Housing Ministry, NIWA, OSGoF Harmonise Positions for Effective Shoreline Regulations This is part of the resolutions of a meeting of the Technical Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Effective Control and Management of National Inland Waterways and Shorelines. The committee, comprising the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF), was set up to review, harmonise and update procedures on shoreline reclamation applications, allocations and collaborative regulatory processes. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and Surveyor-General of the Federation, set up the tripartite inter ministerial technical committe to carry out the assignment. This is in line with the directives of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The inter ministerial technical committee meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration, enhancing transparency and safeguarding the national interest in the administration of Nigeria’s shoreline and inland waterways assets. Following extensive deliberations, the Committee approved a unified Standard Application Procedure (SAP) to guide all shoreline allocations, reclamation requests and related approvals, in order to ensure uniformity, accountability and transparency. Under the new framework, all shoreline applications shall commence with the submission of a Letter of Intent to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, to be followed by a mandatory joint inspection by FMHUD and NIWA, with the participation of the applicant. The Committee further resolved that provisional allocations shall be based strictly on survey data jointly validated and charted by surveyors from FMHUD, NIWA and the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, in order to prevent encroachment into navigational channels, avoid overlapping grants and safeguard national spatial integrity. In addition, all existing shoreline grants-whether new, active, dormant or pending-shall be subjected to immediate review in line with the newly approved Standard Application Procedure. In accordance with earlier Presidential directives, any approval granted in previous years without evidence of payment of statutory assessed fees has been revoked. For high-sensitivity locations, including Banana Island, the Committee directed that no new approval or extension shall exceed boundaries jointly established by FMHUD, OSGoF and NIWA, adding that strict compliance shall be enforced. To strengthen process integrity and eliminate delays, the Committee approved a mandatory processing timeline of fourteen (14) days for each stage of the shoreline application and approval process. All Provisional Offer Letters shall henceforth carry clear expiration clauses, while non-compliance by officers or applicants shall attract appropriate administrative and regulatory sanctions. The resolutions of the Committee supersede all previous communications, directives, circulars and guidelines issued by any Ministry, Department or Agency in respect of shoreline reclamation, allocation, survey validation and related regulatory matters. The Committee commended the participating agencies for their cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, coordinated and sustainable framework for the management, protection and orderly development of Nigeria’s inland waterways and shorelines.
* Approve Unified Procedure for Shoreline Reclamation, Inland Waterways Management
Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Office of Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF) have come up with a unified and transparent framework for the effective control and management of national inland waterways and shorelines.
Housing Minister Urges States, Stakeholders to Join, Support National Homeownership Campaign … says initiative will strengthen grassroots housing delivery and support ministry’s reform agenda The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has called on State Governments, housing institutions, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and key stakeholders in the built environment to actively participate in and support the National Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign designed to provide a unified approach to housing development at subnational level. The Minister made the call while delivering the thematic address for the 14th meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development that was concluded in Ilorin, Kwara State over the weekend The national honeownership campaign is scheduled to kick start in Katsina state on 4-5 March 2026 for the north west geo-political zone. According to Dangiwa, the Campaign represents the Ministry’s determination to lead “a unified and coordinated approach to subnational housing development, working closely with State Governments to ensure that Federal programmes, reforms, finance opportunities and private capital are translated into real, visible and deliverable projects at the state level.” “I want to use this platform to call on all stakeholders - Governors, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, housing institutions, developers, financiers and professionals - to actively support and participate in this Campaign, which will be flagged off in Katsina State from 4th to 5th March, 2026,” the Minister said. Dangiwa urged stakeholders to see the initiative as a collective effort to drive sustainable homeownership across the states of the Federation. The Campaign, being organised by Know This Nigeria Network (KTNN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is designed to connect Federal housing reforms, policies and interventions with state-level implementation. It features two major components - Regional Executive Sessions and Public Homeownership Seminars - aimed at strengthening