Kaduna, Kogi, Osun States’ Residents Upbeat As FG Commissions 228 Housing Units ·         President  says housing estates being commissioned represent fulfillment of the promise of Change by his administration ·         Fashola reiterates determination of government to ensure transparency of bidding process in acquiring the houses through the National Housing Portal ·         Project is not only addressing the housing deficit but also providing jobs for Nigerians as well as stimulating the economy – Governor El-Rufai ·         Lawmakers, Traditional Rulers hail FG “for continuous efforts in alleviating the problem of housing in the country, especially for the less privileged Kaduna, Kogi and Osun States Monday, March 14, 2022 received the progressive train of the administration of President Buhari moving across the country as the Federal Government commissioned a total of 228 housing units in the States, bringing to five the number of States where the government’s Season of Completion and Impact in the Housing Sector has delivered houses in the last two weeks. Other States where the train has stopped over during the period include Nasarawa State where President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Hon. Muhammed Abdullahi, commissioned 76 housing units located in Lafia, the State capital and Delta State where the President, represented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, commissioned 68 housing units all under the administration’s National Housing Programme (NHP). Out of the 228 housing units delivered at Monday’s Commissioning, Kaduna State got 80 units, while Kogi State got 76 and Osun State 72 units of houses which are in the categories of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom bungalows and condominium as is also being built in 34 states of the Federation in the first Phase. In his keynote address at the commissioning ceremonies, President Buhari reiterated the commitment of his administration to the fulfillment of its campaign promise of Change to the people of Nigerian in 2015 adding, “The housing estates being commissioned today is an example of the fulfillment of the promise of Change we made”. President Buhari who was represented at the commissioning by the Honourable Ministers from the respective beneficiary states also stated that the housing estates was a clear manifestation of the progressive ideals of his administration to improve the human condition of Nigerians. In Kaduna State, the President was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Muhammed Mahmoud Abubakar,  while the Minister of  State, Federal Capital Territory, Ramatu Tijjani represented him in Kogi State and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stood in for him in Osun state. The President expressed delight that the desire and commitment of the administration towards improving the human condition was gaining more impetus as jobs were being created for the teeming populace via the housing estates, stating that people who have aspired for a long time to own a home were now seeing their dreams come true with the housing projects. According to the President, “The business activities going on at the sites of these housing projects have added value to human condition, and Nigerians, especially at the bottom of the pyramid such as artisans, builders, skilled and unskilled workers and food vendors, are not left out of this economic value chain”.  In his own remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, noted that there is a great leap in the completion of projects all over the Federation as the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari draws to an end adding that the houses commissioned were open for subscription to the general public “in a non-discriminatory way through the National Housing Portal to ensure transparency of bidding processes in acquiring the houses”.  "We welcome those who can afford to pay outright but it is not a condition for eligibility because we have offered other flexible payment options like Mortgages and Rent-to-Own which we encourage applicants to pursue”, the Minister said. In his goodwill message at the commissioning In Kaduna state, the State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who was represented by his Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. (Mrs.) Fausat Ibukunle, said the project was not only addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria, but also providing jobs for Nigerians as well as stimulating the economy. Commending the President and the Minister of Works and Housing “for the laudable project”, the Governor, who said it would help improve and promote the welfare of the people of Kaduna State, added, “The engagement of the contractors, suppliers and all those that were employed in the building process has actually stimulated the economy”. Also commending the President and the Minister for the project, the Senator representing Kaduna Southern Senatorial Zone, Senator Danjuma Laah,  noted that the developmental projects all over the country were outstanding, adding that the 9th National Assembly was happy and would be part of the success story by making sure they form part of the commissioning that would be done  all over the country. In his own goodwill message, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmad Nuhu Bamali, also commended the President and called for the institutionalization of a maintenance economy to ensure that the estate was maintained and kept in good condition. In Osun State, the Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Lands and Physical Development, Mr. Nathaniel Agunbiade, disclosed that the state government provided 10.266 hectares of land at Abere for the housing project and called on Osun indigenes to key into the project while also urging the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to complete the phase two of the project.  His Royal Highness, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, in his goodwill message, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the housing estate saying, “When the construction of the houses was ongoing, jobs were created for the people of this community and they benefited immensely from the construction activities." Governor Yahaya Bello, who was represented at the Kogi State phase of the event by his Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Alhaji Usman Ochidi, thanked President Buhari “for the promise kept for the Kogites”. "I thank and appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, for what they have done across the country for the benefit of all Nigerians. I appreciate all those who worked tirelessly to accomplish this project," he said. Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator (Dr.) Sam Egwu, represented by Senator Jibril Isah Echocho, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the continuous efforts in alleviating the problem of housing in the country, especially for the less privileged who, he noted, “are now enjoying the series of change that is taking place in Nigeria”. The Maiyaki of Lokoja, Alhaji Halilu, who represented His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Maigari lll, described the commissioning of the houses as “clear evidence of promise kept by the President”, adding, "Right from the onset, we know that all things being equal, this housing estate will be completed and commissioned before the end of this administration bearing in mind Mr. President's zero tolerance for abandoned projects. We are grateful” ...

