


Dangiwa Backs AHCN’s Ambitious Plan for Nationwide Affordable Housing The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) to deliver affordable homes to millions of Nigerians. He described AHCN as a “critical partner” in driving nationwide housing delivery and pledged support for its landmark initiatives, including a proposed one million housing unit project across the country. Receiving the newly elected AHCN leadership during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Dangiwa lauded the Association’s nearly six decades of contribution to public housing development. He said its role as a coordinating platform for state housing corporations was central to achieving the ambitious goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development. “Since its formation in 1964, AHCN has been a cornerstone of public housing delivery in Nigeria,” the Minister said. “Today, we are pursuing the most ambitious housing programme in recent history, aimed at providing safe, decent, and affordable homes for millions of Nigerians. Our partnership with AHCN is key to unlocking serviced land, facilitating approvals, and ensuring that housing projects reach Nigerians in every state.” Dangiwa welcomed AHCN’s plans to leverage Nigeria-China Bilateral Trade funding to deliver one million homes nationwide, describing the initiative as “bold, transformative, and perfectly aligned with President Tinubu’s vision for mass housing delivery.” He also called for institutional renewal within AHCN, urging the leadership to embrace internal reforms, professionalism, and transparency to strengthen its effectiveness and credibility. “To truly lead the charge in public housing development, AHCN must set a high bar for integrity, adopt modern governance structures, and operate with full transparency to build confidence among Nigerians, investors, and development partners,” he stated. The Minister outlined three priority actions for AHCN: Dangiwa further requested AHCN’s strong involvement in the upcoming State-by-State Renewed Hope Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign, which he described as “a practical, high-impact initiative that will take federal housing reforms to the grassroots, empower citizens with the knowledge and access to financing they need, and ensure that national programmes translate into real homeownership opportunities in every state.” In his remarks, AHCN President and Chairman of Council, Esv. Eno I. Obongha, commended the Honourable Minister for his tireless efforts to reform the housing sector. He expressed the Association’s readiness to partner with the Ministry on the Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates Programme, aimed at delivering 100 housing units in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, and formally introduced Rev. Dr. Ugochukwu Chime as the newly elected Chairman of AHCN’s Board of Trustees. Rev. Dr. Chime praised Arc. Dangiwa’s transformative leadership of the housing sector, stating that the Minister’s bold reforms and nationwide initiatives have “set Nigeria on a new path towards accessible, affordable, and sustainable housing for all.” He pledged his full support in ensuring that AHCN serves as a key partner to the Minister in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing. As part of the visit, Arc. Dangiwa was decorated as the Grand Patron of AHCN, a recognition of his outstanding contributions to advancing Nigeria’s housing development agenda. The Honourable Minister congratulated the new leadership team and expressed optimism that this renewed partnership-anchored on reforms, professionalism, and a shared vision - would “unlock the full potential of state housing corporations and accelerate the drive towards delivering decent, affordable housing for all Nigerians.”
• Reinforcing alignment among state housing corporations to eliminate fragmentation, improve efficiency, and ensure better coordination nationwide.
• Strengthening research and policy advocacy to provide reliable data and actionable proposals that will drive housing reforms at both state and federal levels.
• Deepening partnerships with the private sector and development finance institutions to create bankable housing ventures capable of attracting large-scale investment.
