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directives, any approval granted in previous years without evidence of payment of statutory assessed fees has been revoked.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.
Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary Marks New Era of Financial Freedom, Sustainable Growth and Prosperity – Dangiwa Abuja, 1 October 2024– The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has declared that Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary marks the dawn of a new era of prosperity, urging citizens to view the current challenges as essential sacrifices for the nation's sustainable development. In his Independence Day goodwill message, the Minister emphasized that this year’s celebration will be remembered as a turning point, where the country begins to fully harness its resources for the collective benefit of all Nigerians. He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership in dismantling long-standing barriers to growth, such as fuel subsidies and the multiple foreign exchange windows which had stifled the nation’s progress. “The hemorrhaging of our national wealth has been stopped under President Tinubu. We are transitioning into a new phase where Nigeria’s resources are being channeled into critical infrastructure, driving industrial growth, strengthening the economy, and making our country a more prosperous and livable place,” Dangiwa stated. He further remarked, “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are witnessing unprecedented reforms, particularly in housing and urban development. Our sector has seen transformational strides never before achieved.” Dangiwa detailed significant achievements, noting that the government is currently constructing 6,612 housing units across 13 states and the FCT, with many nearing completion. He underscored the Ministry’s commitment to a “Zero Tolerance for Uncompleted Projects” policy and highlighted ongoing urban renewal and slum upgrading initiatives in over 26 locations nationwide, providing essential infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, and streetlights. Additionally, the Minister spotlighted the forthcoming National Social Housing Fund, a demonstration of President Tinubu's pledge to make homeownership accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of income. “We are also collaborating with the World Bank and exploring other avenues to improve land administration, aiming to unlock more than $300 billion in dormant capital,” he added. As the nation celebrates its 64th Independence, President Tinubu has called for a modest observance and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and patient as the country strides toward a brighter future. ...
INDEPENDENCE DAY: MINISTER GWARZO CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT, NIGERIANS Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, has congratulated President Bola Ahmad Tinubu GCFR and entire Nigerians on the occasion of the country's 64th independence anniversary. The Minister made the statement in a message to Nigerians marking this year's independence anniversary. He said as the nation completes another glorious year of her independence, Nigerians have every cause to celebrate the remarkable achievements recorded in our journey to nationhood. "Eventhough our journey to the nationhood was tough and thorny, but with the determination of our leaders Nigeria has attained a significant milestone as the biggest economy and largest democracy in African continent", the Minister said. He added that "independence Day is celebrated with utmost fervour, zest and a spirit of patriotism to mark the innumerable sacrifices of our leaders both past and present as well as honour the fact that we are living in a free Nigeria". The Minister has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu GCFR, is working assiduously to fix the country's problems, saying that people's oriented programmes were initiated and numerous projects have came on board and are targeted at addressing the multiple challenges facing the nation. Minister Gwarzo, stated that their Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is pursuing the Renewed Hope Estate and Cities programme vigorously with a view to ensuring that every individuals has access to a safe, affordable, and dignified home irrespective of gender or status. The Minister, therefore, praised Nigerians for their unalloyed loyalty and contribution to the development of our nation's democratic institutions. He declared that the years ahead would be prosperous as Nigerians would count blessings and opportunities under President Bola Ahmad Tinubu's administration. ...
Your Excellency Sir, Over the last year, you have immersed yourself in the service of our dear nation as the honourable minister of state for housing and urban development, carrying us, your aides along, transversing the length and breadth of the nation's six geopolitical zones, alongside your principal, breaking ground for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, as well as representing the nation in different global forums, like the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai UAE, the Africa Urban Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and most recently leading the nation's delegation to a bilateral engagement in the United Kingdom on Land Compensation. In all these, you have demonstrated your sheer dedication and commitment to the course of the Nigerian state, which has indeed inspired us to aim for nothing but the best. On this very special day, as you celebrate your 64th birthday, I feel immensely privileged to take a moment and pay tribute to such an incredible boss like you. Today is not just a celebration of your life but also an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for all that you do and represent. Throughout the years, you have been more than just a boss to us – you have been a leader, mentor, and a true inspiration. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence are qualities that we all strive to emulate. From your strong work ethic to your incredible wisdom, you have left an indelible mark on our lives. Your visionary approach to leadership has not only guided us through success but has also helped shape our individual careers. Your ability to see the bigger picture ensures that all our efforts are aligned, ultimately fostering a positive work environment where creativity and growth thrive. One of the most remarkable aspects of your leadership style is your patience, tolerance, altruism, unwavering support, and belief in your team. You have always been there to encourage my ideas and help me realize my true potential. Your ability to motivate and inspire has created an atmosphere where one can confidently set and achieve ambitious goals. Beyond the professional realm, you have also touched my life on a personal level. Your warm and approachable demeanor has made it easy for me to seek guidance and share my concerns. Your genuine interest in my well-being shows that you genuinely care about each and every one of your aides, irrespective of kinship or kithship ties, fostering a sense of family within our workplace. Sir, I don’t know how long we would continue to be together, due to natural or other human factors, but I would very much like you to know that, over the years we have been together, I have enjoyed every bit of our togetherness, which has redefined the principal-subordinate relationship. I believe this is due to your sheer magnanimity, big-heartedness, and the reciprocatory method upon which our affinity was built. Today, as the world celebrates you and your impactful 64 years of life, I cannot be more grateful for all that you have done for me. Your leadership has not only propelled me to new heights, but it has also instilled in me core values that extend far beyond my professional life. So, on this special occasion, I want to wish you a very happy 64th birthday, filled with joy, blessings, and all the love in the world. May this year bring you good health, happiness, and continued success in all your endeavors. Thank you once again for being the phenomenal boss that you are. With heartfelt regards, HAPPY 64TH BIRTHDAY SIR. ...
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.