linkages between Federal Housing Institutions, DFIs and State Governments. Arc. Dangiwa noted that the Campaign aligns with the Ministry’s newly introduced Unified Housing Delivery Framework, which seeks to deepen collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in delivering housing at scale and building sustainable cities nationwide. “Our new direction is to ensure that the Ministry and all Federal Housing Institutions function as One Government, delivering results that directly support state and local implementation efforts. This is to ensure that we operate not in silos, but as One Coherent National Housing Delivery System working in direct support of State-level delivery,” he stated. In his presentation at the Council meeting, the National Coordinator of the Campaign, QS Muhammed Baba Adamu, disclosed that Katsina State will host the North-West edition, which will serve as the inaugural outing of the nationwide programme. He explained that a coordinated National Homeownership and Urban Development Campaign provides a practical framework for creating structured synergy between the Ministry, Federal Housing Institutions, DFIs and State Governments. “It provides clear and consistent platforms for awareness and engagement, and enables sustained interaction beyond one-off meetings or political cycles,” he said. Adamu added that the Campaign will also strengthen the capacity of States to attract, absorb and deploy housing capital more effectively. “A central innovation of the Campaign is the encouragement of States to establish State Housing Reform Offices (SHROs). These offices will provide expert-level advisory and technical capacity within State Governments, enabling them to convert opportunities into bankable and deliverable projects,” he noted. The 14th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development is the sector’s highest policy and decision-making forum, bringing together key actors across the housing and urban development ecosystem. This year’s edition, themed ‘Achieving Housing Delivery and Sustainable Cities through Effective Land Management, Urban Renewal, Promotion of Local Building Materials, and Public-Private Partnerships in Nigeria’, held from 19 to 23 January 2026. It was attended by the host Governor, the Honourable Minister and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, lawmakers, Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries from the 36 states and the FCT, as well as housing institutions, agencies, developers and other stakeholders. ...
Housing Ministry Unveils Unified Housing Delivery Framework Nationwide * To Drive One Coherent National Housing Delivery System, Accelerate State-Level Implementation * Initiative repositioning Nigeria’s housing sector to operate as a single, coordinated national system rather than fragmented interventions - Dangiwa Ilorin, Kwara State - The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, FNIA, FCIB, has announced a new Unified Housing Delivery Framework aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to deliver housing at scale and build sustainable cities across Nigeria. The Minister spoke at the 14th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Ilorin, Kwara State, under the theme “Achieving Housing Delivery and Sustainable Cities through Effective Land Management, Urban Renewal, Promotion of Local Building Materials, and Public-Private Partnerships in Nigeria,” He said the Federal Government is repositioning Nigeria’s housing sector to operate as a single, coordinated national system rather than fragmented interventions. According to the Minister, the new direction is focused on ensuring that the Ministry and all Federal Housing Institutions (FHIs) function as One Government in delivering results that directly support States and local implementation efforts " This is to ensure that they operate not in silos, but as One Coherent National Housing Delivery System, working in direct support of State-level implementation,” the Minister stated. He explained that to translate this coordinated national system into tangible outcomes across the country, the Ministry has developed a Unified Housing Delivery Framework that enables structured State participation, greater scale, and measurable impact " We have developed a Unified Housing Delivery Framework that enables structured State participation, scale, and impact,” he said. The Minister further emphasised that the objective of the Framework is to provide clarity and predictable collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in housing delivery. “The objective of this Framework is clear: to ensure that the Ministry and all Federal Housing Institutions operate as One Government, with complementary and clearly defined roles, while providing State and Local Governments with a predictable, credible framework for collaboration on housing delivery,” he added. Accordigly, he reaffirmed that the Ministry of Housing remains Nigeria’s designated Coordinating Ministry for housing, land, and urban development, providing policy direction, setting standards, aligning national initiatives, and mobilising private and development finance for housing delivery. He outlined the Inter-Ministerial Federal delivery and financing architecture driving the Renewed Hope Agenda to nclude; * Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) - delivering single-digit mortgage products, NHF-linked financing, and rent-to-own schemes; * Federal Housing Authority (FHA) - serving as master developer and PPP structuring partner; * Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) – supporting mortgage refinancing and liquidity; * MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) – mobilising concessional housing capital; and * Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) – expanding