Housing Ministry, NDDC Explores Partnership Opportunities For Housing Schemes    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are exploring areas of mutual cooperation in the provision of affordable housing for the Niger Delta region.   This was the outcome of the meeting between the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the Housing Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.     The MD NDDC paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to discuss areas of common interest between the two government agencies.   Some of the key aspects of the NDDC mandates include: infrastructure development; human capital development,  environmental management, master planning and social welfare for the citizens of the region.   In his remarks, Minister Dangiwa highlighted the importance of the NDDC as a critical intervention institution in Nigeria, serving communities for nearly 25 years and contributing to the country’s economic lifeblood.   “Your ongoing reforms to complete abandoned projects, improve transparency, and strengthen governance are truly commendable, they embody the results-oriented, accountable, and people-focused service that this administration expects from every federal agency, he added.   The Minister noted that the both institutions shared a common vision of improving living conditions through housing, infrastructure, and sustainable community development.   He said, “While your mandate focuses on the Niger Delta region, our Ministry provides the national frameworks and standards that can help amplify your impact”.   Dangiwa told the MD that, the Ministry, under the first phase of Renewed Hope Housing Programme is currently constructing three housing estates comprising 250-unit each in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Warri in Delta State and in Bende, Abia State, in the Niger Delta region.   “Across the country, we are currently implementing the first phase of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme with 17 active construction sites, delivering a total of over 10000 units nationwide", Dangiwa stated.   Accordingly, he informed that Port Harcourt, Rivers state, was in view as one of the next sites for a Renewed Hope City, as part of the Ministry’s multi-city rollout; according to him, “this city will adopt the same integrated model we are building in Abuja, Kano, and Lagos states”.   The Minister further highlighted possible areas for collaboration between the two parties to include; co-developing affordable, climate-resilient housing prototypes, tailored to the unique terrain of the Niger Delta communities, aligning NDDC’s community infrastructure projects with the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme.   Others are joint training and certification of Niger Delta youths in construction-related trades through the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme, joint land administration and spatial planning support to promote organized and resilient settlements in NDDC community development projects, among others.   The Minister assured the MD of the readiness of the Ministry to support the regional commission in its quest of providing affordable and decent housing for its citizens in fulfilment of part of its mandate.   Earlier In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, infomed that the purpose of their visit was to explore partnership opportunities especially in housing schemes to achieve the government’s Renewed Hope Housing agenda, for the people of the Niger Delta.   He highlighted the importance of partnerships, particularly inter agency collaborations, stating that they make projects faster and cheaper.   While emphasizing on the role of effective mortgage systems in reducing corruption by providing affordable housing options, the MD acknowledged the presence of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in the meeting, saying that creating subsidies will make mass housing more affordable.   Dr. Ogbuku further expressed the commitment of his team to collaborate with the Ministry to achieve the government's housing goals.   The Executive Director, Business Development and Portfolio Management, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Chinyere Chinedu Anosike, commended the MD of the NDDC for his contributions at the commission so far.   She noted that the bank has many projects in the Niger Delta area, and expressed their readiness to collaborate with the NDDC on the projects.   The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,  Dr. Shuaib Belgore, noted the alignment of NDDC's mandate with that of the ministry in providing affordable housing, and facilitating urban development, across the country.   Represented by the Director office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Funsho Alabi, Belgore acknowledged the importance of effective collaboration among government institutions, saying that "it's key to achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu".   “We in the Ministry are keen to explore areas of mutual cooperation with the NDDC, especially in the provision of mass and social housing, urban regeneration, and sustainable settlement planning within the Niger Delta region”, he stated. ...

Belgore Charges Contractors of Nassarawa Renewed Hope Estate To Redouble Effort    ‎* says ministry determined to deliver the project in the next six months ‎ * Contractors summoned for urgent meeting to address concern   The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Shuaib Belgore has charged the contractors handling the Nassarawa State Renewed Hope Estate Project to redouble their efforts, saying  that the Ministry is determined to deliver the project within the next six months. ‎ It was on this note, Dr Belgore summon the contractors for an urgent meeting to address their concern in order to make the project move fast for timely completion.    The Permanent Secretary gave the charge and the summon, Friday, October 10th, 2025, during an inspection visit to the site of the project in Lafia, Nasarawa State.    He expressed concern over the slow pace of work by the contractors, emphasising that all obstacles to the project must be addressed ‎ ‎Dr. Belgore observed that while the road layout has been well constructed and the electricity and water supply projects are progressing steadily, the building construction works have suffered noticeable setbacks. ‎ ‎He stated that although some progress has been made, the pace of work has slowed considerably, giving an impression of near abandonment. ‎ Accordingly,  ‎the Permanent Secretary directed the Director, Public Buildings, to invite the contractors handling the structural buildings to a meeting to have a frank conversation with them to ensure they complete the work.    ‎ “The contractors must sit up and get the job done. We cannot allow this project to drag indefinitely. If they continue to delay, we will not hesitate to re-award the contracts to more serious companies,” he warned  ‎ ‎Dr Belgore also directed the Federal Controller of Housing, Nassarawa State Field Office, to liaise with the Nassarawa State Government to expedite the reallocation of land previously affected by gully erosion. He stressed that the Ministry must receive complete documentation for the newly identified site to ensure proper project continuation. ‎ ‎He reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, assuring that every effort will be made to ensure the timely completion and quality delivery of the project for the benefit of Nigerians. ‎ ‎Earlier, the Federal Controller, Nassarawa State, Tpl. Bashiru Garba, told the Permanent Secretary that part of the delay was due to gully erosion that affected part of the land initially allocated by the Nassarawa State Government, disclosing that another site has since been provided by the State as replacement  ‎ ‎Tpl. Garba further stated that the Nasarawa State Renewed Hope Estate comprises 250 blocks being developed by San Afar Nigeria Limited and Al Yuma Ventures and Investment Limited.    He explained that so far about 125 blocks comprising the different categories of the housing units are currently at about 30 percent completion. ...

