FG Commends UN-Habitat Support for Displaced Persons    * Pushes For Expanded Climate Responsive Housing Initiatives   The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the European Union-funded Sustainable Integrated Development Program for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (SIDPIN), praising it for delivering durable housing solutions, strengthening community integration, and improving living conditions for displaced persons and host communities.   The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa made this commendation in a meeting with a delegation from the UN-Habitat, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.   While acknowledging the UN-Habitat’s ongoing support through SIDPIN in Adamawa, Kano, and Borno states, he emphasized their alignment with the Ministry’s priority of rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening social cohesion in post-conflict areas.   Dangiwa also recognized the program’s support in reviewing the National Urban Development Policy, alongside its 
contribution to planning reform, and the offer of a consultant for the National Land Registration Documentation and Titling Programme (Land4Growth), urban renewal initiatives, and slum upgrading program’s.   “These interventions are vital as Nigeria confronts rapid urbanisation that demands coordinated planning, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-responsive development”, He said.   The Minister highlighted the importance of interventions in sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and resource management, emphasizing on the need for coordinated planning and sustainable infrastructure in the face of rapid urbanization.   He, however, regretted that budgetary constraints were hampering the Ministry’s clear policy direction and strong ambitions, slowing the pace and limiting the scale of implementation, particularly in the delivery of climate-responsive housing and urban resilience initiatives.   According to the Minister, this reality compels the Ministry to explore innovative financing mechanisms beyond traditional budgetary allocations.   He noted that while the Ministry recognizes the numerous opportunities presented by its partnership with UN-Habitat, it is also mindful of the challenges involved in meeting its obligations under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).   Arc. Dangiwa mentioned some of the   opportunities to include facilitating access to international climate finance from global funding institutions, mobilising resources for social housing programmes targeting vulnerable populations, and advancing women-focused housing initiatives, acknowledging that women are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts and conflict-induced displacement.   He expressed the ministry's deep appreciation for its collaboration with UN-Habitat and the potential for accelerating affordable housing delivery and the development of resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities.   Responding to the UN- Habitat’s invitation to the up coming Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, and the World Urban Forum in May, the Minister acknowledged both as important events for which the ministry will ensure representation.   Earlier in his remarks, the Head (UN Habitat) West Africa Hub Dakar, Senegal Mr. Mathias Spaliviero reaffirmed the agency’s strong institutional partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, emphasizing that collaboration remains a priority regardless of funding cycles.   He provided updates on ongoing interventions by the UN-Habitat, highlighting a major joint programme being implemented in collaboration with International Organization for Migration and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.    He noted that the initiative focuses on delivering sustainable, durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) through structured urban integration strategies across Kano, Yobe, Adamawa, and Benue States.   According to him, the programme adopts a multi-scale planning approach and has recorded encouraging progress, with state governments demonstrating increasing ownership and responsiveness.   Mr. Spaliviero further extended an invitation to the Honourable Minister to participate in the upcoming Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as the forthcoming World Urban Forum convened by UN-Habitat. ...

