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We are Committed to Improving Staff Welfare  - Dangiwa

....Engages Tulsi Foundation Hospital to provide Free Medical Eye Test, Care for ministry's staff

As part of its commitment to improving  the welfare and well being of staff, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, has engaged the Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Eye Hospital, Abuja to provide free eye medical tests and care for the staff of the ministry.

While declaring the commencement of the free eye care exercise, Minister Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, stated that, welfare of staff is paramount in order to build a healthy workforce to attain high performance. According to the minister, the eye hospital service delivery is not for profit venture rather service to humanity.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the free eye medical test for the stsff of the ministry as a milestone in response to staff welfare, pointing out that the issue of welfare is not only limited to money, but it covers the overall wellbeing of the staff. Dr Ogunbiyi applauded Minister, Arc Ahmed  Dangiwa for bringing this free eye medical care, saying that it is the first of its kind in the ministry.

The coordinator of the Tulsi Chanrai Eye Hospital Foundation,  commended the minister for the gesture, ssying that he didn't hesitate in welcoming the idea after mentioning it to him.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE MINISTRY’S 2025 SECTOR RETREAT, HELD AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS, ON WEDNESDAY, 19TH FEBRUARY 2025.

Protocols

1. This is the first Housing and Urban Development Sector Retreat we are holding as a Ministry since assuming office about seventeen (17) months ago. It could not have come at a better time, as we are just about to enter another budget year following the recent passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly.

2. This Retreat is also special due to the participation of the Distinguished Chairmen and Members of the National Assembly Committees that oversee our Ministry. We are also joined by several other critical housing sector stakeholders, including Chairmen and members of the Reform Task Teams we set up, who have done excellent work, as well as professionals from the private sector.

3. Together, we have gathered here a distinguished pool of personalities to brainstorm, interact, and share knowledge, ideas, and insights on how to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

4. Before I proceed, I want to take a moment to specially appreciate the Chairmen and Distinguished Members of the National Assembly. When the Budget Office presented their budget, the Ministry initially received a significant reduction from the amount provided in 2024.

5. We engaged with the National Assembly Committees, and they intervened to increase our budget by an additional N50 billion. They deserve a big round of applause from us all on behalf of Nigerians. What they have done is not for us as individuals but for the many Nigerians who will benefit from the Ministry’s interventions, the additional jobs that will be created, the businesses and individuals that will be empowered through our increased capacity to offset inherited liabilities, and the positive impact on the economy.

6. While we are deeply grateful for this increase, like Oliver Twist, we would like to ask for more. If you recall, we had made a strong case for an additional N360 billion to enable us to expand the coverage and spread of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Estates to 18 more states, expand our urban renewal program to cover over 100 more sites and to take care of liabilities alongside others.

7. The N50 billion is a good start. We will continue to engage with our National Assembly stakeholders, whom we hold in the highest esteem, as well as the Budget Office. In fact, I have set up a Stakeholders Management Team, led by the Hon. Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary, in whom I am well pleased, to ensure that we are proactive in carrying critical stakeholders along in all our activities.

8. What I have been advocating for, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is that as a country and a government, we must prioritize housing as a catalyst for economic growth. Investment in housing and urban development is not only a moral necessity but also an economic imperative. When we provide people with decent homes and build livable communities, we are not only improving their quality of life, making them proud and patriotic Nigerians, but we are also developing the economy and ensuring national security.

9. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President listed housing as critical infrastructure, in the same category as roads, bridges, and others. What we are engaging with relevant ministries and stakeholders in government to correct is the continuing mismatch between the required interventions in housing and the budgetary allocation. It is a great irony that housing still receives only a fraction of what is allocated to other similar infrastructure sectors despite its massive potential as a catalyst for economic growth.

10. As stakeholders, you would agree that there have been several attempts by previous administrations over the past 50 years to fix Nigeria’s housing problems.

11. If you look at the state of the housing sector today, you will see that the results are not encouraging. We have a huge housing deficit, with the majority of Nigeria’s 43 million households living in substandard housing. Additionally, the majority of our cities are surrounded by slums.

12. Our sector is one that has suffered political neglect since the period immediately after independence, when emphasis was placed on five-yearly Development Plans as the vehicle for economic growth.

13. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, we are determined to make a difference. We are optimistic and encouraged by the possibilities that the future holds, rather than the failures of the past. Just because programs failed in the past does not mean they will fail today.

14. As you all know, leaders matter in the history of nation-building, and what they bring to the table also matters. That is what Mr. President represents, and we intend to replicate his CAN-DO SPIRIT at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, together with all stakeholders, to rewrite the history of housing and urban development.

15. We want the Renewed Hope Era for Housing to be the reference point for generations to come for massive and comprehensive housing and urban development.