Dangiwa Urges Innovation In Affordanle Mortgage Finance, Charges FMBN To Scale Impact. The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called for bold, innovative solutions to tackle the affordability challenge in Nigeria’s housing market, emphasizing that millions of Nigerians still cannot access homeownership despite existing concessional mortgage products. Speaking at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Day during the 19th Africa International Housing Show in Abuja, the Minister described affordability as the biggest barrier to homeownership, even in cases where housing units are available. He noted that while FMBN provides single-digit interest rate mortgages at 6% per annum, with tenors of up to 30 years and flexible repayment structures under the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme, many Nigerians, including long-standing NHF contributors, remain unable to access these products. “This is a reality we must face boldly. It requires fresh ideas, new partnerships, and innovative financing solutions beyond what we have done in the past,” Arc. Dangiwa said. The Minister commended FMBN’s recent milestones, including the provision of mortgages, rent-to-own products, home renovation loans, delivery of housing units, digital service improvements, and NHF refunds, but stressed that “progress is not the destination; it is the foundation to build upon.” Highlighting the Bank’s statutory mandate under the FMBN Act of 1993 to provide long-term credit to mortgage institutions, regulate the mortgage market, and administer the NHF sustainably, Dangiwa charged the Bank to intensify its efforts to make mortgages truly affordable for all Nigerians. He proposed additional measures to scale impact, including: • Government-backed subsidies or interest buy-downs to further reduce mortgage rates. • Flexible, income-based repayment models tailored to household realities. • Stronger partnerships with development finance institutions and capital markets to mobilize cheaper, long-term funds. • Specialized mortgage products for informal sector workers, who make up a significant portion of the population. Arc. Dangiwa also stressed the need for a nationwide awareness campaign to ensure that all NHF contributors understand and access their entitlements. He directed FMBN to play an active role in the planned Renewed Hope State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign, working closely with governors to unlock land, structure bankable projects, and bring homeownership opportunities closer to citizens. “FMBN remains our strongest instrument for delivering affordable mortgage finance in Nigeria. Its mandate is clear, its progress commendable, but the affordability challenge is far from solved. We must push harder, innovate more, and stay focused on ensuring every hardworking Nigerian has a fair and realistic chance to own a home,” he stated. The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development to provide the enabling policies, reforms, and institutional support needed to strengthen FMBN as the backbone of Nigeria’s affordable housing finance system. ...
Housing Ministry Conducts Free Eye Screening For Staff * Initiative, a management responsibility, an important part of staff welfare - Belgore In a proactive move to enhance the well being and work place productivity of officers, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has organised a free eye screening exercise for staff of the Ministry, thursday 31st July, 2025. The screening was conducted in collaboration with the Nothernlight Eye Center, Abuja led by Dr. Justice Amadi. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore emphasized that the initiative was an important part of staff welfare, pointing out that the eyes medically, mirrors what happens in the body; “when they look into your eyes, they can see what is happening with your blood vessels all over the body”, he said. While he noted that eye diseases can indicate broader health issues, such as hypertension, diabetes and hepatitis, the Permanent Secretary mentioned that the Ministry would also conduct free comprehensive screenings in those health areas in time to come, stressing on the need for early detection and treatment. Dr. Belgore, who is also a medical doctor highlighted the high rate of sudden deaths in the country, and sought the cooperation of the staff with the Nothernlight Eye Center team, saying that it was the responsibility of the management of the Ministry to help staff find solutions to the diagnosis they would get. He clarified that eye disorders were not just about refractive errors that require the use of glasses but also include serious conditions like glaucoma, which can lead to blindness if untreated. While stressing that the aim of the exercise was for prevention and early intervention to maintain eye health and quality of life, he charged the Directors and members of staff to take the screening as an opportunity to detect issues with their eyes, as well as take advantage of interventions by the management. Dr. Belgore further informed of the availability of additional free surgical assistance for eye disorders like cataracts and glaucoma by the eye Center; " We are a ministry with a very large number of staff. We're not selecting some to benefit, we want everybody, to be part of this”, Belgore said. Earlier, the Director of the Human Resource Management, Dr. Akinola Adesina, informed that it was part of the eye center’s social responsibility to conduct the free eye screening for the staff of the Ministry. He thanked the Permanent Secretary for approving the exercise even with his presence, to ensure that staff with eye challenges get interventions. On his part, the team leader of the Northernlight Eye Center, Dr. Justice Amadi, stated that the free eye screening programme was part of ways to tackle the growing concerns of visual impairments. He informed that the programme aims to detect those with visual abnormalities and provide appropriate treatment to align with the World Health Organization goals, particularly the 2025 target of preventing blindness. Dr. Amadi also noted that their focus was on diagnosing and giving effective treatment plans to various eye conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and refractive errors. ...
