Apr

29

2024

Renewed Hope Cities: 
Nassarawa State Allocates Land to Housing Ministry 

…..  Contractors will move to site in coming days- Dangiwa 

The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project of the present administration through the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has gotten a boost,  with the allocation of 24.62-hectare piece of land for the project by the Nasarawa State Government.

Handing the documents to the Minister during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Governor of Nasarawa state, Engr. Abdullahi Sule maintained that the gesture was to show the commitment of the state to the efforts of the Ministry towards providing affordable housing to Nigerians.

Dangiwa thanked the Governor for responding to the request for land made by the Ministry towards enhancing the affordability of housing units for Nigerians.

He also assured the Governor that contractors for the Renewed Hope Cities’ project in Nasarawa state will commence work in the coming days following the issuance of the Approval of Grant and Certificate of Occupancy for a 24.62-hectare piece of land for the project.

Governor Sule continued “ I want to thank the Minister most sincerely for choosing Nasarawa state as one of the benefiting states for the first phase of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme. We are extremely proud of what you are doing in the sector, and we can see how proud Mr. President is of what you are doing. He always makes reference to your promise that you will transform Nigeria into a giant construction site whenever we have our meetings, and we can see it happening already" 

“ The land we are giving is located in Karu Local Government, which is now one of the most visited local government areas in Nigeria. It is also growing rapidly in terms of population and development. We are very excited to be presenting this C of O and the Approval of Grant to you, and I decided to come and give it to you in person to show my appreciation for all you are doing in the housing sector in Nigeria,” he said.

Reiterating the commitment of the ministry towards actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Housing and Urban Development, Dangiwa said the project in Nasarawa is just one of the several cities and estates to be built across the nation.

“The first phase of the programme aims to deliver Renewed Hope Cities ranging from 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country while the remaining thirty (30) states will have Renewed Hope Estates each with a minimum of 500 housing units.

“As you already know, Nasarawa state is a beneficiary under phase 1. The contract for the construction of 250 units has been awarded and with these documents now in our hands, the contractors will be moving to site in less than a week from today,” he said.

Dangiwa further called on the Nasarawa state Governor to prevail on other governors to do the same, as well as support the efforts of the Land Reforms Task Team constituted by the Ministry in January 2024, noting that their support and participation is necessary to successfully streamline land administration in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, despite sending official invitations, many are yet to send representatives. We are not discouraged because we understand the pressures that Governors face. So, today, I want to use this special occasion of your visit to specifically solicit your cooperation for the active participation of Nasarawa state in the Land Reforms Task Team and to also use your influence within the Governors’ Forum to get other Governors involved in this important national assignment,” he said.

The land offered by the Nasarawa state government is a 24.62-hectare piece of land located at Auta-Balefi in Karu Local Government Area of the state, and represents the pilot site for the Renewed Hope Cities Project in the state.

Apr

24

2024

Decent Housing for Police Personnel a Priority for FG - Dangiwa

… says over N10 billion Mortgage loans, others disbursed to Force so far

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has assured the Nigerian Police Force of the federal government's commitment towards providing decent and affordable housing to its officers and men across the country. 

The Minister gave the assurance while speaking at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Housing Summit held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. 

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for
Housing is a holistic plan to ensure every Nigerian, including members of the Force, has access to decent and affordable housing.

He said the theme of the Summit, “Renewed Hope for Police Housing in Nigeria",
speaks to the acknowledgement of past challenges, the commitment to overcoming
them, and the optimism for a brighter future.

Speaking through the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Usman Osidi, Dangiwa reiterated the essence of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, and urged the Force to embrace strategic partnerships with Housing agencies like the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Housing Authority towards realising decent, affordable and safe housing for
officers and men of the Force.

He outlined some of the outcomes of previous engagements between the Federal
Mortgage and the NPF to include; over N2.9 Billion in mortgage loans disbursed to 807
police beneficiaries, N2.1 Billion disbursed to the Police Cooperative Housing
Development Company to construct 806 housing units, about N158 Million disbursed to 22 beneficiaries under the Rent-to-Own platform, and over N289 Million as Home
Renovation Loan to 316 officers.

Other initiatives according to the Minister also include the funding of ongoing housing projects for the Police Cooperative in various locations in Abia, Adamawa, Ogun, Kaduna and the FCT; the refund of a cumulative sum of over N1.8 Billion to 18,619 retired police officers, as well
as N3 Billion in mortgage loans to the Nigeria Police MultiPurpose Cooperative Society and Nigeria Police Force Property Development and Construction Company Ltd. for the construction of 236 housing units at Goza, Wawa District, Abuja.

He decried the long term relegation of the issue of police housing, which has resulted in dire consequences for both the officers and the communities they serve, and
commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for convening the Summit with the right set of critical stakeholders, central to resolving the challenge of providing shelter to the rank and file of the Nigeria Police.

" Our police officers are the frontline defenders of law and order, often working tirelessly under challenging conditions. The inadequate housing facilities only aggravate their challenges, impacting their morale, well-being, and ultimately, their effectiveness in ensuring the safety and security of the nation" he stated 

Similarly, the minister noted  that “Collaboration is essential in harnessing resources, expertise, and innovative solutions to accelerate the pace of development. Through strategic alliances and creative financing mechanisms, we can overcome the constraints that have hampered progress and deliver tangible results within a reasonable timeframe,”

Earlier in his address, IGP Egbetokun, alluding to the importance of the Summit,
disclosed that “the housing capacity of the Force is about 10-12% of the over 400,000
workforce,” and “due to long years of neglect, the existing and available barracks
accommodations are largely unsuitable and incompatible with 21st century policing
architecture that we desire to build.”

He noted that the Summit was conceived as a platform to discuss and dilate ideas to
actualize their vision of accessible and affordable housing for officers and men of the Nigeria Police and would be held on a yearly basis henceforth.
 

Apr

18

2024

Housing Ministry, IWCC Collaborate to Promote UN-HABITAT Programmes in Nigeria 

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and International Women Communication Center (IWCC), under the UN Habitat World Urban Campaign have expressed readiness of collaboration to promote and strengthen the UN-Habitat intervention programmes and projects in Nigeria.