National Housing Programme, Evidence Of Fulfilment Of Our Administration's Promise Of Change To Nigerians – Buhari •    FG has delivered similar projects in 34 States with the support of the Governors who provided land – Fashola •    Minister dismisses false report of fatal accident during recent inspection of 2nd Niger Bridge •  Delta State Governor, traditional ruler, Contractors, Artisans, Food Vendors commend FG for economic, life improving infrastructure From the North Central State of Nasarawa, the progressive train of the Season of Completion and Impact in the Housing Sector moved to the South South State of Delta on Thursday with the commissioning of completed homes under the first Phase of the National Housing Programme at Issele Azagba in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the State by President Muhammadu Buhari. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN at the commissioning stated that the National Housing Programme (NHP) is an example of the promise of change made to Nigerians by the current administration. “Our desire and commitment towards improving the human condition and our message of change, have another facet beyond job creation. It responds to those who have long aspired to own a home, and that dream has come true with this project,” Buhari said. The President remarked, “When our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), sought your mandate to form Government in 2015, one of the things we promised was change.” Responding to a journalist’s question shortly after the commissioning, the Minister dismissed a false report in the media that he was involved in a motor accident during his inspection tour of the ongoing 2nd Niger Bridge in Delta and Anambra States. He said, “We were in Asaba two days ago with the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari to inspect ongoing works at the second Niger Bridge.  It is unfortunate that some sections of the media chose to tell sensational premium lies, we were not involved in any accident.” Earlier, the Minister of Works and Housing, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Housing, Mr. Biodun Oki, said “In 34 States of Nigeria, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has delivered projects like this with the support of the State Governors who provided the land.” “There are many things to be said about this project, from its design to the economic impact and the social impact on this community. In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desired,” he said. The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Chukwunwike  Uzo  who was represented by the Director, Public Buildings and Housing in the Ministry , Arc. Solomon Labafilo remarked, “The Ministry is promoting local content in line with Executive Orders 3 and 5. The use of available local building materials in the National Housing Programme has stimulated the economy through the production and use of the materials. The overall economic value chain arising from the housing construction activities is mostly beneficial to the Nigerian youths. ‘’ Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi  Okowa who was  represented by   the Commissioner of Housing in Delta State, Chief Festus Ochonogor  noted that shelter being an essential part of human needs, a housing estate like the one being commissioned is part of the crucial development of the society.  He said the housing gap can be bridged through Public and Private Partnership to address the housing needs of the people. In his goodwill message, the Asagba of Asaba , HRH Joseph Chike Edozien ,  represented by the Osowa Owelle Asaba , Engr. Chris Chukwurah said , “This project is number one in this country and we thank the Federal Government for siting this edifice in this area and for giving some of these houses to Super Eagle players to actualize the promise made to them by  the Abacha regime. “ Engr. Chukwurah added that the National Housing Programme  has contributed to the economic prosperity of the people within the area. He enjoined the beneficiaries to maintain the houses in order to spur the Federal Government to provide more. House of Representatives Member representing Aniocha North /South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu represented by Hon. Anthony Okeibuno said the Federal Government is collaborating with the Delta State Government in developing housing and other critical infrastructure in the state. He said, “I congratulate the beneficiaries and I enjoin them to make good use of the houses.” One of the contractors who built the units of houses in the Estate, Engr. Nze Upright thanked the Minister for his consistency in following up the projects through to the stage of commissioning. He appealed to the Federal Government for more funding for the Second Phase of the National Housing Programme. One of the artisans, Stephen Achi, said that he thanked the President and the Minister for the housing projects because working with the contractors made him earn enough to start his own personal project. A food seller at the site of the building, Promise Innocent expressed her satisfaction with the projects because her earning capacity has improved since the beginning of the housing project as workers and the artisans on site patronized her shop and five other shops within the site. Some of the dignitaries at the event included Directors from the Ministry and some members of the Delta State Executive Council.  The NYSC Band Delta State and other traditional cultural musical groups in Delta State   were also at the event of commissioning to entertain the guests. ...