HOUSING MINISTRY OBSERVES SERVICOM CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK, HONOURS DEPARTMENTS, STAFF FOR SERVICE DELIVERY   * Press and Public Relations Emerges Best Department in Service Delivery   * Minister calls on staff to embrace culture of service excellence and accountability    Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has observed the Servicom Customer Service Week for the year 2025, with the theme ‘MISSION POSSIBLE’.   Part of the activities of the Customer Service Week were honours given to various departments and staff of the ministry, with the Press and Public Relations Unit bagging the ‘Best position’ award, for their dedication and service delivery in achieving the mandate of the housing sector.   In his remarks, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, called on all staff and agencies under the Ministry to embrace a culture of service excellence and accountability in line with the theme for the 2025 Customer Service Week, ‘Mission: Possible’.   “This theme reminds us that excellence in public service is not a luxury; it is a duty, one that is entirely achievable when we commit to doing things right, every time”, he said.   The Minister commended the Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement for organizing the event, as well as the National SERVICOM Office for its partnership in promoting service delivery standards across government.   He also congratulated all award recipients for demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and integrity in their work.   “Awards and commendations matter because they signal our values, but they must go hand-in-hand with responsibility. Each awardee and indeed every public servant must carry the example forward”, he said.   Highlighting the mission of the Housing Ministry, which is to build safe, decent, and affordable homes for Nigerians, upgrade slums and make the cities livable, reform land administration and ease access to housing finance; among others, Arc. Dangiwa encouraged every officer and institution under the Ministry to embrace the “Mission: Possible” mindset.   “That means no more excuses and delays, let every desk in FMHUD and every counter in our agencies become a centre of Renewed Hope, where citizens leave with answers, not frustration”, he added.   Accordingly, the Minister urged each department and project office to make ‘Mission: Possible’ real by adopting and displaying the published Service Charters and timelines, responding to enquiries with speed, accuracy, and empathy.   He further urged them to record, track, and act on feedback, as well as convene quarterly review forums where management, staff, and citizens assess service metrics and propose improvements.   Dangiwa  expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, for his consistent leadership and for driving the reform efforts of the Ministry with passion and purpose; as well as all the staff.   Similarly, he thanked agencies of the Ministry, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Federal Housing Authority (FHA), and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), for being strategic to the delivery of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development.   “Let the Renewed Hope brand be visible not only in projects and buildings, but also in our service culture in how we respond, how we communicate, and how we solve problems”, he charged.   On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, noted that the Customer Service Week was not just a celebration but a call to action and a moment to reflect on how citizens are engaged, how their needs are responded to, and how values of transparency, accountability, and excellence are upheld in public service.   “As we mark this week, let us recommit ourselves to the values that define great service: Commitment, responsiveness, and continuous improvement”, he said.   In her key note address, the Head of Operations, SERVICOM, The Presidency, Mrs Ngozi Akinbodewa, commended the Ministry for organizing the event, stressing that its objective is about raising awareness internally and externally on good customer service in building loyalty and satisfaction.   Mrs Akinbodewa further highlighted the importance of this year's theme: ‘MISSION POSSIBLE’, which according to her refers to "turning challenges into opportunities, enhancement of compliance, promotion of cross-disciplinary collaboration, etc."   She urged staff to imbibe the qualities of the theme by demonstrating determination, teamwork, and commitment.   Earlier, in her remarks, the Head of Reform and Service Improvement Department in the ministry, Mrs. Philips Ogoniba Ibifuro informed that the Customer Service Week gives an opportunity for the Management of the Ministry to recognize and encourage workers, staff and stakeholders for job well done while also providing opportunity to reflect, recognize and recommit through impacts.   She brought to the fore, the mission of the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department to champion a culture of excellence, responsiveness and innovation across all facets of government service.   Highlight of the event was the presentation of a Visionary Leader award to the Honorable Minister, as well as an award for Institutional Reform, given to the Permanent Secretary.   The event also featured talks on safety rules and health. ...