access to social and affordable housing for low-income Nigerians. He noted that the Ministry’s 2026 Strategic Plan prioritises stronger coordination across these institutions to function as a unified national delivery system. " Under the Framework, States are expected to participate as active counterparts across four flagship Federal programmes, including the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, State-led Social Housing, State Urban Renewal and Inner-City Regeneration, and a State Housing PPP and Investment Platform to develop long-term housing investment pipelines' he explained The Minister further stressed that the Framework is particularly timely, as many States are experiencing improved fiscal capacity and now require structured ways to partner with the Federal Government and private capital providers for accelerated delivery. Dangiwa also reiterated that Nigeria’s solutions to housing challenges are known, but success depends on coordination, strong commitment, and disciplined implementation. He highlighted Federal efforts in: land reform through the National Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme (Land4Growth); the delivery of over 240 urban renewal and slum upgrade projects nationwide, with more ongoing. Additionally, he listed the progress made on Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs to reduce construction costs and deepen local production; and growing results from PPP-backed Renewed Hope City projects in Karsana (Abuja), Ibeju-Lekki (Lagos), and Kano, where active house sales are already underway. The Minister concluded by describing the Unified Framework as a deliberate national shift away from isolated interventions toward a coordinated system where all tiers of government deliver measurable housing outcomes together. “The Federal Government provides leadership, institutions, and finance. States provide land and subsidies, execution, and local leadership… Together, we deliver homes, renew cities, and unlock growth,” the Minister said. Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Hon. (Dr) Awaji-Inombek Abiante, raised concerns over unsafe urban farming practices linked to poor land use planning, warning that they pose grave public health risks and undermine sustainable urban development in Nigeria. “These practices are not accidental; they are the direct consequences of poor land management and the failure to designate safe, planned environments for agriculture within urban and peri-urban areas,” he said. Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Kayode Alabi, who represented the Governor identified high cost building materials as the most significant factor currently inhibiting efficient housing delivery for average Nigerian, saying that any effort to ensure sustained delivery of houses in Nigeria must necessarily prioritise local content development. He commended the Federal Government for the housing initiatives, and pushed for improved access to mortgage finance by average households and longtime credit to private investment concerns, stating that public investment alone cannot effectively tackle the nation’s housing gaps. In a vote of thanks, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Ata, charged participants to translate council resolutions into concrete policies, programmes, and projects that deliver safe buildings, improve housing outcomes, strengthen land administration systems, and build more resilient and inclusive cities. “The true measure of our success lies in the visible impact on the lives of Nigerians and the sustainability of our urban spaces,” he remarked ...
Housing Minister Dangiwa Visits, Condoles Emir of Ilorin Over Loss of Chief Imam Ilorin, Kwara State - Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, led a high-level delegation of the ministry on a courtesy and condolence visit to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 in Ilorin, Kwara State. The ministry's delegation comprises of Minister of State, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, and directors of the ministry. The Housing Ministry is holding its annual National Council of Housing, Lands, and Urban Development meeting in Ilorin, Kwara state capital. Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa informed the Emir that the visit served a dual purpose: to notify Him about the meeting and to offer condolences to the Ilorin emirate and the entire Kwara State populace on the passing of the late Chief Imam, Mohammad Bashir. He expressed the ministry's sorrow over the loss and prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Chief Imam. Earlier Introducing the delegation, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, an indigine of the state informed the Emir that the visit was to seek the His blessings and inform him about the event, which has brought together stakeholders from across the country to discuss key issues in the housing and urban development sector. The Director, Special Projects of the ministry Tunde Ajayi, thanked the Emir for his support and prayed for the success of the event, stating that Ilorin was chosen to host the event due to its strategic importance, and noting that the city is a key hub for housing and urban development in the region. The delegation appreciated the warm hospitality and royal reception from the Ilorin Emirate, with Mr Ajayi expressing gratitude on behalf of the minister and the entire delegation. The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies and traditional institutions in driving development in Nigeria. The National Council of Housing, Land, and Urban Development meeting is expected to feature several discussions and deliberations on key issues in the sector, with a view to charting a way forward for sustainable urban development in Nigeria. ...