Programmes, particularly in the area of socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG), and the New Urban Agenda would receive deserved attention.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development,  Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo gave this assurance when he received a delegation from the International Women Communication Centre (IWCC), led by its Executive Director,  Dr. Hajiya Limoto Goroso Giwa on a courtesy visit to the Ministry,  Thursday,  April 18th, 2024

IWCC is a UN-Habitat stakeholder organization founded by a group of women rights activists with the mandate to  disiminate the implementation of the UN-Habitat agenda at the community level, protects and promotes women rights and carry out advocacy activities. 

Gwarzo, in his remarks reiterated the primary mandate of the Ministry to provide adequate and affordable housing in both urban and rural areas in a secure, healthy and decent environment for all Nigerians, pointing out that it was also one of the cardinal focus of President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu's administration in actualizing the renewed hope agenda.

He stated that the Ministry plans to bring the mandate to reality through multi-stakeholder and institutional engagements, alongside collaborations with both local and international development partners

 " The Ministry is therefore a willing partner and ready to find mutually beneficial points of collaboration with your organization for the greater good of our country and citizens” he said 

Accordingly, Gwarzo recalled the inauguration of the Habitat Advisory Committee in October 2022, stressing on their responsibilities to assess the progress and current status in the implementation the New Urban Agenda and related targets of SDGs and advise the Ministry on the way forward; to facilitate the preparation of the Voluntary National Report on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the related SDGs in Nigeria, among others.
 
Earlier the Executive Director of the IWCC Dr. Hajiya Limoto Goroso Giwa, expressed happiness that Nigeria is taking the lead in the UN-Habitat, being the chair of the executive board.

She appealed to the Honourable Minister for Nigeria to host the 2024 Urban October and also as the UN-Habitat Executive Board Chair to support the delegation at the 12th 
World Urban Forum which would be held in Cairo, Egypt.

Dr Giwa also explained that the World Urban Forum which aims at accelerating the achievement of urbanization would this year focus on six focus areas namely: housing our future, cities and climate crisis, financing localization and localizing finance the issue of urban agenda, putting people first in a digital era, amongst others.

The Executive Director also encouraged  Nigeria to take the lead in the African Regional Meeting coming up in Ethiopia and also at a high level meeting in New York on the 14th of July to discuss the SDG 9 and 11 which focuses on human settlement.
 

Apr

04

2024

Nigeria Emerges Chair of UN-HABITAT Executive Board

…. We would accomplish the mission - Gwarzo

Nigeria has emerged the chair of the executive board of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

The confirmation of Nigeria as chair of the board was made known during a meeting with the UN-Habitat office and the Ministry of Housing  and Urban Development in Abuja., Thursday,  April 4, 2024.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has on behalf of the Nigerian Government and the Housing Ministry accepted the position, assuring that Nigeria would accomplish the mission.

Gwarzo lauded the UN-Habitat and the African Group for the confidence reposed in Nigeria’s quality leadership caused by her continuous commitment and exemplary role in the implementation of the African Urban Agenda (AUA) and the 2030 Agenda in the continent, assuring Nigeria’s commitment towards the achievement of the mandate of UN-Habitat.

The Minister was delighted to aknowledge a notable milestone achieved in the human settlement sector in Nigeria since the establishment of the UN-Habitat Program support office in 2003, saying that it was the result of the robust collaboration between the UN-Habitat and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Accordingly, Gwarzo reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to execute its primary mandate of providing affordable housing in a secure, healthy and decent environment of both urban and rural areas for Nigerians, saying that the partnership with the UN-Habitat would ensure achieving the maximum results.

The Minister also revealed the intention of the Ministry of housing to actualize its mandate through multi-stakeholder and institutional engagements as well as effective collaborations.

 “ In this wise, UN-Habitat remains a critical partner. We therefore seek more of UN-Habitat's collaboration in realizing this vision and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda vision for housing and urban development in Nigeria, aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerians through Urban Renewal and the development of New Towns”  he stated 

Im the same vain,  Gwarzo further expressed hope that the continuous funding support for the UN-Habitat Programme Support Office (UN-HAPSO) in Nigeria would further strengthen the existing cordial relationship between the two parties and as well reposition the office to adequately play its role of rendering technical support services to Housing and Urban Development sector stakeholders in the country both at the National and sub-national levels.

“We equally look forward to early commencement and successful implementation of the Work-plan of the extant MoU which is geared towards a more robust human settlements development in the country"  he added.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the UN-Habitat delegation, Mathias Spaliviero felicitated with the Minister for the  appointment of Nigeria as the chair of the executive board of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and formally presented the appointment letter to the Minister of State.

Spaliviero explained that the executive board is a board that comprises 40-50 member states, saddled with taking decisions, accessing UN-Habitat progress according to the strategic plan, as well as making recommendations.

Spaliviero disclosed that UN-Habitat provided technical support for the National Urban Development policy and also expressed commitment to further support until the policy is approved.

He used the opportunity to invite the Honorable Minister to the World Urban Forum to take place in Cairo between the 4th and 8th of November, 2024.

Mar

28

2024

Permanent Secretary Inaugurates Ministerial Servicom Committee 

…charges them with commitment and accountability in their performance 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi PhD has charged the newly inaugurated Ministerial Servicom Unit (MSU) to stay committed to the course of the mandate of the Ministry by exhibiting efficiency and integrity in the course of executing their assignments.

The Permanent Secretary gave this charge at the sensitization, inauguration and induction ceremony of the Ministerial Servicom Unit (MSU), held in Abuja.

Explaining the concept of Servicom as service acceptable to the citizens and the right of every Nigerian to obtain quality service from service providers, the Permanent Secretary informed that the committee was established in order to promote effective and efficient service delivery, as well as to ensure customer satisfaction in MDA’s.

“We as service providers are change agents for service excellence and so should put up actions that reflects the name; this means that everyone who comes to our offices for service is expected to walk out satisfied and fulfilled, he explained.

Ogunbiyi urged the committee to maintain a high level of comportment in representing the Ministry and also to acquaint themselves with knowledge of the Servicom core values to guide them to achieve customer satisfaction and project the good image of the Ministry.

Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary encouraged the inductees to discharge their duties effectively with every sense of responsibility and in accordance with the law, bearing in mind that it is the right of the customer to always obtain quality service.

He further pledged that the Ministry would provide the enabling environment and the needed support for the committee, as well as a conducive environment for customers. 

