PASGA: Housing Ministry Moves to Strengthen Workforce Efficiency    The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has taken a significant step toward strengthening institutional efficiency and workforce optimisation, through the effective instrumentation of Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) framework    PASGA, driven by the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation  (OHCSF), is an initiative of the federal government designed to modernize the civil service. It involves verifying employee records, mapping skills, and identifying training needs across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to improve efficiency and data-driven management.    Among the key aspects of PASGA are; creation of a credible personnel database, identification of competency gaps, and supporting  evidence-based decision-making on recruitment and training.   The ministry, led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore convened a close out meeting with the PASGA Lead Consultants and representatives of the OHCSF - to review key findings from the exercise, validate data outcomes, address observed gaps, and chart a clear and strategic pathway for implementation across the Ministry.   In  his remarks, the Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to full compliance with the directives and guidelines of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,  emphasizing that the PASGA exercise represents a critical reform initiative aimed at repositioning the public service for greater efficiency, accountability, and performance-driven service delivery.   He noted that the exercise goes beyond routine personnel verification, describing it as a transformative tool that provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating workforce composition, identifying capacity gaps, and aligning human resources with the Ministry’s core mandates and operational priorities.   “The PASGA process marks the beginning of a new phase not only for the Ministry but for the civil service as a whole. It provides us with a credible foundation to critically assess our workforce, deploy talent more effectively, and ensure that we are adequately equipped to deliver on our national housing and urban development agenda,” he stated.   While commending the consultants for their professionalism, diligence, and commitment throughout the exercise, Dr Belgore drew their attention to some discrepancies in their preliminary presentation; in the area of unverified staff database, as well as missing departments that were not captured in the data analysis.   He stressed the importance of accuracy, inclusiveness, and collaboration in finalising the report, noting that the consultants must integrate the Ministry’s inputs and clarifications before submission of the final document.  " A robust and credible database is essential for effective workforce planning and policy implementation" he emphasised    Accordingly, Dr. Belgore noted that the public service remains the engine room of governance and national development, pointing out that the PASGA framework is specifically designed to identify and bridge critical skills gaps that could hinder institutional performance and service delivery.   In a welcome address, the Director of Human Resource Management, Ademola Ayodele, highlighted the importance of data integrity in achieving the objectives of the exercise. He assured participants that all identified inconsistencies and inaccuracies in figures and records would be meticulously addressed.   “Data accuracy is fundamental. Once the data is flawed, the outcomes will inevitably be compromised. We are committed to ensuring that every discrepancy is corrected so that the final report reflects the true position of the Ministry,” he stated.   Earlier, in his presentation, the Lead Consultant from Georgid Consulting, Mr. Idotenyin Isaac, appreciated the cooperation, openness, and support extended by the Ministry for the duration of the exercise. He acknowledged that any technical challenges or gaps encountered during the process were attributable to the consulting team and not the Ministry.   He explained that the primary objective of the PASGA exercise is to enhance organisational effectiveness through a systematic approach to personnel verification and skills assessment, supported by specialised tools developed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and sustainability.   “The essence of this exercise is improvement. It is designed to provide the Ministry with a reliable mechanism for tracking workforce data, identifying gaps, and supporting evidence-based decision-making,” he noted.   The interactive session also provided a robust platform for questions, clarifications, and internal deliberations, enabling stakeholders to critically engage with the findings and contribute to shaping a practical and implementable roadmap for the next phase.   The Housing Ministry reaffirned it's position and reiterated it's commitment to leveraging the outcomes of the PASGA exercise to strengthen workforce planning, enhance institutional coherence, promote optimal deployment of personnel, and ultimately improve service delivery to Nigerians. ...

FG Hands Over 200 Housing Units to Kwara State Government    The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has handed over 200 units semi detached houses under the National Housing Programme (NHP) Estate to Kwara State Government following the full settlement of all financial obligations for the estate. The estate is located in Ogbondoroko, Asa Local Government Area.    Housing Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, represented by the Director of Public Buildings, Arc. Musa Abdullahi, described the handover as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to expand access to affordable housing and deepen collaboration with state governments.   “This handover underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to bridge the housing deficit through the National Housing Programme, while fostering strong partnerships with state governments to deliver affordable homes to Nigerians.”  He stated    The Minister noted that the provision of affordable housing remains a key priority of the Federal Government, aimed at not only addressing housing shortages but also generating employment and stimulating economic growth.   The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, represented at the hand over event by Dr. Nasamu Yakub, commended the Kwara State Government for its commitment and prompt fulfillment of all financial obligations, which facilitated the successful transfer of the housing units.   Kwara State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon Segun Ogunsola who received the houses on behalf of the Governor, appreciated the Federal Government for the initiative and reaffirmed the commitment of the state government in providing houses for the citizens, expressing the readiness of the state to ensure effective utilization of the estate.   “The Kwara State Government appreciates the Federal Government for this laudable initiative. We assure that these housing units will be effectively managed and allocated to improve the living conditions of our people.” He said    Present at the event was the Federal Controller of Housing, Kwara State, Arc. Ganiyu Shonibare, alongside other government officials and stakeholders.   The Housing Ministry reiterated its commitment to expanding access to decent and affordable housing nationwide through strategic partnerships and sustained implementation of housing programmes. ...

