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We are Committed to Improving Staff Welfare  - Dangiwa

....Engages Tulsi Foundation Hospital to provide Free Medical Eye Test, Care for ministry's staff

As part of its commitment to improving  the welfare and well being of staff, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has engaged the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Eye Hospital, Abuja to provide free eye medical tests and care for the staff of the ministry.

While declaring the commencement of the free eye care exercise, Minister Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, stated that, welfare of staff is paramount in order to build a healthy workforce to attain high performance. According to the minister, the eye hospital service delivery is not for profit venture rather service to humanity.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the free eye medical test for the stsff of the ministry as a milestone in response to staff welfare, pointing out that the issue of welfare is not only limited to money, but it covers the overall wellbeing of the staff. Dr Ogunbiyi applauded Minister, Arc Ahmed  Dangiwa for bringing this free eye medical care, saying that it is the first of its kind in the ministry.

The coordinator of the Tulsi Chanrai Eye Hospital Foundation,  commended the minister for the gesture, ssying that he didn't hesitate in welcoming the idea after mentioning it to him.

Keynote address delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, at the launch of Performance Management day at the Ministry’s Headquarter, Mabushi, Abuja on 10th October 2024.

Protocols:

It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I am with you today to officially launch the weekly Performance Management System (PMS) Day in our esteemed Ministry.

2.       This is the beginning of a transformative journey for us as we heed the directive from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, which mandates every Thursday to be set aside for activities related to Performance Management System in the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies and be christened “PMS Day”.

3.       This directive is not just a routine exercise; it is a call to action for all of us to fully embrace the vision of an efficient, effective, responsive and performance-based Federal Civil Service.

4.       Performance Management System is a tool for goal and target setting, appraisal and monitoring of employee performance and the delivery of institutional mandates. It provides a systematic process of planning work, setting targets, providing support to employees and measuring results.

5.       It also provides the framework for continuous tracking of employees’ performance in a manner that is consistent and measurable, for developing and improving their capacities to perform on their jobs and for motivating them for increased productivity.

6.       The institutionalization of a functional performance management system being one of the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, (FCSSIP25) will improve efficiency and productivity in the public service and is key to achievement of the objectives of the ongoing reform initiatives and culture re-orientation in the Public Service.

7.       It will also ensure appropriate linkage of key government tools towards the attainment of national development goals and entrench a merit-based system in the Public Service. As a matter of fact, institutionalizing PMS is a cornerstone for our efforts to transform the entire Nigerian Public Service as a result-based and performing institution. PMS is an essential tool that provides a guide for the MDAs’ operations as we seek to reclaim our enviable position in delivering high-quality services to the Nigerian people.

8.       The introduction of PMS has remained a timely project, and I have no doubt that it is exactly what the Federal Civil Service needs at this critical time to elevate our service delivery standards, enhance accountability, and build a positive culture of productivity, consequent management and continuous improvement in both personnel and institutional performance.

9.       Today, as we launch the PMS Day in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we are not just institutionalizing a PMS weekly activity in the Ministry; we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence that has been the guiding ethos of the Ministry in the achievements of its deliverables of the Presidential Priorities and the implementation of the FCSSIP25 reform initiatives.

10.     It is crucial to understand that the full implementation and institutionalisation of PMS is not just the responsibility of a few; it is a collective responsibility that spans all levels of our Ministry, from the most senior management cadre to the lowest-ranked officers, including security personnel and the janitorial service providers. Everyone has a vital role to play in ensuring that PMS is not just a beautiful policy on paper but a living, breathing organisational culture within the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

11.     To all Directorate level officers, you are the leaders and the vision bearers of your respective departments. As PMS supervisors, your roles in driving this initiative cannot be overstated. Your commitment to the institutionalization of PMS in your respective departments are what will inspire and motivate other staff and team members to follow suit. You are the ones who will set the tone for accountability and performance at the departmental levels, and I urge you to lead by example.

