Housing Ministry, Kuwait Foundation Explore Partnership Areas    *Our partnership focus is affordable housing, promotion of sustainable urban development - Dangiwa   *Our visit is to explore potential areas of collaboration and support - DG KFAED   Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is exploring partnership areas particularly in infrastructure development, with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).   The partnership focus will be in pursuance to the delivery of affordable housing and promoting sustainable urban development in Nigeria.   KFAED is Kuwait's agency for the provision and administration of financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, expressed the readiness of the Ministry to receive the interventions, during a meeting with a delegation from the Kuwait Fund, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.   The Minister highlighted a couple of programs launched by the Ministry, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as key areas where the Ministry needs intervention.   The areas include; the establishment of Building Material Manufacturing Hubs across Nigeria's six regions, to reduce the cost of building materials in the country and create job opportunities.   Dangiwa explained that each hub would be built on 200 to 300 hectares of land, to be equipped with infrastructure such as roads, drainages, electricity, water and other facilities that would enable the hub function properly.   He as well informed that solicitors and proposals from investors has been received by the Ministry to develop the hubs, with four investors currently involved.   “After we have done the site and services infrastructure, the spaces will be allocated for investors who wants to build medium size factory, small size factory and the large scale factories that can produce roofing sheets, doors, windows, ceramic tiles and all the printing materials that we need into the locations”, he added.   The Minister spoke about the development of a district called Centenary City in Abuja, which spans over 1200 hectares of land along the airport road, saying that funds were needed to develop the infrastructure.   He noted that the infrastructure development at the city would attract investors who will take up a portion of the land to develop commercial, tourism, residential, and industrial outlets.   Another area of partnership according to the Minister is the Urban Development sector of the Ministry which focuses on urban development in the cities and urban areas, as well as slum upgrade in the hinterlands.   He explained that the slum upgrade provides infrastructure like drainages, roads, sanitation, electricity, schools, and hospitals, that would make life comfortable for the society, informing that last year's budget funded the development of 150 slums, with over 120 already completed.   In reference to the technical assistance earlier mentioned by the Director General of the Kuwait Fund, Arc. Dangiwa said the Ministry seeks technical assistance to fund and implement the programs effectively.   He highlighted the need for technical assistance in conducting feasibility studies for projects like the Centenary City, adding that the Ministry already conducted one for the City, but needs additional support.   Accordingly, the Minister mentioned the need for intervention in the area of the Renewed Hope Social Housing program of the ministry which aims to build 100 houses in the 774 local governments of the country, targeting low-income and underprivileged individuals.   He explained the plan to sell 70 percent of the houses to the low income earners who would pay only 30 percent of their income and the rest subsidized by the government, while the remaining 30 percent of houses would be given to the zero income, underprivileged and displaced individuals.   Dangiwa however noted that the social housing initiative is currently facing funding challenges which the ministry seeks solutions to.   Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Development, Dr. Wahad Al-Bahar, stated that their visit to the Ministry was to explore potential areas of collaboration and support.   He informed that Kuwait Fund for Arab Development is interested in identifying projects within the Ministry that could benefit from its assistance, particularly in infrastructure and social development.   Dr. Al-Bahar emphasized the importance of having updated feasibility studies for the  proposed projects.    He stated, “These are some of the areas we can support, but I need to know if you have feasibility studies for the projects. We also have to consider the cost implications, and the studies need to be current.”   While clarifying that the Kuwait Fund does not finance direct housing projects in accordance with its operational policy, Dr. Al-Bahar affirmed the Fund’s willingness to support related infrastructure, including transportation, education, agriculture, and other social sectors.   He further disclosed that prior to their visit to the Ministry, the Fund had signed its first partnership agreement with the Kaduna State Government on the project tagged “Reaching Out- of - School Children Program", an occasion he described as a delightful milestone.   Dr. Al-Bahar added that the Kuwait Fund offers soft loans to governments, including Nigeria, under favorable conditions, with a maturity period ranging from 20 to 25 years and low interest rates.   In addition to the  financial assistance, he reaffirmed the Fund’s readiness to support the Nigerian Government in developing or updating feasibility studies for potential projects.    “If you require assistance with developing proper studies, we are willing to help,” he assured.   Responding to the Minister’s outlined priority areas, Dr. Al-Bahar acknowledged their significance and reiterated the Fund's willingness to consider them, subject to the availability of detailed feasibility studies.   ...

