Dangiwa Urges Shareholders to Focus on Strengthening Shelter Afrique for Rapid Affordable Housing Delivery in Africa As EGM Kicks Off In Algiers   The 2023 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Shelter Afrique commenced today at Sheraton Club des Pins Resort (Hotel Sheraton Alger) in Algiers, Algeria, with a resounding call from the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Nigeria, Arc. Ahmed M. Dangiwa. The Minister, who is the Chairman of the Company’s 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) Bureau, emphasized the importance of shareholder unity and commitment to the company's mission to provide affordable housing solutions across Africa.   In his opening address, Arc. Dangiwa emphasized the significance of the 2023 EGM and its role in shaping Shelter Afrique's future. He commended the company's leadership, recognizing the remarkable work of the Board and Management Team in navigating the organization toward growth, profitability, and a more substantial impact on housing development across the continent.   “Today, we are convening this EGM to discuss and take decisions on the pending matters. Through objective discussions, we are optimistic that we would conclude and approve the Company’s revised Statutes. Doing so will mark a momentous milestone and would lay the foundation for a new, innovative, and impact-driven Shelter Afrique,” he said.   The Minister extended his gratitude to all Ministers and shareholders for their commitment, willingness to support reforms and various contributions towards strengthening Shelter Afrique's position as a leader in the delivery of affordable housing in Africa. He applauded their collective resolve to address Africa's housing challenges and the noble shared commitment to the people they serve in their respective countries.   Highlighting Shelter Afrique's recent challenges between 2020 and 2021, Dangiwa reported substantial progress in the revision of the Company Statutes. He mentioned the engagement of a reputable law firm and numerous bilateral and multilateral reviews, resulting in broad shareholder consensus on key issues in the Company’s revised Statutes. He noted that the EGM's primary objective was to finalize and approve these revised Statutes, setting the stage for a renewed, innovative, and impactful Shelter Afrique.   Furthermore, the Hon. Minister called upon all shareholders to embrace the spirit of objectivity, reason, and compromise during discussions, always with a focus on strengthening Shelter Afrique's capacity to facilitate the rapid delivery of affordable housing solutions.   “As we begin this EGM, I want to urge all shareholders to embrace the spirit of objectivity, reason, and compromise, always focusing on what will help strengthen the Company towards achieving its goal of igniting rapid delivery of affordable housing,” he added.   Additionally, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and citizens of Algeria for their warm hospitality. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the EGM would position Shelter Afrique as a dynamic, innovative, and impactful housing development finance institution. One that would have the institutional and financial prowess to significantly contribute to Africa's housing solutions.   Shelter Afrique is a pan-African finance institution that supports the development of housing and urban development in Africa. A partnership of 44 African Governments, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Africa Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re), Shelter Afrique builds strategic partnerships and offers a host of products and related services to support the efficient delivery of affordable housing and commercial real estate. ...

Housing Minister Commends BUA Cement PLC’s Decision To Reduce Cement Price To N3,500   Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has applauded BUA Cement Plc’s recent decision to reduce the price of cement to N3,500 from about N5,500.   He said the proactive gesture will reduce the cost of cement, which is a major cost in housing construction, and that it supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to provide affordable housing to Nigerians.   The Minister made these remarks in response to BUA Plc’s official announcement of the reduction on Sunday, 1st October 2023. He underscored that the soaring cost of cement has led to a drastic increase in house prices, making them unaffordable for the average Nigerian, adding that that BUA Cement Plc’s decision represents a substantial stride toward easing the financial burden on aspiring homeowners.   Dangiwa emphasized that since assuming office, he has made promoting the delivery of affordable housing as a top priority in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. “The escalating prices of building materials, especially cement, have placed a daunting obstacle on the path to homeownership for many Nigerians. BUA Cement Plc’s decision to reduce the price of cement to N3,500 is highly commendable. It reflects their understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians and is a positive step towards making housing more affordable and attainable for all,” he noted.   “I commend BUA Cement Plc for their socially responsible decision to reduce the price of cement. Accessible and affordable housing is a fundamental right, and this move by BUA Cement Plc will undoubtedly alleviate the challenges faced by our citizens. It demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the lives of our people and furthering the goals of sustainable urban development.”   The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development stated that BUA Cement Plc’s initiative will not only benefit individual homeowners but will also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and lift many Nigerians out of poverty by fostering affordable housing construction and infrastructure development.   He encouraged other industry players to emulate BUA Cement Plc’s example, urging them to consider the social impact of their decisions. He believes that collaborative efforts between the government and private sector entities are essential in overcoming the challenges related to housing affordability and ensuring the realization of decent living conditions for every Nigerian citizen. ...

Dangiwa to Deepen Collaboration with Nigerian Institute of Town Planners Toward Sustainable Urban Planning The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has assured the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) of increased collaboration to bolster efforts towards a more sustainable housing and urban planning environment. The Minister gave this assurance when he hosted the leadership of the institute on Thursday, September 21st, 2023, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.   Arc. Dangiwa stressed the importance of effective urban and regional planning, noting that the institute's input and its members' expertise will be vital in the ministry’s efforts to build livable, decent, and sustainable cities and communities. "As you are all aware, our great nation is at a critical juncture in its history. With a rapidly growing population and urbanization trends, the challenges facing our cities and towns have become more complex and demanding. It is evident that proper urban planning and housing development are key to addressing these challenges effectively," he said.   He further emphasized the essential role the institute plays in shaping the physical, social, and economic development of cities and communities, noting that "expertise in spatial planning, environmental management, and infrastructure development is critical in ensuring that our urban areas are well-planned and able to meet the needs of our citizens."   The delegation, led by the institute’s president, Town Planner Nathaniel Atebije, highlighted the challenges confronting the institute and the sector. They called on the Minister to support the delivery of specific demands, including facilitating the completion and adoption of the Revised National Urban Development Policy, as well as the National Physical Planning Standards. They also urged the implementation of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law to guide physical development and the establishment of relevant institutions like the National Urban and Regional Planning Commission.   Atebije also noted that "presenting an executive bill to amend areas of the law that do not have sufficient provisions for effective enforcement to make the law more contemporary, particularly with the possibility of putting physical planning matters on the concurrent list in the constitution, is an important step to take." The NITP boss further urged the Ministry to embark on urgent and rigorous capacity building for professionals to enhance the performance of their job.   One of the institution's demands is the creation of an agency to collect and analyze data on housing to assess the deficit in quantity and quality and facilitate effective planning and implementation of the housing policy.   Responding, the Minister assured that most of the issues relating to the legal and regulatory frameworks of urban and physical planning raised by the institution are already being examined by the relevant departments, along with partner agencies and bodies concerned with such matters. "For instance, we’re already working with the National Population Commission to conduct a housing census to determine the quality and quantity of houses in Nigeria so that we can ascertain the true situation. We do not believe there’s a need to create another agency for that purpose, as it would further increase the cost of governance, which this administration is trying to reduce. Besides, that would amount to duplication of responsibilities.   “On the issue of placing the law in the concurrent list, we’re already working with the states to make that a reality. However, it also depends on the cooperation of the National Assembly, which we’re confident we will receive. I can assure you that the other issues you raised, including those related to the implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning law, undue tenure elongation of your council members, and the recruitment and training of professionals, are matters we are taking seriously as a ministry, and they will be resolved in due time," Dangiwa added.   The delegation also took the opportunity to invite the Honourable Minister to the institute’s National Conference scheduled for October 23rd to 27th, 2023, in Asaba, Delta State, where he is scheduled to deliver a goodwill message. The Minister, accepting their invitation, promised to work closely with the NITP to bring about meaningful development in the built sector. ...