16. We deliberately chose “Actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development” as the theme of this Retreat. At this Retreat, we aim to review what we have done so far toward actualizing Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development, interrogate our challenges and successes, explore opportunities, and set out a clear pathway to ramp up the tempo of our activities.

17. For the sake of establishing immediate context, it is important that I lay out the Action Plan which Mr. President handed to us when we assumed duty. This includes:

1. Increasing the supply and availability of decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.

2. Implementing land reforms to improve land administration, thereby unlocking the capacity of the real estate sector to contribute to economic growth and grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

3. Reforming federal housing institutions, including the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), to better deliver on their mandates.

4. Establishing a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF) to mobilize and administer concessionary funding for the provision of decent shelter for no-income, low-income, underprivileged, and internally displaced Nigerians.

5. Establishing Manufacturing Hubs—one in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.

6. Implementing a Multi-Agency Project Delivery Framework to ensure proper coordination among all housing institutions in the delivery of housing, ensuring alignment along the same focus.

7. Expanding the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Program.

18. The question I ask myself is how much progress we have made toward achieving these goals. If history were our reference point, we would say that we are doing well. The biggest achievement of the eight years before we came on board was the National Housing Programme, which started in 2016 with plans to build 7,522 housing units. Over the eight years, only 3,388 were completed.

19. On our part, within 17 months, we have 14 active construction sites for a total of 10,112 housing units. With the pace of work at these sites—many already at roofing levels—we are on course to have all these units and more completed within a maximum three-year period.

20. However, history is not our reference point. The size of the housing problem, which requires us to build at least 500,000 housing units annually, is what we have set our eyes on. On this front, we are not even scratching the surface.

21. Regarding the Ministerial Deliverable of increasing the supply of at least 20,000 housing units annually, which is our immediate target, we can say that with 10,112 housing units under construction in 14 locations nationwide, we are making progress.

22. Another area where we are making good progress is in reforming the land administration system in our country. This is a longstanding problem that has been listed in all policies and whitepapers on housing since independence over 50 years ago. The aim is to develop an effective land administration system to make land ownership available, secure, accessible, and easily transferable at affordable rates.

23. First, we set up a Land Reform Task Team, which has submitted a comprehensive blueprint on strategies and initiatives that the Ministry can implement to achieve effective governance of lands in our country. This is a subject of deliberation at this Summit.

24. Second, we are currently working with the World Bank, in partnership with state governments, toward the implementation of a National Land Registration and Titling Programme. The plan is to increase the formalization of land transactions in the country by 50% over a ten-year period. This would unlock over $150 billion in dead capital and help increase Nigeria’s GDP by 30%. The World Bank was here on the first Technical Mission in November last year and is scheduled to return for the second mission in early March.

25. On institutional reforms, the establishment of a National Social Housing Fund, and Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs, we have received the reports of the Task Teams, reviewed their recommendations internally, and are clear on the next steps. These positions will also be presented here at the Retreat for additional inputs from stakeholders.

26. Additionally, we have upscaled and expanded our National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme in line with the urban development component of our mandate. We currently have over 100 projects completed in several locations nationwide to improve the livability of Nigerians in semi-urban, rural areas, and villages.

27. 2025 will be an ACTION YEAR for us at the Ministry. We aim to move with speed to get all these reforms off the ground. However, this is only possible with your support and input. WE HAVE A BIG HOUSING PROBLEM, AND WE INTEND TO APPROACH FIXING IT IN A BIG WAY. SMALL EFFORTS WILL NOT TAKE US ANYWHERE.

28. We are fully aware that a key part of the Ministry’s mandate is policy formulation. In this direction, we have also made notable progress. The Ministry worked with UN-Habitat to produce a National Urban Development Policy, which is pending presentation and approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

29. The Policy outlines a framework for coordinating a 10-year program of action for sustainable urbanization in our country. Through this, we aim to domesticate and customize the goals of signed international policies, operationalize national policies in multiple sectors, and create cities that work for all residents.

30. The NUDP is prepared with the objective of harnessing well-managed urbanization as an engine of growth for the national economy.

31. We have also exhaustively studied the National Housing Strategy Report 2023, which was launched by my predecessor. I must acknowledge that the team that developed it, in liaison with FMDQs, PWC, and several other members from the Ministry and the industry, did a thorough job. It is a well-researched, Ministry-sponsored research and strategy paper on housing. However, because most of the data used was from 2019, and so much has changed within the macroeconomic environment, especially in the last three years, we are looking to review and update it.

32. Furthermore, we are working to create a framework for the establishment of a Real Estate Regulatory Authority. I must give credit and acknowledge the tireless efforts and advocacy of the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Housing and Habitat, Abdulmumin Jibrin, for this initiative. We consider it necessary and are committed to working with the House Committee and all stakeholders to actualize it.