Dangiwa Reaffirms FG's Commitment to Providing Affordable Housing    * Calls on Cooperative Societies to organize and participate in the renewed hope housing programme. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the Federal government's commitment to providing affordable and dignified housing to Nigerians.     The Minister spoke when he received the President of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Cooperative Society, Abdullahi Yusuf and members of his team on a courtesy visit to his office.    He mentioned that the Renewed Hope Housing Programme of the present administration was ambitious and a people oriented one to cater for all categories of income earners.    " The three core components of the programme; Renewed Hope Cities funded by PPP in six locations is for the high income earners, the Renewed Hope Estate, targeted in 30 states of the federation is for the medium and low income earners, while the third component Renewed Hope Social Housing, which is in the planning phase, is for the low to zero income earners, the vulnerable and displaced persons" he explained.   Dangiwa also stated that, the Ministry is working with state governments to provide land for the houses to be built in the States for the benefit of the citizens of the state, adding that developers and financial institutions such as Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and Family Homes Fund, will provide access to delivery.   He told the Cooperative team that they, as well as other Cooperative Societies, have a unique opportunity to be at the fore front of the housing programmes, highlighting that the federal mortgage loans is available with single-digit interest rates over 30 years to support members.    He informed of other options, aside the interest loan single rates, such as ethical mortgage, Rent to Own and the cooperative housing development loans, designed for building bulk housing projects, for the members of the Cooperative society.   Accordingly, he encouraged the Cooperative Society to acquire land and partner with developers, informing of the readiness of the FMBN to provide funding, so long as the cooperatives can profile their members to ensure they can afford the houses.   He gave the assurance that the managing director of the FMBN would provide technical support to the cooperative throughout the housing development process.   Arc. Dangiwa also emphasized on the importance of due diligence in the Cooperative’s dealings with developers and land agents to avoid fraudulent activities; “before your acquire any land, make sure that the land is secured, certificated and not under any encumbrance”, he advised.   Responding on the Brains and Hammers bungalow city, the Minister assured that the FMBN and developers were working together to provide amicable solutions for any issue that may arise.   Dangiwa further called on all cooperative societies across Nigeria to organize themselves and participate in the renewed hope housing program.   “This is the time to mobilize your members, secure land, identify needs and approach FMBN or the Ministry for support, as long as you are an NHF contributor, then you are entitled to any support from the FMBN mortgage”, he added.   Speaking earlier, the President of the NHIA Cooperative, Abdullahi Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Hon Minister for his role in facilitating members’ access to housing under the Rent-to-Own Product of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).   He explained that the Cooperative previous financial commitments with a private developer to address the housing needs of its members unfortunately failed, as the Society neither received land nor a full refund of the funds committed.   Yusuf stated that NHIA under his leadership is determed to avoid further losses, hence decided to write to the Minister seeking to benefit on the Rent-to-Own product of the FMBN and hoping that it would enable members to realise their dream of homeownership.   "When I heard about Rent -to- Own Product being initiated by you, I knew this is a way to go. This one I know I am dealing with Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria," he stated.   He informed the Minister that thirty-six out of about one hundred staff members screened have been allocated houses, and received clearance to proceed to take ownership at the Brains and Hammers Bungalow City, Kubwa. Abuja.    He also disclosed that their Cooperative Society has proposed an arrangement for bulk payment from source rather than individual monthly deductions as required under the Rent-to-Own scheme, noting that it would reduce the financial burden on members.   “What you have done for us, we will never forget. Honestly, I wrote the letter reluctantly, unsure it would even reach the Minister. But when I visited FMBN, I was informed that the Minister had already written twice on the matter, and that a committee headed by an Executive Director had been constituted to address it,” he further appreciated.   ...

Dangiwa Showcases Impact Of Renewed Hope Housing Programme In Northern Nigeria    * Over 152,000 Jobs Created * 6112 Homes under construction  * Over 150 Slums Upgraded   The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has unveiled far-reaching achievements of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme across Northern Nigeria, highlighting how the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is using housing as a transformative tool to rebuild communities, create jobs, and restore dignity.   Speaking at a two-day interactive session organized by the Sir. Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at Arewa House, Kaduna, Dangiwa declared that the Ministry’s interventions are not just about physical infrastructure, but about economic empowerment and social renewal.   “We are not just building houses; we are rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and laying the foundation for a more secure and prosperous North,” he stated.   In achieving the landmark of Housing Projects Across the Region under the Renewed Hope Housing, the Ministry deployed a three-tier strategy that is already reshaping Northern Nigeria’s housing landscape.   Dangiwa listed the Renewed Hope City Projects totaling 4,612 Units, with Karsana, FCT having 3,112 housing units, and 1,500 units Renewed Hope City, and 500 unit Estate in Kano.   Accordingly, he mentioned that the Renewed Hope Estate Projects have 250 units each delivered in Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, Sokoto, Benue, and Nasarawa, totatlling 1,500 units.   All the sites, he added were integrated with road networks, water infrastructure, solar lighting, and basic social amenities.   "The planned Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates is a part of a national effort to deliver 100 affordable homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas", he stated.   He explained that, through these housing projects, the Ministry has generated over 152,000 direct and indirect jobs, empowering thousands of Northern youth and artisans. Many now earn up to ₦150,000 monthly, contributing to local economic activity and household stability.   The Ministry is also investing in Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across all regions to promote local content, reduce building costs, and create additional industrial jobs.   On the Post-Conflict Resettlement Initiative, Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC), Dangiwa highlighted that the RSPIC is a major humanitarian component of the housing programme.    The initiative he said aims to build 252 new homes across seven Northern states of Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Benue, and Sokoto, to rehabilitate families displaced by banditry and terrorism.   The pilot project in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, is already underway, providing safe, decent housing for victims of the December 2023 accidental military airstrike.   “This is housing as healing, helping families affected by conflict reclaim stability and hope,” the Minister noted.   On Urban Renewal and Infrastructure Development, he stated that through the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme, the Ministry has completed over 150 projects and has more than 100 ongoing across Northern communities.   The major intervention sites under the programme include; Tudun Wada (Sokoto), Yankaba (Kano), and Tunga (Niger).   Under the Special Projects Unit, the Ministry has delivered across the nation; •    71 new classrooms •    15 primary health centres •    58 boreholes •    63 rural access roads   With over ₦61 Billion invested, these projects have created more than 10,700 jobs and improved the quality of life in vulnerable communities.   Dangiwa also affirmed that the Ministry is scaling up efforts to deepen the reach of the programme in the region, including; New Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in additional Northern states; full implementation of the 774-LGA Social Housing rollout, and expansion of single-digit mortgage and rent-to-own financing.   Other plan also include launch of Building Material Hubs to enhance affordability and self-reliance.   “This is more than infrastructure. It’s a renewal of trust in government, a practical demonstration that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real change,” he concluded.   ...