Speaking earlier, the the National Coordinator Servicom Office, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemili described Servicom as a unique administrative committment designed to honour government's pledge to serve the people of Nigeria satisfactorily, adding that Servicom focuses on the quality of contact between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and her stakeholders as well as  intending home owners.  

She noted that the inauguration of the Ministerial Servicom Unit of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development would  enhance the service delivery initiative of the Federal Government with respect to the provision of affordable housing for Nigerians.

Akajemeli, emphasising the impact of Ministerial Servicom Unit in the housing ministry, identified the unit's  responsibilities  amongst others to include; "spearheading the ministry's service improvement program in accordance with best practices, producing and reviewing Service Charters for the ministry and its diverse service front lines, monitoring its implementation by reporting quarterly on the impact of service delivery activities in the ministry and  providing comprehensive and effective training policy for frontline staff.

While charging newly inductees to be diligent in their assignments and ensure prompt submission of reports to the Honorable Minister and Permanent Secretary's offices, She revealed that the committee would institute a reward system to appreciate and celebrate officers who have distinguished in their line of duty.   

Akajemili also applauded the Permanent Secretary for ensuring the inauguration took place in within shortest possible time after unbundling the ministry from its Works counterpart.

The Permanent Secretary was also awarded and decorated as the champion of Servicom in FMHUD by the National Coordinator of Servicom.
 

Mar

26

2024

Dangiwa Inaugurates Registration Board for Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria

… charges them to promote good ethics, enhance the credibility of the Profession

Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged the newly inaugurated Board for the registration of Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria to ensure the promotion of integrity, honesty, transparency, and fairness in the course of performing their professional duties.

Dangiwa gave the charge during the formal inauguration of the 10th constituted Board of the QSRBN.

The Board is a professional regulatory agency for Quantity Surveyors under the supervision of the Housing Ministry.

The 15- member board comprises of six (6) appointees of the Ministry in accordance with Section 2 (1)b of the Act, Five (5) appointees representing the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) in accordance with Section 2(1) c of the Act and Four (4) appointees representing Institutions of Higher Education in accordance with Section 2 (1)d of the Act.

Dangiwa stated that the appointment of the board members was a call to National Service, saying that they had a critical role to play in fixing the challenges facing the housing sector through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, as intended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Stressing on the responsibilities of the board among others, the minister listed; determining the quantity surveyors standard of knowledge and skills, regulating and controlling the practice of Quantity Surveying profession in all its aspects and ramifications

 “ The full details of your duties and responsibilities are prescribed in the enabling Act of the QSRBN which will be handed over to you at the end of the inauguration ceremony. I urge you to carefully read through them and become familiar with them as the knowledge will help and guide you towards contributing your quota to national development”, he explained.

Accordingly, Dangiwa also tasked the board to leverage on its wealth of experience and professional training, to ensure reduction in the high cost of construction projects and procurement in the country, noting that the construction sector where the Quantity Surveyors belong to is a major driver of employment and economic growth.

Responding on behalf of the new board, QS Obafemi Oluwole Onashile, pledged that the board would work without prejudice in the discharge of their duties, and also work in collaboration with the Federal Government, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and other stakeholders to upscale the impact of the quantity surveying profession on the national economy of the Nation.

He assured the Minister that members of the board would be guided by the QSRBN Act in the performance of their duties and are fully informed about the roles, duties and operations of the board.
 

Mar

23

2024

Housing Ministry Celebrates Retiring Directors

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has celebrated three retired Directors for their remarkable, unblemished and committed services to the nation.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa in his remarks at a special retirement sendforth ceremony held at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja said their contributions to designs for the ministry's housing programmes and commitment to professionalism have left good marks on our country’s housing landscape.

The retirees are Arc. Iquo Lucy Uzodinma (Director/HOD Public Building & Housing Development), Arc. Dossou Olusegun Olubunmi (Director, MDAs) and Arc. Laminu Mohammed Manman (Director, Landscaping).

The Minister remarked that "Today, we reflect on the countless contributions and positive impact they have made in advancing the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the impact of their efforts on the built environment. 

Their contributions to designs for the Ministry’s housing programs, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to professionalism have left good marks on our country’s housing landscape".

Dangiwa also stated that he was convinced that their combined contributions have been instrumental in the successes the ministry has recorded thus far. 

" Your participation at management meetings, professional inputs at departmental levels and passion for your craft and commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism have earned you all my respect and admiration and I believe that of their colleagues and housing industry stakeholders" he said 

The Minister described the sendforth celebration as not only for their professional achievements but also the friendships made, the memories shared, the laughter and the legacies that they have left  behind.

Commending one of the retiree, Arc. Iquo Uzodinma, Dangiwa said the practical and active roles she played in organizing and coordinating the successful Inauguration of the Housing Reform Task Teams and the official launch of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR  at Karsana was remarkable .

"Throughout her tenure, Arc. Uzodinma not only demonstrated exceptional professional prowess but also served and mentored many in the Department. You hardly see her attend meetings without one or two of her Directors with her. This demonstrates openness, cooperation and mentorship" he stated 

The Minister lamented that the ministry was losing a lot of professionals especially in the area of environment.

On his part,  Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo said the retirement offers a well -deserved  opportunity for these exceptional Directors to rest, reflect, and enjoy the fruits of their labour and a time for cherished memories, new experiences as well as fulfillment of personal dreams.

He added that he was confident that their wealth of knowledge would continue to positively impact the society in various capacities.

Earlier in a welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi thanked God Almighty that these Directors retired in good health.

He advised staff to put in their best in service and should also start planning for their retirement as time waits for nobody.

Mar

20

2024

Housing Minister Calls for Continuous  Collaboration with Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria.

Minister of State for  Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo has called  for continuous collaboration between the ministry and the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria, (IMBLN), in order to ensure adherence to standard specifications in houses  construction by practitioners the in built  environment 

The minister said the collaboration will creat a brighter future alongside achieving  overall economic growth in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tijjani Gwarzo made this call when he received the governing council of the IMBLN Institute led by it's President, Quantity Surveyor Hayatuddeen Atiku Awwal on a visit to his office.