12.     I commend all the Departments and Units that have cascaded signing of performance contracts with staff. We have no place to hide. We have been a performing Ministry. We are determined and we shall continue to perform because PMS has come to stay in this Ministry. To move our sector and country forward, you and I must embrace this world-best practice and your department should not be a reason for the Ministry to lose its enviable high-ranking position as one of the leading MDAs in the implementation of Federal Government reforms and programmes.

13.     To our middle and junior-level officers, your dedication and hard work are the bedrock of our Ministry’s success. The PMS is designed to recognize and reward your contributions, ensuring that your efforts are aligned with our shared vision and that your professional growth is supported.

14.     I encourage you to see this initiative as an opportunity to showcase your talents, sharpen your skills, and play active roles in the development of our Ministry and the nation at large.

15.     It is normal for a very young Ministry like ours to face some challenges especially in a housing and urban development sector with a high level of expectations in creating possibilities for social infrastructure as enabler for growth. These have not in any way deterred the Ministry from exploring possibilities and innovative ways of bringing about possible solutions including partnering with our stakeholders to be able to deliver on the Ministry’s mandate as expected.

16.     However, with the full implementation of the PMS, we have a robust framework that allows us to measure our progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate our successes. It is a tool that will guide our decision-making processes and ensure that every action we take contributes to the fulfillment of our mandates in formulating and implementing the policies, programmes and projects of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Housing and Urban Development sector.

17.     As we set aside every Thursday to focus and reflect on our PMS activities, let us all commit to these sessions with the seriousness they deserve. Let us use this time to evaluate our performances, identify the gaps that need addressing, and collaboratively find solutions that will drive our Ministry forward. The PMS Day is our collective space for reflection, learning, and growth.

18.     In conclusion, I am confident that if we fully embrace the PMS, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will set the benchmark for other Ministries to follow. Together, we can create a public service that is responsive, innovative, and committed to excellence.

19.     Thank you for your commitment and dedication, and I look forward to working with all of you to make this initiative a success. It is on this note that I hereby launch today and every other Thursday as the PMS Day in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

20.     Thank you and God bless.

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA, AT THE ZOOM MEETING WITH HER EXCELLENCY, DR. SANIA A. ANSARI, CHAIRPERSON, ANSARI GROUP LTD, UAE, ON MONDAY JULY 22, 2024

Protocols:

- Your Excellency, Dr. Sania A. Ansari, Chairperson, Ansari Group

- Officials of the Ansari Group

      - Deputy Director, Middle East and Gulf Division,  Amb. Murtala Jimoh.

- The Hon. Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Alh. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo.

- The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi

- Directors, Special Assistants, and other Ministry staff on this Zoom Meeting.