Housing Minister Declares Open 19th Africa International Housing Show Unceils New State by State Housing Campain * Says FG to convene States Housing Roundtables * To embed Housing Reform Champions in State Governments Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, officially declared open the 19th Edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), reaffirming the commitment of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap through bold, inclusive, and innovative reforms. Delivering his opening address at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, before an audience of Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, development partners, housing professionals, financial institutions, and private sector leaders from across Africa and beyond, Arc. Dangiwa stressed that affordability remains the biggest barrier to homeownership on the continent, despite growing housing supply efforts. “Across Africa, millions of families still cannot afford decent homes even when they are available. This administration is not just building houses; we are fixing the structural and macroeconomic foundations that will make housing truly affordable and sustainable for Nigerians today and in the future,” the Minister said. He highlighted the Federal Government’s three-tier Renewed Hope Housing Programme - comprising Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates, and Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates - as the blueprint for delivering affordable homes nationwide. To date, over ₦70 billion in private capital has been mobilized under Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive large-scale urban housing developments. The Minister also spotlighted key interventions by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), including the Rent-to-Own Scheme and Rental Assistance Product, designed to ease housing pressure on urban workers and young families, as well as the upcoming MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) to expand access to long-term mortgage loans at affordable rates. In a major announcement, Arc. Dangiwa unveiled plans for a State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign, a collaborative initiative with State Governments, private developers, and development partners aimed at bridging policy execution gaps at sub-national levels. “We will embed Housing Reform Champions in State Governments, convene State Housing Roundtables, and provide hands-on support to structure viable housing projects and unlock financing opportunities,” the Minister explained. He further reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to urban renewal and slum upgrades, aligning with the UN-Habitat Global Action Plan and the Addis Declaration on Inclusive Urban Development to ensure that “no one and no place is left behind.” Arc. Dangiwa called on development finance institutions, donor agencies, and the private sector to partner with the Federal Government in transforming shared knowledge from forums like AIHS into tangible results for Nigerians. “Housing is not a privilege. It is a right. When we invest in housing, we invest in people, jobs, cities, and our collective future,” he said. The 19th Africa International Housing Show is expected to attract thousands of participants and exhibitors from across Africa and globally, serving as a strategic platform for dialogue, partnership building, and showcasing innovative solutions to Africa’s housing challenges. ...
The statement from the Hon. Minister of State For Housing & Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi.
It is with profound sadness that I, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, mourning the passing of Former President, late Muhammadu Buhari.
He departed this life on Sunday, June 13, 2024, at a hospital in London.
As we bid farewell to a leader who served Nigeria with dedication, I extend my deepest condolences to the Buhari family, the government, and the people of Nigeria.
May Allah grant late President Buhari Aljannah Firdaus and grant the family patience and fortitude during this difficult time.
As a nation, we reflect on President Buhari's service and contributions to our country's development.
May Allah grant us the strength to carry on his legacy of public service and patriotism and grant President Buhari's soul eternal rest. Amen.
The Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata,
July 13th, 2025.
Africa-Led Vote, Shifts Global Power Dynamics As UN-Habitat Adopts Strategic Plan
By Adamu S Ladan
In a landmark but contentious decision, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has officially adopted its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029.
The vote-based adoption—strongly championed by the Africa Group—broke from the tradition of consensus, drawing criticism from the United States but hailed by developing nations as a necessary evolution in global governance.
The Plan aims to tackle the global housing crisis, which affects an estimated 2.8 billion people, by focusing on three transformative pillars: Inclusive Prosperity, Preparedness and Reconstruction, and Climate Sustainability.
The Africa Group, with broad support from other developing regions, drove the momentum for the plan’s adoption, citing urgency in responding to mounting urban challenges across the Global South.
Speaking shortly after the vote, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, praised the process and substance of the Strategic Plan:
“This is a major victory for equity in global urban development. Africa’s urban needs can no longer be sidelined. The Strategic Plan gives voice to our realities and puts us on a path to sustainable, inclusive progress.”
Echoing this sentiment, most diplomats of the Africa Group at the UN-Habitat Assembly, hailed the development as one of them said:
“Consensus is ideal, but justice is essential. The vote reflects a democratic affirmation of our priorities. For too long, the Global South has waited. Today, we acted.”
The United States delegation, while acknowledging the importance of the Plan’s content, sharply criticized the process by which it was adopted. A senior U.S. official described the move as “disappointing and counterproductive”, arguing that the absence of consensus undermines the spirit of multilateralism.
“We support the vision of inclusive urban development, but the manner of adoption threatens the cohesion necessary for implementing it effectively,” the delegate noted.
Observers suggest the U.S. may now shift focus toward influencing implementation, leveraging its financial contributions and partnerships to shape the direction of programming.
UN-Habitat Executive Director, Anaclaudia Rossbach acknowledged the division but emphasized the agency’s commitment to delivering on its mandate:
“ We are committed to working with all partners, regardless of the path taken to this moment.”
The outcome of the Assembly has prompted broader reflection on the state of global cooperation. Analysts view the vote as a signal of shifting power dynamics, where emerging economies are increasingly asserting their interests within multilateral institutions.