HIGHLIGHTS ON THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF NIGERIA
Background and Purpose
• Initiated in 1987 by the defunct National Council of Works and Housing; workshops in 1989 (ASCON, Badagry) and 1990 (Ijebu-Ode) shaped the first draft.
• Formally re-presented at the 2nd National Council on Housing and Urban Development (2005), leading to the 2006 edition.
• The Code was developed to address poor planning of cities, incessant building collapse, fire disasters, quackery, use of substandard materials, and weak regulation.
• Aim: Establish minimum standards for pre-design, design, construction, and post-construction stages of buildings to ensure safety, quality, and professionalism.
Structure of the Code
1. Part I – Administration
o Sets out definitions, scope, and applicability of the Code.
o Establishes the Building Code Advisory Committee (BCAC), under the Minister of Housing & Urban Development, responsible for periodic review and oversight.
o Provides clear interpretations, definitions, and abbreviations of building terms.
2. Part II – Technical (Professionals)
o Building Design Classifications: Categorizes buildings into Use Groups A–L, e.g. Assembly, Business, Educational, Industrial, High Hazard, Institutional, Mercantile, Residential, Storage, Mixed Use, Utility.
o Building Construction Classifications: Provides technical standards for fire safety, structural integrity, materials, and occupancy.
o Defines responsibilities of registered professionals (Architects, Engineers, Builders, Surveyors, etc.) in all stages.
3. Part III – Enforcement
o Divides the building process into four regulated stages:
Pre-Design Stage – planning, approvals, environmental and safety assessments.
Design Stage – adherence to professional standards and safety codes.
Construction Stage – site supervision, materials quality control, and health & safety compliance.
Post-Construction Stage – building use certification, maintenance standards, and inspections.
o Establishes the role of the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO).
4. Part IV – Schedules and References
o Provides supporting documents, data, tables, and approved forms linked to the Code.
o Incorporates referenced standards such as National Fire Safety Code and others.
Key Provisions
• Minimum Standards: All buildings must comply with minimum requirements for safety, durability, and habitability.
• Certification: No building can be occupied without a Certificate of Use and Habitation issued by enforcement officers.
• Fire Safety: Detailed fire hazard classifications and preventive standards.
• Accessibility: Public buildings must make provisions for the physically challenged.
• Zoning & Planning: Integrates urban and regional planning laws, requiring development permits and compliance with zoning regulations.
• Professional Accountability: Only registered professionals may prepare, design, and execute building works.
• Prohibition of Quackery: Prevents use of non-professionals and untested materials.
• Maintenance: Every building must have a Building Maintenance Manual.
• Enforcement: State governments are encouraged to adopt the Code into their laws for effective local implementation.
Significance
• Provides a national benchmark for building standards in Nigeria.
• Aims to reduce building collapse, fire outbreaks, and disasters.
• Encourages professionalism, quality assurance, and compliance across the industry.
• Promotes safety, accessibility, and sustainable urban development.
The statement from the Hon. Minister of State For Housing & Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi.
It is with profound sadness that I, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, mourning the passing of Former President, late Muhammadu Buhari.
He departed this life on Sunday, June 13, 2024, at a hospital in London.
As we bid farewell to a leader who served Nigeria with dedication, I extend my deepest condolences to the Buhari family, the government, and the people of Nigeria.
May Allah grant late President Buhari Aljannah Firdaus and grant the family patience and fortitude during this difficult time.
As a nation, we reflect on President Buhari's service and contributions to our country's development.
May Allah grant us the strength to carry on his legacy of public service and patriotism and grant President Buhari's soul eternal rest. Amen.
The Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata,
July 13th, 2025.