FG Redeems 28 Years’ Pledge, Allocates Houses to 1994 Super Eagles …As Commissioning of Homes Completed Under the National Housing Programme Kicks off in Nasarawa State The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of houses to 22 members of the 1994 Super Eagles in their various states, thereby fulfilling a pledge made to them 28 years ago by the then Federal Government. President Buhari stated this in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Monday, March 7, 2022 during the commissioning of the completed homes under the administration’s National Housing Programme initiative.   The commissioning was the first in the series of the formal commissioning lined up to take place in 34 States of the federation where Phase I of the houses has been completed. Represented by the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi,  President Buhari described the completion of the housing projects as a fulfillment of the promise of change that was made to the people by his administration.  The President also praised the Nasarawa State Government for providing the land for the project, describing it as one of the developmental possibilities that intergovernmental collaboration can produce.  Accordingly, he said that the provision of the housing estates across the country was informed by the government's desire to achieve one of its primary objectives which is to improve the human condition. The President said that the housing projects provided contracts for the Micro, Small and Medium business men and women who provided employment for people through the engagement of skilled and unskilled workers thereby unleashing a value chain of economic activities that have made a positive impact in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.  "These are some of the people our country remains committed to move towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed," he said.  In his address, the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule who was represented by the State’s Commissioner of Works, Engr. Idris Muhammed Idris, described the construction of the housing estate as a landmark achievement of the Federal Government in its effort to provide affordable and conducive accommodation for Nigerians. The Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the numerous federal projects undertaken through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.  In a remark, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN, represented by the Director of Public Building and Housing, Architect Solomon Labafilo, stated that, as the end of President Buhari's tenure draws near, Nigerians will witness a season of completion when many projects will start to bear fruit.    He explained that 76 housing units under Phase One have been completed in Nasarawa State comprising 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.  Fashola said, "In terms of design, this project is the outcome of a national survey conducted by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to find out the type of houses Nigerians desire." He explained that the survey revealed a preference for bungalows in Northern Nigeria and flats in Southern Nigeria,  adding that the survey also showed the need for space which is why the one bedroom units are 60 - 70 square metres,  two bedroom units 76 - 103 square metres and three bedroom units have 110 - 137 square metres. Fashola who said the housing units are offered to the public through the National Housing Portal at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/ to ensure that interested buyers are not inhibited by any artificial obstacle and allocations are made on the basis of those who apply and pay on a first-come- first-served basis.  Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Chukwunwike Uzo represented by the Zonal Director North Central, Engr. Valentine Nwaimo informed the audience that the Ministry is promoting local content in the building construction in line with Executive Order 3 and 5. Engr. Uzo disclosed that at least 1,200 building contractors had been engaged under Phase I, II and III of the housing programme since 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created.  He also said that during this period the Ministry is undertaking the construction of at least 6,000 housing units in 45 sites out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 35 States and the FCT.   ...