Construction Artisans Are Builders of Nigeria’s Future – Dangiwa   The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s skilled construction workforce, describing artisans as critical drivers of housing delivery, economic growth, and national development.   Speaking at the 6th Construction Artisans Awards (CAA 2026) in Abuja, the Minister said the event celebrates the skilled men and women “whose hands literally build Nigeria,” while promoting professionalism, certification, and pride in technical craftsmanship.   He noted that the two-day programme, which featured screening, practical assessments, competitions, and upskilling workshops, demonstrated discipline, innovation, and professionalism among participants.   According to the Minister, the initiative has evolved into a national platform that raises standards in the construction sector by integrating competency assessments, certification pathways, and skills development.   Dangiwa explained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, housing is being repositioned not merely as a social service but as a powerful economic engine capable of creating jobs, stimulating supply chains, and expanding opportunities across the economy.   He, however, expressed concern over Nigeria’s shortage of certified construction artisans, noting that the quality of buildings reflects the quality of skills available.   “The construction sector remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers. Every housing unit built creates work for masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, tilers, painters and many others. But we must move from labour to skilled labour,” he stated.   The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), which aims to train artisans, support certification to national competency standards, and connect them to employment opportunities through a digital marketplace and national database.   “This ensures that training leads to work, certification builds credibility, and skills translate into income. NASAP is not just training — it is economic empowerment,” he said.   He commended Family Homes Funds Limited for leveraging development partnerships to train construction artisans nationwide, linking skills training directly to housing delivery and improving quality and livelihoods.   Dangiwa also acknowledged ongoing Technical and Vocatio nal Education and Training (TVET) reforms by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education, stressing that a strong TVET system is essential for producing the skilled workforce required for modern construction.   He emphasised that delivering housing at scale requires strengthening skills development, certification systems, construction finance, local building materials production, and adoption of modern building technologies.   “The Construction Artisans Awards elevate the dignity of skilled work, inspire young Nigerians to pursue technical careers, and strengthen the workforce pipeline Nigeria urgently needs,” he said.   The Minister concluded by recognising artisans as builders of communities and livelihoods, stressing that Nigeria must be known not only for the number of homes it builds but also for the quality of craftsmanship behind them. ...

Housing Ministry Holds Seminar on Data Protection Act Compliance for Directors   * Ministry committed to Stronger Data Accountability Culture - Belgore    In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA 2023), an awareness Seminar on Annual Data Protection and Compliance Audit was organized for the Directors of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.    The NDPA 2023 represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s digital governance framework. It establishes clear obligations for all public and private institutions to safeguard personal data, promote accountability, and strengthen trust in the digital ecosystem.    In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore,  urged staff of the Ministry to imbibe a strong culture of data accountability in order to build and sustain public trust by safeguarding information entrusted to them.   While reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to full compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, he described data protection as both a legal and moral obligation, emphasing that as a Ministry responsible for delivering housing solutions and driving urban development nationwide, it manages a significant volume of sensitive information that must be handled with utmost responsibility.   He noted that the seminar underscores the fact that data protection goes beyond regulatory compliance to fostering a culture of accountability, discipline, and professionalism in the collection, processing, storage, and sharing of data, explaining that even a single lapse in data management could have serious consequences for the institution and the citizens it serves.   Dr Belgore further stated that the Ministry serves as custodian of critical data, including records of applicants under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, staff records, land documentation, contractors’ data, and financial information,  assuring of the Ministry’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of data governance and maintaining public trust.   “In today’s digital environment, data is not merely an operational asset but a matter of public trust. With the enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the increasing digitization of our processes, data protection is no longer optional. Every citizen who submits information to this Ministry expects it to be safeguarded against misuse, unauthorized access, and breaches,” he stated.   Accordingly. Belgore added that data protection is not the responsibility of the ICT Department alone, but of every officer, director, and staff member who interacts with information in any form, describing  the seminar as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism, and compliance culture within the Ministry.   He highlighted ongoing digital initiatives within the Ministry, including the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) System, the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, and the soon-to-be-launched Consolidated Land Registry Management System (CLRMS), stressing that these advancements make it imperative for all staff to understand and uphold data protection principles.   The Permanent Secretary urged participants to engage actively, ask questions, and reflect on how data protection principles apply to their daily responsibilities.   Speaking earlier, the Head of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, Dr. Marcus Amionoleme, stated that data protection is essential to safeguarding the dignity, privacy, and trust of Nigerians served by the Ministry. He stressed that as custodians of the Ministry’s ICT systems, the Department must ensure that every unit aligns with established data protection standards.   Dr. Amionoleme explained that the seminar was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the requirements of the NDPA 2023, highlight the importance of the annual compliance audit as a tool for transparency and institutional integrity, and equip staff with practical strategies to embed a sustainable data protection culture across the Ministry’s operations. ...