He said "As we continue to work towards our common goals of enhancing professionalism and fostering growth within the mortgage and real estate sectors, I encourage continued collaboration and dialogue between our ministry and the Institute," noting " together, we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and create a brighter future for our nation."

Gwarzo noted "In line with our government's agenda to provide affordable housing and promote sustainable urban development, we acknowledge the importance of a robust regulatory framework and a skilled workforce. "

He also described the Institute's role in setting prescribed rules and regulations that ensures adherence to best practices and ethical standards, a good measure to safeguard the interests of both consumers and professionals alike

Accordingly, Gwarzo recognizes the crucial role played by the Institute in setting and reviewing standards, promoting research and development, and providing consultancy services

 " Your efforts in organizing conferences, seminars, symposia, and meetings, contribute significantly to knowledge exchange and capacity building within our industries" he added.

Speaking earlier, the President of the  Governing Board of the Institute of Mortgage Bankers and Lenders of Nigeria,  QS. Hayatuddeen Awwal, said the Institute has identified some challenges facing the housing sector with regard to home ownership and creation of jobs, saying collaboration with the ministry was the only way to tackle them 

" wmWorking together with the ministry would unlock potentials in mortgage industry as well as drive positive changes the housing sector" he said 

The President also explained  " ... through our activities, we strife to create an enabling environment for affordable housing and wealth creation for all Nigerians bearing in mind that the housing sector alone has the tendency to challenge the peculiar insecurity, job loss and death of artisans that is ravaging the country,"

He further expressed confidence  that  under the current leadership in the housing ministry, design and specification of houses will be standardised, pointing out that he has begun an advocacy on adopting Nigeria model in the built environment by scaling down features like using regular ceiling board instead of fixing POP and using Nigeria made doors instead of imported Turkish doors

Adopting Nigeria model, he said, would enhance mortgage reforms that would ensure the acquisition of the  Renewed Hope Cities and Estates within the shortest possible time.

On Mortgage facility open to informal sector of the nation, the President explained that the workers in informal  sectors of Nigeria are not exempted from accessing mortgaging facilities but they find it difficult to access it because mortgage officers are not patient enough to generate a statement of income that could qualify them for  accessibility since they  do not have a standard payslip.

He further advised the mortgage bankers to exhibit patience and humility when engaging with them so as to promote inclusivity in home ownership through mortgage financing, disclosing that the Institute has begun talk with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to liberalise to the informal sector.

The Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders established by an Act of the National Assembly is mandated to regulate and professionalise the mortgage industry and housing thereby promoting transparency, ethical standards and professionalism in the sector. 

It is also charged with the responsibility of capacity building, training, certifying and regulating the activities of property, mortgage and real estate industry ensuring their competency.
 

Mar

14

2024

Housing Perm Sec, Ogunbiyi Receives Pacesetter Award from Alma Mater

.....Institutes award for the best graduating student in Agricultural Science

....Award in recognition of contribution to service, trailblazers in own field - HOD

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, PHD, was honoured with the prestigious Pacesetter Award by the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University Technology, Akure, Ondo State.

The award was in recognition of his pacesetting contributions as the first alumnus of the department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering to be appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary as well as his outstanding contributions to the growth of the Federal Civil Service and humanity at large.

Dr. Ogunbiyi was one of the students in the second set of students admitted in the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) in 1983 and he graduated in 1988 from the university.   

Ogunbiyi said in his remarks " Today is great a day in the history of my life because being recognised and honoured by your own people is indeed a great thing to happen to you and I am very appreciative for this."

He noted that the award was a recognition of qualities, attainments, character, adding that it is call for him to manifest more of positive qualities and achievements.

    
To his co -awardees, he said, " .. I see this recognition as a challenge to us today from all works and more representation from the department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering and most especially more service to our university."

Similarly, Ogunbiyi advised the Students of FUTA to imbibe the culture of hard work and take advantage of the quality education being taught in the university, as well as the good advises given by their dedicated lecturers, saying that those would take them to places and make them attain important status in life.

He urged the students to respect the institution of learning by obeying instructions and also shun cultism.

Earlier in his address, Head of Department, Agricultural and Environmental department, Prof. Ayo Ajayi, explained that the pacesetter award recognizes the alumni that have been trailblazers in their fields, setting new standards of excellence and innovations. He added that the awardees for the prestigious pacesetters have not only excelled in their careers but have also made significant contributions in their societal growth demonstrating the truth leadership at service.

While emphasizing on the impact of the advise and education he received from FUTA, he said he would not have expected to pass his examination for permanent secretary as an engineer because he was not armed with information like the officers in administration department who are naturally armed with the knowledge of several reforms needed when writing such examination.

He explained that, with the values of hard work, dedication and commitment to one's vision inculcated in him by the revered, selfless and dedicated lecturers in the department,  he emerged first out of the 24 candidates from his states who sat for the examination.

 " If I, Marcus Ogunbiyi can become a Permanent Secretary, all you students sitting here looking at me, if I can make it you are going to make it." he stated.

Giving back to the school that has given him a solid foundation to attain so much in life, Ogunbiyi has announced institution of Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi Award for the Best Graduating Student in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering with a price of five hundred thousand naira every year starting from the next convocation of the university.

The Permanent Secretary who had only visited the university just twice since he graduated 36 years ago while expressing elation at the award and homecoming said, " the reunion was very important. I crave the indulgence of both the alumni association and the department, and indeed the university to please organize such reunion or at least get some programme that will bring us to our alma mater," pledging to mend his way by making sure  he is regularly in touch with the university.

In her remark, the first female Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Adenike Temitope Oladiji noted that the department of agricultural and environmental engineering has contributed massively to the growth and development of the university as many of the alumni of the departments have held several leadership positions in the university ranging from deputy vice chancellor and Dean of schools.

Oladiji appealed to the alumni of FUTA to consider giving scholarships to all types of students in the university, saying that they could be indigent students, best performing students depending on which category the alumni decide to choose.

She added, "we will also be looking up to you for funding of your universities," noting that most of the student hostels have become dilapidated and would need urgent renovation.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of award to15 Awardees in the categories of Pacesetters and remarkable achievement awards.

In attendance at the event were; the Imperial Ruler and Deji of Akure, Oba Dr Adetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and Professor Emeritus, Ougbenga Ademosun, whom the awardees referred to as their mentors who moulded them for greatness.