Roosevel Chibudhom of Nigeria Mission in Kenya, and one of strong pillars of the Africa Group noted:
“That the development has real implications for how global development priorities are set and executed.”
As implementation of the Strategic Plan begins, the challenge will lie in maintaining cohesion and securing the resources necessary to deliver on its bold ambitions. The Plan’s emphasis on inter-agency collaboration and SDG alignment offers a roadmap for progress—but only if geopolitical tensions do not derail execution.
For the Africa Group and its allies, the vote marks a defining moment—proof that their collective voice can shape the global agenda. For the United States and others, it serves as a call to reengage diplomatically to preserve consensus without stifling reform.
In a world of deepening urban crises and shifting alliances, the adoption of the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan may be remembered not just for its contents, but for how it redefined the rules of international cooperation.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE DIRECTOR, PLANNING, RESEARCH AND STATISTICS, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AT THE MINISTERIAL RETREAT ON PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HELD AT SANDRALIA HOTEL, JABI, ABUJA – 3RD JULY, 2025
Protocol:
The Honourable Minister,
The Honourable Minister of State,
The Permanent Secretary,
Directors and Heads of Departments and Units,
Esteemed Resource Persons,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this Ministerial Retreat on the Performance Management System (PMS), convened in accordance with the directive of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, as outlined in the circular of 11th March, 2025.
This retreat is a critical platform for consolidating our collective resolve to institutionalize a performance-driven culture across the Ministry. The PMS is not merely a procedural obligation, it is a transformational framework for aligning individual, departmental, and institutional output with Ministerial priorities and national development goals.
In the past year, the Ministry has recorded remarkable progress in embedding the PMS. Among the key milestones achieved are:
These efforts have created a strong foundation for the 2025 cycle. Accordingly, this retreat seeks to:
It is important to reiterate that non-compliance with PMS guidelines, as emphasized by the Head of Service will attract sanctions. We are firmly in the era of accountability and result-based management. The business-as-usual approach is no longer acceptable.
Permit me at this juncture to specially acknowledge and commend the Honourable Minister for his visionary leadership and unwavering drive in repositioning the Ministry as a key enabler of affordable and accessible housing across the nation. His bold reforms and strategic initiatives have continued to inspire impactful programmes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
Equally, I wish to appreciate the Honourable Minister of State for his strong policy support and active engagement in the implementation of the Ministry’s mandates. His commitment to inclusive development and results-based governance has significantly bolstered the Ministry’s reform trajectory.
I must also sincerely commend the Permanent Secretary for his exemplary administrative leadership, dedication to performance management reforms, and consistent support in ensuring the timely delivery of Ministerial priorities.
Furthermore, I acknowledge the strategic guidance of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, for championing the implementation and oversight of the Performance Management System across the Federal Public Service.
Distinguished colleagues, the responsibility of sustaining and building on this momentum lies with each one of us. I urge you to approach this retreat with open minds, constructive engagement, and a shared commitment to innovation and service excellence.
Let us work together to ensure the 2025 PMS cycle is implemented not only efficiently but in a manner that sets new standards for performance in the public service.
I wish us all a productive and impactful retreat.
Thank you and God bless.
SPECIAL ADDRESS BY ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA, HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AT THE MINISTERIAL RETREAT ON PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND SIGNING OF 2025 PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS HELD ON THURSDAY, 3RD JULY 2025, AT SANDRALIA HOTEL, JABI, ABUJA
Theme: Accelerating Service Delivery through Performance Contracting and Strategic Alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda
PROTOCOLS
The Permanent Secretary,
Directors and Heads of Departments and Units,
Our distinguished colleagues from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Central Delivery Coordinating Unit,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
PERMANENT SECRETARY FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, DR SHUAIB M.L BELGORE OFFICIALLY DECLARE OPEN A -ONE DAY FREE EYE SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR OFFICERS OF THE MINISTRY.THURSDAY 31ST JULY, 2025
Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Shuaib M.L Belgore officially Declare open A -one day free eye screening programme for officers of the Ministry.Thursday 31st July, 2025
NEWLY ELECTED AHCN LEADERSHIP DURING A COURTESY VISIT TO THE HON MINISTER, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC AHMED DANGIWA
Newly elected AHCN leadership during a courtesy visit to the Hon Minister, Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa