that is actively working the Commission to design survey instruments that will help address housing-related questions during their upcoming population and housing census exercise.
6.    I am pleased to inform you all that from our technical sessions with the National Population Commission so far, we can say that the Census Survey Framework matches our needs, and the conduct of the next census will help to solve the housing data problem.
7.    We have gone further to write to Mr. President seeking his approval for the conduct of the census because of its significance to our objective of establishing the actual housing deficit.
8.    To ensure that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver on our target of providing affordable homes to Nigerians, we have composed a Housing Reform Team of experts, stakeholders – including HDAN representatives, agency representatives, professional bodies, and academia to develop a robust framework for reform of the housing sector including thorough review of relevant laws and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments. This includes the following:
a.    The Land Use Act, 1978
b.    National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992
c.    Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993
d.    Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act,1973
e.    PenCom Act to allow for increased investment in housing.
f.    Driving Nationwide adoption and passage of the foreclosure law in states.
9.    We have secured the consent and will be inaugurating the Team within the next two weeks with a mandate to deliver their reports within two months. It is important to say that we are not trying to re-invent the wheel but to build on EXISTING BODY KNOWLEDGE as I BELIEVE THERE ARE ONLY A FEW NEW IDEAS. What we have lacked over the years is the POLITICAL WILL to implement them.
10.    Therefore, the team will be tasked with streamlining all previous reform blueprints, whitepapers for the agencies and outlining areas requiring reform, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
11.    I believe that reforms and legislative amendments that the Reform Team will execute in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of housing and urban development in Nigeria.
12.    We are also working to implement the much-needed reforms that will ensure quick, easy, and efficient access to land. We have composed and secured Presidential consent to inaugurate a land reforms committee comprising state governments, traditional rulers, relevant agencies, professional bodies, academia, stakeholders to ensure buy-in and inclusivity.

13.    With their recommendations we will draft an Executive Bill and proceed to the National Assembly for the amendment of the obsolete Land Use Act 1978 that has hindered the development of the housing sector. In line with our policy of building on existing knowledge so we can move at a faster pace to deliver value, we invited and met with the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms. And I must say that it was a wise decision to do so. This is because we now have access to the comprehensive work they have done over the past 14 years on Land Reforms in our country. Immediately after the meeting we set up an Internal Ministerial Committee to review and recommend for inclusion in our land reforms strategy relevant parts of their recommendations. Part of this will be the establishment of the National Land Commission to spell out the guidelines and regulations for operationalizing the Land Use Act, 1978.

14.    On policy implementation we have called up and met with the FMDQs on the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that was launched in May this year. We have reviewed the document thoroughly towards identifying initiatives for inclusion in our plans for implementation.
15.    In line with the Renewed Hope plan to ensure that all Nigerians including the NO INCOME, vulnerable and underprivileged groups have access to decent and dignified accommodation, we are also creating the framework for the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF). This is because we believe that access to decent shelter is a not only a necessity but a human right and that all Nigerians across all income segments deserve a decent home to live and grow.
16.    To lower the cost of building materials, we are also working to boost building materials manufacturing in the country. This will ensure economic growth, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. On this too, we have composed a Building Materials Manufacturing Task Team comprising of experts and representatives from relevant government agencies, academia, professional bodies, and industry associations. They will conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector and produce a strategic plan for reforming the sector for implementation. We plan to inaugurate the Team very soon.
17.    To increase the stock of housing supply, we have also composed and will inaugurate a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team. The Team will ensure that all housing agencies work together towards optimizing their strengths to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians. The Team comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals with expertise in housing development, urban planning, infrastructure, finance, and project management.
18.    As you may have noticed, our Reform Agenda has many components. They range from slum/urban upgrading because we believe that not all Nigerians can afford the mortgages that even FMBN offers at single digit interest. So, our aim is to make the places they currently shelter in livable and habitable.
19.    Another component is affordable housing. Despite the tough macro-economic environment, there are still Nigerians who can afford to own a home via mortgages from the FMBN, FHA and even commercial mortgages. Our plan is to empower and support efforts of the agencies and our Ministry towards meeting this need.
20.    Our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates seek to deliver on this because they have inclusivity at their core. Phase 1 of the project aims to deliver 34,500 housing units ranging from 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones of the country and FCT namely: Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Rivers, and Enugu States. House types will include Multi-Level Flats to cater to low-medium income earners, Terrace and Detached Bungalows and Duplexes for the high-income earners. We ll also have Renewed Hope Estates of 500 housing units per site in each of the remaining thirty (30) States. House Types: 1,2- and 3-bedroom affordable bungalows.
21.    Sponsors will include Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and through Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers. Ownership Options include Mortgage Loans, Rent-to-Own and Outright Purchase.
22.    Under Phase 1 of the Slum Upgrading Programme, the Ministry plans a total of 26 sites nationwide. This includes four (4) sites in each of the six regions of the country totaling twenty-four (24) and two (2) in the FCT. The key services to be provided at the identified sites will include water supply, solar streetlights, rehabilitation of access roads, construction of drainages and waste management and sanitation services amongst others.
23.    On the National Housing Programme, we are working on a comprehensive plan to ensure that all units are completed and off taken. Earlier this month we held a meeting with all the State Controllers on the matter. We also made physical visits to some of the sites here in Abuja. We have also set up a Ministerial Committee to review and rescope the contracts of the abandoned sites as appropriate. We will also assess both the technical and financial capacity of the contractors to ensure that we proceed with only those that are capable. Our goal at the end is to ensure that the government gets value for the investment in the National Housing Programme and that we also learn the lessons from its challenges. Under my watch, we will not experience those problems. We will ensure a demand driven approach, take care in siting planned housing estates in viable places where there is demand for offtake, ensure accessibility and infrastructure availability.
24.    I have been one of you and remain one of you. I know your passion for the housing sector, I know and understand the issues. I also know that you all mean well, and I am ready to work with all of you towards fixing these issues. I will continue to consult, and leverage the collective wealth of your expertise, knowledge of the industry and ideas and together we shall change the narrative for the good of our people.
25.    We encourage all members to feel free to send in memoranda regarding any of the policies that we have embarked on, or any progressive initiative that will help us move the sector forward. As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am OPEN to ideas, initiatives and policies that will help us deliver affordable housing to Nigerians and build safer and more inclusive urban areas.
26.    Thank you once again for this visit and I look forward to working with you all.