Mar

12

2024

We are Committed to PULAAKU Initiative Implementation - Dangiwa

….. embraces partnership with Refugees Commission

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has stated that the federal government is committed to ensuring successful implementation of the Pulaaku initiative to make substantial difference in the lives of those who are Internally Dispalced as a result of banditry and other forms of violence.

The Minister made this known when he received a delegation from the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) on a visit to his office 

Recall that Dangiwa was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Chairman of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Pulaaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme aimed at addressing the root causes of farmers-herders conflicts and fostering national unity in seven states of the Country.

The Minister stated that the provision of 7,000 housing units across the seven states is an attestation to a collective determination to foster resilience and stability in communities.

 “This initiative embodies the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and inclusivity, values that are integral to our vision of a prosperous and harmonious society”, he said.

The Minister embraced a partnership with the Refugees Commission,  noting that with it's input, the Pulaaku Initiative would achieve greater success being that the target beneficiaries of the program falls directly within their mandate; “You know where they are, you have all the relevant information about them”, he added.

He also expressed optimism that the synergy with the Commission, leveraging respective strengths would ensure that the Pulaaku Initiative achieves its objectives and in turn create a brighter future for all those affected by displacement and violence.

On his part, the Federal Commissioner, NCFRMI, Aliyu Tijjani Ahmed, commended the appointment of the Housing Minister as the Chairman of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Pulaaku project.

While he decried the alarming rate of 6.1 million registered displaced persons currently in the country, he informed the Minister of their efforts so far in providing shelter for the internally displaced persons in some states like Zamfara, Nasarawa, Maidugiri, Kano and Edo State.

The Commissioner further appealed for a collaboration with the Honourable Minister in his capacity as the chairman of the steering committee for the Pulaaku initiative to provide a lasting solution that would address the predicament of the IDP’s.

Mar

09

2024

VP Shettima, Dangiwa in Katsina for Empowerment Program 

... empowerment materials to provide relief and support economic activities of the citizens - Dangiwa 

Vice President, His Excellency Sen Kashim Shettima, GCON and Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Saturday, 9th March, 2024, were in Kafur Local Government in Katsina State for the lauching of an empowerment program.

The empowerment programme was sponsored by Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Senior Special Assustant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Political Matters 

The multi million naira empowerment materials distributed to the people  include; food items, fertilizer, solar system, grinding machine, welding machine, sewing machine and motorcycles.

Other items are; exercise books, school bags, saloon items, electronic pasta maker, cash and Sharon bus.
Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the financier, Alh Ibrahim Kabir Masari, describing the empowerment as one of the core poverty alleviation concern of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to provide succour to the people 

Also speaking on the side line,  Housing Minister, Ahmed Dangiwa was highly elated with the economic support given to the people of his home State by the donor,  saying that it will go a long way in providing relief to the people, as well as supporting their economic activities and sustainability.

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin and former governors of Katsina state, Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema witnessed the occassion. 
A good number of Governors that graced the occasion included; Governor of Borno State, Baba Zulum,  Maimala Buni, Yobe State, Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State and Ibrahim Danmodi of  Jigawa State.
Ministers of Agriculture,  Sen Abubakar Kyari, Culture & Entertainment,  Hannatu Musawa and State Minister of Defense, Bello Matawalle were also in attendance 

Mar

07

2024

Housing Sector, Catalyst for Job Creation for the Nigerian Youths - Dangiwa

Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arch Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has stated that, the Ministry's housing targets of over 10, 862 housing units across the six geo political zones of the Country will  translate to lots of job creation for mostly the youths, poverty alleviation and increase in the Country’s GDP.

Dangiwa stated this when he received the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), led by its National President,  Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo on a courtesy visit to his office, Thursday,  March 7th, 2024.

The Minister described the Nigerian Youth as beacon of hope, adding that they were the major beneficiaries of the jobs being created in the course of executing the housing programmes of the Ministry.

Dangiwa also noted that the visit of the Youth Council was a testament to the vibrant spirit of commitment of the Nigerian youth towards the betterment of the Nation.

He commended the dedication of the Council to promoting the interest and welfare of the Nigerian youth as well as the inspiration in their efforts to provide platforms for youth to voice their concerns, develop their skills and also contribute to National development.

Accordingly, Dangiwa nformed the Youth Council that he was up to speed with the challenges facing the youth, especially in accessing affordable housing as well as securing a sustainable livelihood in the Urban areas, assuring that their concerns will be taken into consideration.

“ I am pleased to say that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is committed to ensuring that our Youth have access and opportunity to participate in the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programmes, and the affordable housing Programmes that are being championed by the Agencies under the Ministry’s supervision, including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)” he said.

The Minister also encouraged the youth, through the Council to actively participate in the National Housing Fund Scheme in order to benefit from the affordable housing offers, managed and administered by the FMBN.

He explained that, the scheme allows every Nigerian to contribute 2.5 percent of their income into National Housing Fund, which  guarantees a benefit of a 6 percent interest concessionary loan, and also individual construction loan which caters to Nigerians with a valid C of O title, for a period of 30 years and more.

“ Our major aim is to provide affordable housing solutions that cater to the needs of young Nigerians whether first time home buyers, renters or aspiring entrepreneurs looking to invest in affordable housing developments”, he remarked.

The minister also welcomed the proposed idea of a summit on Housing and Urban Development aimed at informing the Nigerian youth of the plans and projects of the Ministry, as well as the procedures to owning their houses.

Earlier, the NYCN President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo congratulated  the Honourable Minister on his appointment as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development and expressed readiness of the Youth Council  to partner and support the Ministry to ensure achieving successes in the sector 
They Council appealed for appointment Youth Desk Officer who would interface with the National Executive Council and the National Youth Council of Nigeria on information concerning the Ministry’s programme and also a building structure that would be dedicated to the youths.

Feb

23

2024

Housing Ministry Inaugurates Delivery Task Team on Presidential Priorities, Deliverables

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Marcus Ogunbiyi, PhD has inaugurated a delivery task team on the Presidential Priorities and Ministry's Deliverables.

The task team is a 25-man team drawn from the Ministry’s Headquarters, alongside some Agencies of the Ministry.