SPECIAL ADDRESS BY ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA, HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AT THE MINISTERIAL RETREAT ON PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND SIGNING OF 2025 PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS HELD ON THURSDAY, 3RD JULY 2025, AT SANDRALIA HOTEL, JABI, ABUJA
Theme: Accelerating Service Delivery through Performance Contracting and Strategic Alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda
PROTOCOLS
The Permanent Secretary,
Directors and Heads of Departments and Units,
Our distinguished colleagues from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Central Delivery Coordinating Unit,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, DR. SHUAIB M. L. BELGORE, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AT MINISTERIAL RETREAT ON PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (PMS) AND SIGNING OF 2025 DIRECTORS’ PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS AT SANDRALIA HOTEL, JABI, ABUJA ON 3RD JULY, 2025
Protocols
The Honourable Minister
The Honourable Minister of State
Directors and Heads of Departments,
Resource Persons,
Esteemed Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this significant and historic Retreat on the Ministerial Performance Management System (MPMS) and the Signing of the 2025 Directors’ Performance Contracts. This retreat marks a critical step in our collective journey to institutionalize a performance driven culture within the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
As we are all aware, the Performance Management System (PMS) is a core policy initiative of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), aimed at entrenching a results-based approach to governance and public service delivery. The MPMS Retreat, therefore, offers us the opportunity to align our Ministry’s deliverables with national priorities and to operationalize the PMS as an essential tool for driving institutional efficiency and accountability.
It is important to note that this is the second Ministerial Retreat convened by the Ministry for the purpose of reviewing, deliberating, brainstorming, and validating our MPMS Plan. The maiden edition held in 2024 was instrumental in identifying and articulating the Ministry’s priorities and deliverables under the following key focus areas:
Following the 2024 retreat, the Ministry directed all Directors and Heads of Departments to cascade and sign their Performance Contracts by 4th July, 2024. I am pleased to report that this directive was diligently executed through your commendable commitment and collaborative efforts.
To further support the implementation process and ensure robust performance appraisal mechanisms, the Ministry engaged the services of resource persons from the Federal Ministry of Regional Development to guide the development and finalization of performance appraisal templates and processes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Performance Management is now a mandatory requirement as outlined in the 2021 Revised Public Service Rules, serving as a cornerstone for assessing, rewarding, and developing civil servants. It aims to improve institutional effectiveness, identify capacity gaps, and ensure every officer contributes significantly to national development goals.
Accordingly, the OHCSF has issued a directive mandating all MDAs to conclude the following PMS-related activities by Friday, 28th March 2025:
In line with this directive, our Ministry is fully committed to complying with all outlined requirements within the stipulated timeline. Achieving this will, however, require our collective resolve, active participation, and unwavering dedication to the implementation of the PMS.
The role of leadership is central to the success of PMS implementation. This includes but is not limited to:
Distinguished Directors,
As we proceed with this retreat and the performance contract signing ceremony, I urge everyone to be actively engaged in the sessions. Let us take this opportunity to interrogate our strategies, refine our plans, and recommit ourselves to the goals and expectations of the Performance Management System.
Together, we can strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to deliver on its mandate and contribute meaningfully to the national housing and urban development agenda.
Thank you all for your commitment, collaboration, and dedication.
God bless you.
God bless the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
JOINT COMMUNIQUE OF THE TECHNICAL INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON THE EFFECTIVE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NIGERIA INLAND WATERWAYS AND SHORELINES
DR TAOFEEK OLATINWO AND GROUP PHOTOGRAPH OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN COUNCIL
Dr Taofeek Olatinwo and group photograph of the participants in Council
CROSS SECTION OF PARTICIPANTS AT THE MEETING OF THE PERMANENT SECRETARIES DURING THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, DR SHUAIB BELGORE, HOLDING IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, WEDNESDAY, 21ST JANUARY, 2026.
Cross section of participants at the meeting of the Permanent Secretaries during the meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development under the Chairmanship of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Shuaib Belgore, holding in Ilorin, Kwara State, Wednesday, 21st January, 2026.