Our Urban Renewal, Slum Ugrade Interventions Impacted over 150 Communities  - Dangiwa    * says ministry aims to achieve SDG 11 by addressing SDG 6 Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has stated that the Ministry has reached more than 150 communities with basic amenities under its urban renewal and slum upgrading initiatives, over the past two years.    Dangiwa disclosed this during his meeting with the Society for Water and Sanitation, (NEWSAN) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.   Society for Water & Sanitation - NEWSAN is a coordinating network of over 300 Civil Society Organisations. A Non-Governmental Organisation and Community Based Organisations in water, sanitation, and hygiene spread over six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.   The Minister said housing ministry is set to explore partnership with NEWSAN to strengthen advocacy for water, sanitation and hygiene across the country, noting that NEWSAN's activities align with the ministry's goals, particularly in urban development and slum upgrading.   He explained that the ministry provides security, electricity, solar street lighting, drainages, roads, water, and sanitation in urban areas, in addition to provision of micro-stores and other basic amenities, where needed.   Dangiwa assured the delegation of the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate, emphasizing its importance in enhancing data-driven planning and interventions, and noting that the Ministry aims to achieve SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by addressing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).   Arc. Dangiwa however acknowledged that due to budgetary constraints, the Ministry’s interventions do not currently cover the entire country.   He explained that many legislators often channel their constituency projects to the Ministry for execution, particularly in the area of water and sanitation. According to him, out of every ten interventions received, more than 60 percent are usually directed toward water and sanitation, as legislators consider it a more impactful intervention compared to other projects such as motorcycles and similar items sometimes provided for constituents.   Accordingly, he added that the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit (SPU) has been actively involved in delivering interventions, saying that over the past two years, the Ministry has reached more than 150 communities with basic amenities under urban renewal and slum upgrading initiatives.   He also highlighted the roles of other departments, including the Urban and Regional Development Department and the Engineering Services Department, which contribute to similar intervention projects through budgetary provisions and technical implementation.   “On a general note, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has been actively engaged in these interventions over the years, and we will do more once we get our budgetary allocations increased or when we get any interventions from some of our partners”, he added.   Minister Dangiwa assured that the Ministry will continue to collaborate, exchange ideas, and share relevant data with them, further stating that the Ministry will document projects before and after interventions in order to show the impact of its work.   In addition, He confirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Society for Water and Sanitation moving forward.   The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, informed the team that the Ministry is already addressing issues related to water and sanitation, despite challenges of inadequate funding.    He welcomed the timeliness of the visit, noting that it presents an opportunity to incorporate the construction of safe toilets in markets and other public places into the Ministry’s sanitation interventions.   Earlier in his remarks, the National Coordinator NEWSAN, Mr. Benson Attah, noted that they work with community based organizations and NGOs to ensure every citizen has access to safe water and sanitation.   While acknowledging the Ministry’s efforts in providing shelter, he encouraged further action in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene, and informed the Minister that the delegation came to solicit support and partnership to achieve the goals of safe water and improved sanitation.   Mr. Attah recalled the 2018 national state of emergency on water, sanitation, and hygiene declared by former President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside Public Order 009 which prohibits open defecation under the Clean Nigeria campaign.    He noted that states were assigned to implement open defecation-free zones, in line with Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (safe sanitation and hygiene), as well as its regional obligations under the Africa Union’s water and sanitation framework.   He further explained that despite these efforts, only Jigawa and Katsina States have so far achieved the Open Defection Free status nationwide.   Mr. Attah encouraged the ministry to use its influence with state governments to promote open defecation-free zones.   He also proposed for the ministry to include provisions for water, sanitation, and hygiene in contracts with contractors.   ...