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. ...

Housing Ministry, National Assembly Advocate Robust Funding for Housing Sector    The National Assembly has called for increased and sustained funding for the housing sector, recognising its critical role in economic growth, job creation, and national development.   This position was expressed during the 2026 budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees.    The Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development is chaired by Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, is chaired by Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin.   During the session with the Senate Committee, Chairman Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting policies and funding mechanisms that will strengthen housing delivery nationwide.   “Housing delivery remains central to national development, and the Senate will continue to support initiatives that expand access to affordable homes and strengthen urban infrastructure,” he stated.   He urged the Ministry to sustain close engagement with the Committee to ensure effective implementation of programmes and optimal utilisation of appropriated funds.   At the session with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, Chairman Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin emphasised the strategic importance of housing to Nigeria’s economy and national development. “Housing must be prioritised on the government’s agenda because of its multi-dimensional impact on the economy. The sector creates jobs for various skilled workers and stimulates activity across multiple value chains,” he stated.   Hon. Jibrin further disclosed that his consultations with relevant government funding institutions indicate a shared understanding that the housing sector remains underfunded and requires increased investment to strengthen delivery capacity and maximise its economic impact.   He assured the Committee’s readiness to support initiatives that will expand affordable housing supply and improve living conditions for Nigerians.   Earlier, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, led the Ministry’s management team — alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ata; the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore; and Directors of the Ministry — to present the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposals.   The Minister explained that the Ministry’s priorities in the 2026 budget are designed to consolidate ongoing projects, sustain momentum, and ensure continuity in housing delivery and urban infrastructure development nationwide.    Key 2026 Budget Priorities of the Housing Ministry;    * Renewed Hope Housing Programme — delivery of 4,000 housing units across 15 state capitals nationwide (Osun, Oyo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto, Gombe, Kano and Yobe).   * Completion of National Housing Programme (NHP) projects in over 20 states and the FCT.   * Construction of an additional office block at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.   * Completion of ongoing Federal Secretariats in Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Zamfara and Osun States.   * Completion of additional Federal Secretariats in Abia, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kogi and Taraba States.   * Major rehabilitation and restoration of 28 existing Federal Secretariats nationwide.   * Upgrading, completion and operationalisation of Building Crafts Training Schools in Yaba (Lagos State) and Ikeduru (Imo State).  Funding Support and Strategic Interventions  The Minister also requested special funding interventions to address outstanding liabilities and critical national commitments, including:   •    MDGs/SDGs projects   •    Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP)   •    Special Projects Unit (SPU) mandates   •    Outstanding urban renewal and slum upgrading obligations   •    Physical development planning projects   Additional funding needs include:   •    Provision of on-site infrastructure (roads, drainage, culverts, and utilities) to support PPP housing developments nationwide;   •    Expansion of the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme across the 36 states and the FCT.   The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to expand affordable housing supply, strengthen urban infrastructure, and support inclusive economic growth. ...

 Tinubu Set To Kick off  A Historic 500,000 Housing Unit MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY In FCT/Nassarawa Urban Corridor    * Mega Renewed Hope City to Transform FCT/Nassarawa Growth Corridor - Dangiwa   The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has announced that the Federal Government is set to commence a historic 500,000-housing-unit MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY within the FCT/Nasarawa urban corridor — one of the largest master-planned housing developments in Nigeria’s history.   The Minister made this disclosure during an inspection visit to Aso-B in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, the proposed site for the MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY.   Spanning approximately 5,000 hectares and strategically located between Abuja and Nasarawa State, the MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY is conceived as a modern, integrated urban district designed to significantly increase housing supply, strengthen critical infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, and support the long-term spatial development strategy of the Federal Capital Territory.   The project lies within a key urban expansion corridor, sharing boundaries with NAF Valley, Nyanya, Guruku, and the NHA Housing Scheme at Mpape. Its location is pivotal to the Federal Government’s strategy to decongest central Abuja while creating structured, sustainable residential and commercial alternatives through coordinated urban planning.   The master plan outlines six major districts — Kabuso, Guruku, Yelwa, Gbagalape, A.A. Sule, and Kudu. Each district will feature:   * Affordable and mixed-income residential communities * Commercial and business hubs * Schools and healthcare facilities * Recreational and green spaces * Integrated public utilities and modern infrastructure   The MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY is being delivered under a structured Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework, bringing together relevant government institutions and private sector partners with clearly defined roles to ensure efficiency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.   Under the framework:   * The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will provide overall coordination and development oversight. * The Federal Ministry of Finance will support financing arrangements. * The Federal Ministry of Works will be responsible for major road infrastructure.   According to Minister Dangiwa, the MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY aligns squarely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in its commitment to:   * Expanding access to affordable housing at scale * Decongesting Abuja and improving urban liveability * Delivering climate-responsive and resilient infrastructure * Creating jobs and stimulating economic growth * Promoting sustainable urban planning and environmental stewardship   “This MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY represents a transformative step in structured urban expansion. It is about building inclusive, resilient, economically vibrant communities that will serve both present and future generations,” the Minister stated.   He further emphasised that adequate compensation and comprehensive stakeholder engagement will be ensured before full project commencement, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and community inclusion.   His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is expected to perform the foundation-laying ceremony for the MEGA RENEWED HOPE CITY — marking a defining milestone in Nigeria’s housing and urban transformation journey and underscoring the administration’s resolve to unlock new growth corridors and accelerate infrastructure development nationwide ...