33. We have also taken note and are working on ways and strategies to ensure that Nigerians use properties only as designated in city plans. This is also a key point of concern for the Hon. Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development, Hon. Abiante. We shall be engaging with the Committee to actualize this as well.

34. In conclusion, distinguished guests and stakeholders, this retreat marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey to transform Nigeria’s housing and urban development landscape.

35. The discussions, insights, and collaborations we will foster here over the next two days reaffirm our shared commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. As we discuss, engage, and share ideas at this retreat, let us carry with us the spirit of urgency, innovation, and collaboration. Let us remember that housing is not just a roof over one’s head; it is a foundation for economic growth, social stability, and national pride. Together, we have the power to rewrite the narrative of housing and urban development in Nigeria.

36. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you all.

OPENING STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT THE YEAR 2025 SECTOR RETREAT HELD ON 19^th FEBRUARY 2025 IN RADDISSON BLU HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS.

PROTOCOL

Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development

Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat

Chairman, House Committee on Urban and Regional Development,

Distinguished Chief Executives of Agencies

The Media and members of the Press,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great honor and privilege that I stand before you today as we gather for this critical sector retreat.  This retreat is not just an assembly of stakeholders; it is a convergence of visionaries, policy-makers, and practitioners, united in our collective ambition to transform the housing and urban development sector in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.

Housing and urban development are central to National progress. They are key drivers of economic growth, social stability and improved quality of life. However, despite significant efforts in the past, we still grapple with the challenges of a housing deficit, inadequate infrastructure, and rapid urbanization. These challenges demand innovative solutions, bold strategies, and a commitment to collaboration among all stakeholders.

Over the course of the day, we shall be highlighting the progress that we are making towards actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President for Housing and Urban Development and look forward to feedback from all Participants on the data insights and technical details that will be shared during this retreat.

• The Renewed Hope Agenda: A Strategic Imperative

The Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development is a transformative vision that seeks to ensure that every Nigerian has access to affordable, decent, and sustainable housing. Our mission is clear: to create inclusive cities, unlock economic opportunities in the housing sector, and drive large-scale housing delivery.

Key Strategies for Implementation

To actualize this agenda, we are focusing on the following key strategies:

1. Accelerated Housing Delivery at Scale:
   • Partnering with the private sector and Development Finance Institutions to unlock funding and drive mass housing projects.
   • Expanding the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities Programme and National Housing Programme to reach more States and underserved communities.
   • Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to facilitate large-scale investments in housing.
2. Access to Affordable Housing Finance:
   • Enhancing mortgage penetration through improved policies and financial incentives.
   • Expanding the reach of the National Housing Fund (NHF) and deepening collaboration with Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs).
   • Supporting innovative homeownership schemes, including rent-to-own and cooperative housing models.
3. Slum Upgrade and Urban Regeneration:
   • Implementing an inclusive Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Framework to address informal settlements and slums.
   • Strengthening collaboration with State Governments on sustainable city planning.
   • Enhancing infrastructure development to improve the livability of our urban centers.
4. Innovative Building Technologies and Sustainability:
   • Promoting the adoption of local building materials and Green construction practices.
   • Encouraging digital technology and automation in housing development.
   • Driving climate-resilient and energy-efficient housing solutions.
5. Legislative and Policy Reforms:
   • Reviewing and streamlining land acquisition and titling processes to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.
   • Strengthening the Land Use Act (1978) to facilitate easier access to land for housing development.
   • Enhancing housing policies that align with global best practices and sustainable development goals.

Identifying Opportunities to Boost Scale and Impact

Beyond strategies, we must explore emerging opportunities that can help us scale our efforts and achieve maximum impact. These include:

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Housing: Encouraging global investment into Nigeria’s real estate sector.
• Diaspora Investment in Housing Development: Engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in housing finance and property development.
• Institutional Housing Development Funds: Mobilizing pension and sovereign wealth funds for long-term investment in housing.
• Youth and Women Empowerment in Housing Delivery: Supporting skills development and entrepreneurship in the housing value chain.

Call to Action

As we deliberate today, I urge us all to contribute actively to shaping a pragmatic and results-driven Roadmap.  We must not only develop policies but also ensure their effective implementation. I assure you of this Ministry’s commitment to supporting policies and programs that will drive affordable housing, improve urban planning, and enhance sustainable development. Working together, we can make the Renewed Hope Agenda a reality for all Nigerians.

Conclusion
Let this retreat be a defining moment in our journey toward a reformed and revitalized housing and urban development sector. Let us seize this opportunity to align our collective efforts, leverage our resources, and implement solutions that will leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Thank you and I look forward to our productive discussions and outcomes.