Investment in Building Materials Aligns with FG's Manufacturing Hubs Initiative - Ata    Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, has commended the large scale Investments in local building materials in Nigeria, saying it gives a boost to the federal government’s building materials manufacturing hubs initiative in the six geo- political zones of the country.   Ata made the commendation during his visit to Lagos and Ogun States industrial areas over the weekend.    "The growth of building materials industries is a clear indication that investors have heeded the federal government's call to invest heavily in Nigeria, and this gesture is yielding fruitful outcomes." Ata said   He explained that Investments in building materials would support the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the housing sector and impact on the nation’s economy    The minister visited Hwani Industrial complex in Shagamu and Abule Owu, Ogun State, noted that the complex's large-scale production of building materials and equipment would significantly contribute to the nation's housing needs.   " The large-scale industrial complexes like Hwani would have a positive economic impact, generating revenue, creating jobs, and reducing youth restiveness" he stated    He further highlighted the importance of industrial growth, and expressing  satisfaction with the industry's modern machinery and manufacturing capabilities, noting that similar complexes in Nigeria's six geo-political zones would reduce unemployment, increase government revenue, and support the federal government's housing initiatives.   The Minister was conducted on a tour of Hwani conglomerate, a household manufacturing industry which engages in large-scale production of household wares from foundation to finishing touches, and specializes in the large-scale production of ceramic toilet wares, fitting pipes, and wooden doors.    The Managing Director of Hwani Group and Jomoo Nigeria Limited, Mr. Chen Dibau, expressed his gratitude for the Minister's visit, stating that his company is committed to producing affordable and durable household materials and equipment for Nigerians.   The MD explained that the industry's large-scale production capacity not only meets Nigeria's needs but also has the potential to cover the entire West African sub-region, providing essential building supplies and materials from start to finish.    ...

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 ...