Housing Ministry, Polaris Capital, Sign MoU On Artisans Skills Acquisition  The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital Limited has today September 2nd, 2025, formalized a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to kick-start the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP).   NASAP is a nationwide intervention programme designed to train, certify, and digitally connect 100,000 artisans in priority construction trades to job opportunities across Nigeria.   Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore, informed that the Ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is set to embark on the transformative initiative to bridge the nation's artisan skills gap and modernize the construction workforce.    “Today's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Polaris Capital Limited marks a milestone in the launch of the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP)”, he remarked.   He outlined some of the objectives of the programme to include strengthening the technical capacity in the housing and construction sector, creating sustainable employment pathways for Nigerian youth and artisans.   Other objectives according to the Permanent Secretary include promoting inclusivity by ensuring participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities; as well as leveraging technology through a national booking and verification system for artisans.   He explained that the initiative is structured around a three-year programme with funding from federal budget allocations, private sector participation, and donor contributions, adding that the digital platform would generate revenue to ensure sustainability of the programme beyond the MoU period.   Dr. Belgore further expressed joy in the partnership which is aimed at delivering affordable housing for Nigerians across the country.   On their part, the CEO of the Polaris Capital Limited, Kelvin Vihishima, described the signing of the MoU as a positive initiative aimed at reducing the skills gap in the Nigerian economy.   He noted that skills is the bedrock and corner stone of every economy, saying  that the initiative would reduce unemployment and make skills available at the national level.   He informed that the scope of the MoU is to train, certify and onboard the artisans, reducing quackery, and reforming the housing industry.   Vihishima further appreciated the Ministry for taking the noble initiative and appreciating the expertise of its delivery.   In his introductory remarks, the Director, Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) Department, Arc. Ibechile Egwudale said that the signing of the MoU underscores the Ministry's commitment to skills development, job creation, and sustainable urban growth, anchored on accountability, inclusivity and long-term economic impact.    Highlight of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Ministry, and Polaris Capital Limited. ...

Lagos Renewed Hope City 80 Per cent Completed, Sets for Presidential Inauguration     * Ministry Plans Building Materials Manufacturing Hub in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos    The ongoing construction of 2000 housing units Renewed Hope City at Ibeju Lekki, Lagos has reached 80 per cent completion and will be ready for Presidential inauguration soon.   This was disclosed by Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa during an inspection visit to the site, Thursday August 28th, 2025.   Dangiwa stated "the Ibeju Lekki Renewed Hope City project is 80 per cent completed, with over 700 housing units under phase one ready, for commissioning".   The Minister said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR is currently building seven Renewed Hope Cities, one in each geo- political zone and Abuja, FCT.   According to Dangiwa, the foundation laying for the second phase of the Lagos Renewed Hope City houses will be done by Mr. President after the commissioning of the 700 units of the first phase.   “The Lagos Renewed Hope City, when fully completed, would deliver 2,000 housing units. The project underscores the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bridging housing deficit in Nigeria”, he said.   The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates  initiative nationwide is aimed at providing decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.  As part of his Lagos tour activities, the Minister visited Lekki Economic Trade zone and was conducted round by the Managing Director, Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd  Adeniyi Akinlusi.   Dangiwa inspected various housing projects, industries, building materials, testing laboratories, the deep sea port, Alaro City, Lagos Coastal City, and other ongoing developments.   He commended Lekki Worldwide Investments for providing a strategic site for the Federal Government Building Materials Manufacturing Hub within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.   He explained that the ministry plans to establish six Building Manufacturing Hubs, one in each geo-political zones, aimed at reducing housing production costs through facilitation of production of local building materials.    He disclosed that an investor has already been secured for the manufacturing hub project, which will cut Nigeria’s housing deficit by boosting local building materials production.   "The hub will promote local content, curb rising costs of materials, encourage domestic production, and ensure sustainable housing delivery nationwide", he disclosed.   Dangiwa said the intermodal transport infrastructure in Lekki, including a seaport, airport, rail and roads, will support the effectiveness of the hubs, adding that the infrastructure attracts real estate investments, as housing is required to support these developments.   Earlier, the MD/CEO Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd, Adeniyi Akinlusi briefed the Minister on projects, noting that the free zone was designed to stimulate growth, reduce imports, attract investment, create jobs and boost housing.   At the Renewed Hope City site, the Executive Director, Loans and Mortgage Services, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Dr. Muhammad Abdul, said the Ibeju Lekki houses are designed to be affordable and accessible to workers and cooperative societies, with the bank providing the lowest interest rates in the market.   During the inspection of Alaro City, in the  Lekki zone, the Minister commended the management’s sustainable building efforts, saying it aligns with the government’s plan to close Nigeria’s housing gap ...