In his address, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi expressed optimism that the inauguration of the task teams would mark a turn around for Ministry’s activities in the sense that all departments would be responsive, having the knowledge that all activities would be monitored and reported in order to reflect the Presidential mandate of outstanding performance. 

He emphasized on the importance of the task team, urging the team to know their roles and responsibilities as well as take their duties very seriously in order to execute their tasks excellently.

Dr. Ogunbiyi informed the team that there would be quarterly reporting and assessment on the Ministerial and Presidential deliverables, and as such, an awareness seminar would be organized for the task team where more details of their tasks would be unveiled.

“We must be able to monitor and guide all the activities to know where we are at a given time”, he stated.

The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of generating accurate data by the task team, adding that there was need for efficient and effective method of collecting and managing data such that would capture every task the team would embark on.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister on Administration, Adamu Ladan, noted that it was an honour and a milestone in the Ministry to inaugurate the task team because the present administration has taken the initiative which is a very fundamental one to the deliverable of its mandate.

He advised the task team to consider themselves very critical and key to the implementation of the Ministry’s mandate and so should take every task very importantly.

Referring to a law by the Central Coordinating Unit (CCU), Ladan advised that every data provided would be accounted for, stressing that every tiny detail in the implementation of the ministry’s deliverables must be captured so that the data being supplied will be cogent.

“We shouldn’t be found wanting in any aspect of our deliverable, so I urge us to pay attention to the tasks assigned to us and carry it out responsibly”, he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the task team, Director Planning Research and Statistics of the Ministry, Mohammed Bala Saulawa, appreciated the Permanent Secretary and the Honourable Minister for his support, encouragement as well as the responsibility given to them.

Saulawa assured the Permanent of their commitment to always come up with accurate and reliable data that would make the Ministry as a whole, proud.

He also disclosed that the department was working seriously to meet up with the timeline set by the CCU and as a result, issued a circular to all departments to submit their performance and achievements in order for a presentation to be made to the Honourable Minister and the Permanent Secretary before any action by the CCU.

He further appreciated the Permanent Secretary for approving a workshop for the task team officers and also pledged on behalf of the team to deliver their responsibilities effectively.

Feb

22

2024

“Perform or Leave”, Minister Charges New Management of Housing Agencies

…..Says Current Housing Crisis Leaves no Room for Underperformance

The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged newly appointed Executive Management Teams of federal housing agencies to deliver on reform targets saying that “anyone who fails to perform will be asked to leave”.

The Hon. Minister gave this charge during his first meeting with the Management Teams of Nigeria’s premier housing agencies - the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Federal Housing Authority (FHA), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 22nd February 2024.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Thursday 15th February 2024 approved the appointment of new management teams for the FMBN and FHA, with Mr. Shehu Usman Osidi emerging as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive of the FMBN and Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo as Managing Director and Chief Executive of the FHA.

Arc. Dangiwa noted that the new leadership should see their appointment by the President as a call to impactful service, and not an opportunity to make merry and self-enrich. He reiterated the President’s resolve to periodically assess and replace appointees that fail to meet expectations, reminding them of their responsibility to Nigerians.

“As Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I have my deliverables from Mr. President. As leaders of agencies under the supervision of my Ministry, you are to fashion out ways to deliver on them. If you work hard and deliver, you will stay. If you don’t work hard and fail to deliver, you will leave before your term. I believe that is a strong message that Mr. President has already passed across to all appointees. Don’t look at the 5-year term, look at your ability to meet the targets for every review session. Because when it comes to review and KPIs, I won't be looking at your faces.

“What we want is action, progress, improved customer service delivery and more Nigerians owning homes. Both the FMBN and FHA Management Teams must see this as a new beginning for real progress. This must reflect in the quantum of houses delivered and fully occupied by Nigerians.

The Minister added that despite the harsh economic realities and the rising cost of housing construction, the new leadership must transform and innovate in order to drive Mr President’s Renewed Hope vision for housing and urban development.

Speaking on the expectations of the FMBN, he said the bank should work towards delivering a minimum of 5,000 new homes annually, disburse mortgage loans to at least 20,000 Nigerians annually, increase the National Housing Fund (NHF) collection by expanding the subscription net, address the backlog of audited accounts and clean up its books for better financing opportunities, and quickly roll out the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme for increased housing delivery, among others.

“For the FHA, I expect to see more flexibility and innovation in its operations rather than the usual, conventional, docile way of doing things. The ministry expects the FHA to make judicious use of its license to operate across all income segments in the broad strategy of the government to deliver housing to Nigerians, as well as get more funding from the capital market by issuing bonds to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, pay back the loans, and declare profit.

“We also expect to see the FHA delivering a minimum of 5,000 houses annually to Nigerians. The agency should also take advantage of its status as an agency without budgetary allocations to be inventive, partner with credible investors, and local and international financing partners to deliver more houses to Nigerians,” he said.

Dangiwa added that the Ministry will keep track of the progress in both agencies on a year-to-year basis, noting that their KPIs are the only things that will matter when the time comes to assess them. “We have a responsibility to Nigerians, and we cannot afford to fail. On our part, we will continue to work to strengthen your capacities and break down the limitations that hamper your performance.

“Let me, once again, reiterate the seriousness of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure the full implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development. We can already see that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is one of the signpost projects of his administration. He will not tolerate failure or mediocrity, and neither will I,” he said.

Other members of the Executive Management Team of the FMBN are Mr. Ibidapo Odojukan, Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services; Mr. Muhammad Sani Audu, Executive Director, Loans & Mortgage Services; and Mrs. Executive Director, Business Development & Portfolios. In the FHA Management are Mr. Mathias Terwase Byuan, Executive Director, Housing Finance & Accounts; Mr. Umar Dankane Abdullahi, Executive Director, Business Development; and Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, Executive Director, Project Implementation.

Feb

15

2024

Housing Minister to Meet Cement, Other Building Materials Manufacturers to Tackle Rising Prices

In a bid to stem the incessant rising cost of cement and other building materials and enhance the delivery of affordable housing in Nigeria, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has revealed plans to meet with manufacturers of Cement and other building materials in the country. The move is aimed at better understanding the challenges in the sector, sharpening measures to mitigate the rising cost of building materials in the country and finding sustainable ways to address them.

