Dangiwa Champions Adequate Housing as Catalyst for Poverty Reduction, Job Creation and Climate Action at UN-Habitat Assembly   The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called on global leaders to prioritize housing as a strategic tool for tackling poverty, creating jobs, and accelerating climate action.   Speaking at the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Adequate Housing for All during the resumed second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 29 to 30 May 2025, the Minister presented Nigeria’s ambitious, people-focused housing reforms as a model of inclusive and sustainable urban development.   Reaffirming Nigeria’s support for the 2026–2029 UN-Habitat Strategic Plan, Dangiwa commended the Executive Director, Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach, for placing adequate housing, the transformation of slums and informal settlements, and access to basic services at the heart of the Plan’s vision.   “Nigeria believes that adequate housing policies are among the most powerful tools for reducing poverty, creating jobs, strengthening climate resilience, and driving post-crisis recovery,” Dangiwa stated.   He outlined the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which targets the delivery of 50,000 homes in its first phase, with 10,112 housing units already under construction across 14 states and the FCT. This has created over 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, with the potential for much more.   To meet national housing needs and keep pace with population growth, he noted that Nigeria requires to build at least 550,000 homes annually—an effort that if executed sustainably could generate up to 13.7 million direct and indirect jobs each year thus turning a problem into an opportunity for job creation and poverty eradication. This potential for catalyzing national growth, he said, firmly positions housing as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic renewal strategy.   He also highlighted the Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates initiative, which aims to build 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, totaling 77,400 homes. This is projected to create over 1.9 million jobs and stimulate rural economies.   On affordability, the Minister emphasized that low-income households would not pay more than one-third of their income toward a social housing home, with the government absorbing the balance through targeted subsidies, tax incentives, and bulk procurement. In addition, 30% of the homes will be allocated free of charge to the most vulnerable Nigerians.   He underscored the transformational impact of the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme, which has already delivered over 150 completed projects, with more than 100 ongoing. These interventions, the Minister noted, provide clean water, sanitation, access roads, solar street lighting, and improved public facilities to underserved communities.   “When aligned with social equity, economic inclusion, and climate goals, housing becomes more than shelter—it becomes a catalyst for national development and human dignity,” Dangiwa said.   He concluded by affirming Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with UN-Habitat and other Member States to scale these solutions globally.   The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly—the world’s highest decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlements—brings together 193 UN Member States, alongside UN entities, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth, women, grassroots organizations, and more.   The Assembly features over 1,200 delegates, including 42 ministers, 14 deputy ministers, and 8 governors and mayors.   ...

Housing Ministry Inaugurates Anti-Corruption Unit   Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability with the formal inauguration of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in the ministry    Speaking at the event in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Muhammad Belgore, who was represented by the Director Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folorunsho Alabi described then induction as a significant milestone in strengthening internal oversight and ethical governance within the Ministry.   “This event marks a major step in our commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance,” Dr. Belgore said.   The Permanent Secretary charged the inductees to promote  a culture of integrity. “As ACTU members, your role is crucial in  upholding our values and promoting a culture of integrity.”   He urged the newly inducted members to carry out their duties with diligence and responsibility, identifying areas for improvement and driving reform across the Ministry.   Dr. Belgore also outlined key expectations of the unit: to demonstrate leadership in transparency and accountability, promote ethical practices, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to implement positive change.   The inauguration concluded with the formal induction of the ACTU nominees, with the Permanent Secretary expressing confidence in their ability to deliver meaningful impact.   “I wish you success and look forward to the positive changes your service will bring,” he added.   In his address, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), represented by the Deputy Director of Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Kayode Kupolati, charged the inductees with key responsibilities. These include conducting system studies, investigating complaints, and promoting the domestication of the code of ethics within the ministry.   He emphasized that the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) is an independent body and must be allowed to operate without external interference.   He also urged the ministry’s management to provide the unit with the necessary financial support and to integrate its activities into the ministry’s broader programs.   In response, the Chairman of the Ministry's ACTU, Mr. Umaru Mohammed, reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to its mandate. He pledged that the team would carry out their duties with diligence and professionalism to position the ministry as a model in the anti-corruption drive.   “We are fully prepared to carry out our responsibilities in line with the ACTU standing orders,” he stated. “We will work collectively to uphold the core values of integrity, transparency, honesty, and accountability in the discharge of our duties.”   ...

Strategic Partnerships, Investment, Key to Solving Nigeria’s Housing Challenges - Ata     Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Rt Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata has stated that strategic partnerships and investment are key to solving Nigeria’s housing challenges.   Ata spoke during his meeting with a Vietnese, Ms Allen Le and Partners, an International Investment Consulting Joint Company in Abuja, Tuesday, 27th May, 2027.   " The primary mandate of the ministry is to provide mass housing for Nigerians and we welcome potential collaboration with Ms Allen Le and Partners International Investment Consulting Joint Company in achieving this goal", he stated.   The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges through strategic partnerships and investment, saying the ongoing construction of Renewed Hope Cities and Estates across locations is the current priority of the administration of President Bola President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.   "Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are constructing 3,000 housing units each in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano for Renewed Hope Cities, and 250 housing units in each of the 36 states for the Estates," He said.   Additionally, Ata stated that the social housing initiative will deliver 77,400 housing units- 100 in each of the 774 local government areas.   "We need to know specifically how we will partner with you. Make a formal proposal to the Ministry indicating where you want to collaborate with us. We look forward to seeing clearly the areas where you want us to come in,” the Minister said.   The Minister further reiterated the openness to partnerships that align with the mandate of the ministry of delivering affordable and sustainable housing solutions for Nigerians.   Accordingly, Ata disclosed that 30 percent of the the 77,400 of the social housing units will be given to the non-income Nigerians, commending President Tinubu for maintaining his stand on 30 percent even when 20 percent was proposed to him.   Speaking earlier, the leader of the six- man delegation, Allen Ke Nam of the SV -NED Incorporated, informed the minister of their interest in contributing to Nigeria’s growing housing sector, and seek partnership in construction of affordable houses for Nigerians.   He requested the Federal Government to provide the company an opportunity to invest by providing acres of land for housing construction.   On how beneficial the partnership will be to Nigeria, Allen Le Nam said the collaboration will lead to job creation and skilled acquisition as new construction methods will be introduced in the course of construction.      The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry  Dr  Shuaib Belgore also commended the delegation for their presentation and assured them of the collaboration of the ministry to providing affordable housing for Nigerians. ...