 Ata Inaugurates Building Code Advisory Committee, Assures Nigerians of Safe Buildings   * Says Building Code, a crucial regulatory instrument in housing construction.   Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Attah has inaugurated a twenty one member committee on National Building Code Advisory, Thursday August 28th, 2025.   The Reconstituted Committee comprises; duly registered professionals, representatives of key institutions, relevant Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as one state representative per geopolitical zones of the country.   In his address, Hon Ata described l the inauguration as a collective resolve to reposition the Nigerian building and construction industry on a foundation of standards, regulations, and professionalism.   “ By inaugurating this Committee, we are demonstrating our determination to ensure that every Nigerian home, office, school, hospital, and place of assembly is built to specifications that guarantee safety, durability, and sustainability”, he added.   He highlighted the National Building Code as a crucial regulatory instrument that sets minimum standards for pre-design, design, construction, and maintenance stages, ensuring quality, safety, and proficiency in the building industry.   Giving a historical context to the journey of building code in Nigeria, the Minister informed that the first attempt was initiated in 1987 by the Federal National Council of Works and Housing, with subsequent attempts made in 1989 and 1990, then  draft presented at the second National Council on Housing and Urban Development in 2005.   He stated that the code was officially signed into law in 2006 by President Olusegun Obasanjo, but has recorded slow progress due to challenges in ratification, enforcement, and compliance.   The Minister further informed that first National Building Code Advisory Committee was inaugurated in 2018, but was not reconstructed after its three-year term expired.   He noted that the national building code was initiated by the National Council on Housing and Urban Development to address issues such as absence of town and city planning, incessant building collapses, use of non-professionals, lack of maintenance culture, among others.   On the Committee’s responsibility and enforcement, Hon. Attah said they would be responsible for periodic reviews of the code, and accountable to the Honourable Minister, adding that the code establishes enforcement divisions and units at federal, state, and local government levels, staffed by registered professionals, who are charged with implementing its provisions.   Accordingly, he outlined the functions of the committee in line with section 3 of the Code to include; periodic review of the National Building Code, recommending technical subcommittees, and guiding specialized technical sub-committees.   Informing that the committee will meet at least twice a year, with all meetings subject to the approval of the Minister, the Honorable Minister instructed that the committee would provide quarterly reports detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations to the ministry, as well as ensure that their work leads to visible results.   “This is a serious national assignment and it must be treated as such. It cannot and must not be business as usual. Nigerians expect results. The Ministry expects results”, he warned.   Hon. Attah charged members of this Committee to bring their professional competence, integrity, and patriotic commitment to bear, in discharging their responsibilities; “The safety of our citizens, the durability of our infrastructure, and the resilience of our cities depend on the work you do here”, he stated.   He further communicated the commitment of the government to delivering safe, decent, and affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development, expressing optimism that enforcement of the Building Code, would create jobs, protect lives, secure property, and ensure that cities grow in harmony with safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.   Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, represented by the Director Public Buildings,  Qs Pemi Temitope,  emphasized on the importance of the code to provide a unifying framework that sets minimum standards for design, construction and maintenance of building across the country.    He said the inauguration is a demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the Honourable Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa in ensuring that the ministry’s mandate of providing affordable shelter to Nigerians is pursued, without compromising safety, quality and sustainability.    Dr. Belgore further stated that the reconstitution of the committee was therefore a deliberate step to guarantee that every housing intervention is guided by modern standards that protect lives, preserve value, and promote resilience within our built environment.   Speaking on behalf of the committee,  the Chairman of the NBCAC Committee Arc. Mohammed Faworaja  assured the Minister that the committee would carry out their responsibilities with diligence and professionalism, adhering to all requirements.   On domestication of the code in states, he said the committee will look into the National Standards and encourage states to domesticate using their peculiar situations. ...