The Minister said this during a courtesy call by a delegation of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) to discuss the progress of the collaboration between the FMBN and the labour centres, especially as it concerns the National Affordable Housing Delivery Programme for Nigerian Workers (NAHDEP), which he initiated during his time as Managing Director of the FMBN.

He queried the recurring disproportionate increase in the price of cement in particular, especially considering that cement producers in the country source virtually all their raw materials locally. “It is disheartening to see how much Nigerians have to pay for essential building commodities like cement, with the prices rising almost on a daily basis. I don’t understand the reason for this increase, and it is not acceptable.

“I am going to be meeting with these manufacturers soon, so that they can explain to Nigerians their reasons for such incessant hikes. I know that the cement producers source their raw materials in Nigeria, the limestone, clay, silica sand, gypsum, iron ore, and the rest. These minerals abound in Nigeria and these manufacturers get them here, so there is no justification to try and blame it all on the rise of dollar”, he said.

Arc. Dangiwa assured the delegation of the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to providing decent and affordable shelter and livable communities to low- and medium-income earners, as well as the vulnerable in society. He said this also involves creating a conducive environment for private sector to thrive, including through ensuring building materials are affordable and accessible.

Recall that the Ministry in January inaugurated the Building Materials Reform Task Team as part of efforts to develop the building materials industry through the creation of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs in each of the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country. The Minister said while the hubs are yet to come on stream, there is a need to continue to interface with players in the industry such as building materials manufacturers in a bid to promote affordability.

Speaking on the partnership between the FMBN and Organized Labour, Dangiwa emphasized the need for the FMBN to reform and innovate its operations, calling on the NLC, TUC, and NECA to see the Bank and the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme as their own that they must encourage and support the institution to do better towards delivering decent shelter to their members.

“The truth is that despite FMBN’s inadequacies, which we are working to address, there is no other home ownership platform that can provide housing to the segment of Nigerians whom you represent at the terms and conditions that the FMBN provides.

“From the single-digit interest rate on loans ranging from 6 – 7 percent versus the commercial rates of 18-24 percent in commercial housing loans, to long tenors of 30-years versus 5-to-10-year commercial tenors, zero to maximum 10 percent equity versus 30 percent equity for commercial loans, FMBN is an institution that requires the support of all stakeholders so that it works. There is absolutely no alternative”, he said.

He noted that a key priority of President Tinubu is the reform of all federal housing agencies under the supervision of the ministry, clearly demonstrated by the inauguration of the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team under the Chairmanship of Mr. Adedeji Adesemoye with representatives from other stakeholders. The team, he said, will review and facilitate necessary legislative amendments of relevant housing industry laws, including those of the NHF Act, 1992 and the FMBN Establishment Act, 1993.

May

01

2024

Dangiwa Reassures Committment to Delivery of Quality, Affordable Houses to All Nigerians 

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has further given reassurance that the federal government through the Ministry would deliver quality and affordable houses to all categories of Nigerians.

"Access to affordable housing by Nigerians is a fundamental human right as mentioned by President Tinubu during the ground breaking of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates at Karsana, Abuja on February 8, 2024" he stated 

The Minister spoke during a meeting with members of the Renewed Hope Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited on a visit to his office.

Dangiwa expressed readiness of his ministry to partner with the Renewed Hope Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited  in order to ensure provision of affordable houses for its members.

He commended the effort by the leadership of the cooperative society for rising up to make their members proud home owners in Nigeria.

" Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are committed to providing quality housing for all Nigerians, as such we are willing to work, collaborate, support and encourage organised groups such as the Renewed Hope Cooperative Society to help their members become homeowners."  he added.

While assuring the Cooperative Society that the Ministry will provide all necessary support to make it possible for them to own houses, he explained that 50,000 housing units would be built nationwide under phase one of the Renewd Hope Cities and Estates Project flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

He encouraged the members to position themselves and obtain some of the houses, adding that a total of 3,112 housing unit was flagged off by President Tinubu at Karsana , Abuja under the project 

"We have already awarded the contract for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in 12 states nationwide, two states per geo- political zone and contractors have already been mobilized on sites to build a minimum of 250 houses that are affordable and organic in 1,2,3 bedrooms" he said 

Accordingly, the minister explained that what makes the houses organic is the ability to add an extra room as the need arises, for instance, a 1 bedroom apartment can be converted to 2 bedrooms by building another room.

Apart from the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities, the Minister also suggested subscription to National Housing Programme to the Cooperative Society, saying that "currently, we have houses under the program in more than 20 states that were delivered by the last administration that are all processed in various states' headquarters."   

Dangiwa also told the members that the Ministry made the homeownership convenient and affordable for Nigerians, by providing flexible purchase options for these homes, which includes;  outright purchase, mortgage, rent to own and installmental payment. 

Meanwhile, as part of support given to ensure the realization of their dream of homeownership, the Minister advised the leadership of the  Cooperative Society to visit the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and apply for Cooperative Housing Development Loan.

He explained, "If a Cooperative has a title land with no legal encounter, then you can approach the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and apply for Cooperative Housing Development Loan."

He explained that under the loan, the Cooperative could design the houses the members want according to their income,  appoint a developer and if the criteria for providing the loan is met, FMBN will provide funding for the construction of the houses and after the houses are completed, the bank will package long term single digit of 6 percent National Housing Fund mortgage loan or rent to own for their members to enable them own their homes and pay over time as this signifies that the Cooperative has offset its loan because it will be deducted from its members.

On National Housing Fund (NHF) being managed by the FMBN,  Dangiwa explained that contrary to the notion that only Nigerians working under Federal Government can access the fund, the Act setting up the NHF states that every Nigerian irrespective of coming from the informal or formal sector, shall contribute 2.5 percentage of his income into NHF for six months after which he becomes eligible to a loan ranging from one million to fifteen million to buy a house depending on affordability.

The Minister also disclosed the plan of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to create a National Social Housing Fund, an insurance to promote housing as a fundamental human right; further explaining that it is a program whereby free houses are provided in the 774 Local Governments of Nigeria for citizens who do not have a means to own one.

Speaking earlier, the National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Taofeek Afolabi expressed optimism that partnering with the ministry will enable the members to benefit from the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, assuring the Minister that the members are economically active and has the capacity to become home owners through mortgage.