1. First, I would like to thank Her Excellency, Dr. Sania A. Ansari, and her team for setting up this meeting. We were supposed to have held this meeting in person earlier but it could not take place but I am happy that we are here today to engage.
2. I want to assure your Excellency, that at the Ministry we consider partnerships, bi/multilateral collaborations, and private sector engagements as key ingredients to success.
3. This is because we need them to boost our efforts to address Nigeria’s housing and urban challenges, increase access to affordable housing across all income groups, and ensure that the sector maximally contributes to the Renewed Hope Vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a $1 trillion economy and lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.
4. We are keen to partner with Ansari Group because of the wealth of experience, technical and financial capacity that it possesses. We are aware that you have over 25 years of experience in the global financing industry, built relationships with investors and raised billions of dollars across all sectors of the economy, including real estate.
5. We are also aware that you have a partnership with the United Nations Habitat Settlement Programme in its bid to launch the SDG 1,000 Cities by 2030, which aims to impact 1,000 lives at an estimated cost of over $4 trillion. We want to say that this UN initiative aligns perfectly with our own goal to provide sustainable and inclusive urban development across Nigeria.
6. As articulated in the New Urban Agenda, “Cities can be massive agents of positive change if they are well-planned, built, and governed.” They can act as catalysts for inclusion and powerhouses of equitable economic growth.
7. However, achieving this potential often has its many challenges. Critical issues such as inadequate data, ineffective urban governance systems, limited capacities in urban planning, and insufficient funding impede the realization of sustainable urbanization.
8. It is against this background that our Ministry is implementing the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme which His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched in February, 2024. Under this initiative, we plan to deliver a total of 50,000 housing units across Nigeria in Phase One. The Cities will have 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones and the FCT, while the Estates will have 250 housing units per site in the remaining thirty (30) states. So far we have done groundbreaking for two Renewed Hope Cities (FCT and Kano), and Renewed Hope Estates in twelve States (Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Osun, Benue, Nasarawa, Oyo, Katsina, Yobe, Gombe and Sokoto) making a total of 6,612 homes.
9. 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.
10. 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 increases over time.
11. I am pleased to inform you that we have incorporated sustainable design measures to ensure that the cities and estates are climate smart and environmentally friendly.
12. The funding for these projects will come from a mix of sources, including 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. We look forward to the Ansari Group coming on board as a major PPP partner.
13. 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 rates while a substantial percentage will be sold at concessionary rates to low- and medium-income Nigerians.
14. The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is a necessity to tackle Nigeria’s rapid population growth, meet the rising demand for housing and urban infrastructure, congestion, and strained infrastructure.
15. It is also designed as 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 housing units that we plan to deliver under Phase One will create 1,250,000 direct and indirect construction jobs. This is in addition to the value chain effects of purchasing, supplying building materials, and businesses around the construction sites.
16. As you may be aware, Nigeria has a 200million population with an annual growth rate of 2.5 percent per annum. We have a huge housing deficit that requires us to build 550,000 housing units per annum over the next ten years. This requires about N5.5Trillion Annually (equivalent of about $300bn USD).
17. The 50,000 units we plan to deliver under phase one of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is relatively ambitious but small when compared to the size of the problem and the quantum of resources required. That is why we are looking to PPPs and collaborations with organizations such as yours that we can leverage to bridge the gap.
18. Also, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that all Nigerians, including those with no income, vulnerable, and underprivileged groups, have access to decent and dignified accommodation, we are working to establish a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF). We believe that access to decent shelter is not only a necessity but a human right, and that all Nigerians across all income segments deserve a decent home to live and grow.
19. The National Social Housing Fund is very important in our plans to increase access to decent housing to Nigerians and will also appreciate your Group’s partnership towards making it a reality and creating impact. As you may be aware, Nigeria is a low-income country with weak purchasing power. In fact, 85% of Nigeria’s 43m households have less than N1.1M purchasing power per annum (equivalent of $730USD): (17.2m fall into poverty-income group; 20.2m fall into the low-income group). This large group of Nigerians lack the financial capacity to own homes based on market rates and even through existing government programmes such as the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme.
20. Our government has realised that the only practical strategy to tackling this challenge is through a TRANSPARENT, ACCOUNTABLE and IMPACT-DRIVEN social housing system that blends budgetary allocation, PPPs, donations from charity and philantropic organizations, corporate social responsibility.
21. We would therefore appreciate a partnership with you in this regard particularly towards accessing concessionary funding from investors, donations, grants from charity organizations and philantrophic bodies.
22. Another equally important area of interest to our country and the Ministry is encouraging the local manufacture of building materials. We plan to establish one building materials manufacturing hubs in each of the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country. We envision the Manufacturing hubs to have proper infrastructure including access to uninterrupted power, linkage roads, housing etc. This is still in line with our goal to lower the cost of housing construction, enhance access to homeownership, create local jobs and boost economic development.
23. We are currently exploring potential partners and investors that we can work with to set the Building Manufacturing Hubs and would also like your support in this regard.
24. I have taken time to go through these key initiatives to establish clarity on the key areas of need for a possible collaboration and partnership between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ansari Group. As a government, we are clear on what we want to do and are making efforts.
25. As an international global firm, we would like to partner with the Ansari Group in the areas of technical capacity building, raising concessionary financing for the expansion of our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, implementation our National Social Housing Fund and establishment of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across the country.
26. Once again, I would like to thank Her Excellency, Dr. Sania A. Ansari for setting up this meeting.
27. I really hope that at the end of the deliberations in this meeting we shall come up with an actionable document that helps us to achieve our goals of building affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly cities and communities as well as tackling systemic challenges that have worked against housing development in our dear country, Nigeria.
28. Thank you.