 " Our primary areas of focus is homeownership for our members. We understand the challenges and how difficult it can be for the average Nigerian to own a home. This is why we intend to use this vehicle to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Nigerians", he remarked.

Afolabi, while commending the Minister for the achievements recorded since he assumed duty, announced the decision of the members of the Cooperative Society to adopt him as their Patron.

He also revealed that, currently the Cooperative Society has over 4,500 members nationwide accross various walks of life and its membership is free.

Apr

26

2024

The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmad Musa Dangiwa, has called on professional surveyors in  Nigeria to use their expertise to drive innovation, progress and positive change in the country.

Arc Dangiwa who was represented by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, made the call during the formal induction of 458 new surveyors held at Chida Hotel, Jabi, Abuja on Thursday. He said the induction represents a moment of great pride to the esteemed profession.

The Minister advised the new surveyors that while navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead should keep in mind the principles of excellence and teamwork to achieve common goals as the profession is a service to society.

He enjoined the senior colleagues and allied professional in the geospatial industry to inspire, motivate, and encourage the newly inducted surveyors as they embark on the vital task of shaping our built environment.

"Your role as Surveyors is crucial in ensuring the integrity, safety, and sustainability of our communities because Surveying is ubiquitous." The Minister stated.

Earlier, the Surveyor General of the Federation, Surveyor Abuduganiyu Adeyemi, had said surveying is considered a silent profession and plays a pivotal role in the sustainable development, territorial integrity and economic prosperity of any nation.

The Surveyor General urged the newly inducted surveyors to be lifelong learners and be ambassadors of change who always advocate for progress and custodians of Nigerian's Geospatial heritage.

Apr

19

2024

Housing Ministry, LGs' Departments Collaborate on Slum Upgrading, Urban Renewal Programme 

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is to collaborate with the nation's local government departments of Works, Housing, Transportation and Environment on slum upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme in selected states of the federation.

This was affirmed  when the leadership of the National Association of Directors of Local Government Departments of Works, Housing, Transport and Environment in Nigeria paid a study and advocacy visit to the Honourable Minister,  Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa in his office.

The representatives of the association were led on the visit to the housing ministry by its National President, Musa K. Adamu.

Minister Dangiwa told the delegation that beyond housing delivery, the ministry is embarking on slum upgrade and urban renewal in selected states across the country, hence the need for closer collaboration with the relevant local government department's in the selected states in the execution of the programme.

"Through this programme, we are upgrading communities deemed not fit for human habitation by all standards and transforming them into decent, liveable communities. 
We will do this by providing infrastructure like roads, water, sanitation, and other amenities.
This means we will be needing the support and collaboration of your members in these places to make our work easy" he said.

Similarly,  the minister also remarked that "As Directors and Heads of departments of works, housing, transport, and environment, you have an important role to play in driving policies at the local government levels".

He also disclosed that the housing ministry is working on another programme under the National Social Housing which will be deployed to the Local Government Areas .

" Under the National Social Housing Programme, the Federal Government wants to build 100 decent and affordable accommodations in each of the 774 Local Government Areas to the low income and underprivileged citizens" he stated 

On requests made by the association for involvement in development matters, policies and projects that are crucial to the welfare of the localities, the Minister assured them that the ministry would invite them for its subsequent annual Council meetings as observers as well as encourage agencies under the ministry to collaborate with them on housing delivery.

Earlier in his remarks, the National President of the Association Musa Adamu told the minister that the study and advocacy visit provided them the opportunity to commend the developmental efforts of the ministry.

He appealed on behalf of the Association to the Minister to partner with them in revitalising their departments for optimal performance and grassroots development.

Adamu said they were optimistic that the Honourable Minister would use his office to take decisions that would foster  harmonious relationships between the Ministry and Local Governments in Nigeria.
 

Apr

15

2024

HOUSING MINISTRY COMMENCES ALLOCATION FOR THE SALE OF HOUSES UNDER NATIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMME

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has concluded the allocation for the first batch of completed houses across the states of the Federation, for successful applicants under the National Housing Programme (NHP).

This was contained in a Press statement on Monday by the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi.

In the release, the Permanent Secretary stated that the first batch of the allocation process was concluded after a review of the conditions and procedures for sales of houses under the National Housing Programme (NHP) as conveyed in a circular with Ref. No. DPBH/645/1/643 from the Ministry on the 29th of December, 2023.

He disclosed that out of a total of 8925 applications that were received, 1294 were for Outright payment, 2408 for Mortgage, 2184 for Rent to own and 3039 were for installmental payment modes.

Ogunbiyi  informed the general public that the offer of New Provisional Allocation Letters for the first batch of successful applicants under the Outright Payment mode are now ready, adding that the successful subscribers would be contacted by the Federal Controllers of Housing and Urban Development in the states as well as the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) as from Thursday 18 April, 2024 for collection.

“Applicants under the Mortgage, Rent to own and Installmental payment modes who should be subscribers to the National Housing Fund (NHF) are presently undergoing profiling”, he added.

The Permanent Secretary however noted that there are no completed houses in Abia, Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers States and the FCT; “Allocation of houses in these states will be done upon the completion of the housing units later in the year”, he stated.

Apr

04

2024

Ogunbiyi Inaugurates Housing Ministry's Core Management Team for PMS Implementation 

Permanent Secretary, Federal  Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Marcus Ogunbiyi  PhD has inaugurated the core management team for the implementation of Performance Management System (PMS) in the ministry. 

Members of the Core  Management Team were drawn from the departments of the Planning Research and Statistics (PSR) and the Human Resource Management (HRM) of the Ministry.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary explained "the PRS department would focus on the Ministerial aspect of the PMS, while the HRM department on the other hand would focus on the employee aspect”  

He also explained that the aim of setting up the core team was to monitor the compliance level of the PMS at the Ministry and ensure its smooth implementation service-wide, pointing out that any of their  actions would directly affect the running of the PMS in the Housing Ministry

Accordingly, Ogunbiyi charged the core team to be dedicated and committed to the work ahead of them, while calling on the various departments of the Ministry to support the implementation in order to achieve success 

Accordingly, Dr Ogunbiyi explained plans to narrow out the Ministry’s sector plan for the next couple of years, from the National Plan which would be gotten from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, adding that the plan would aid the PRS department to cascade and develop the Ministry’s deliverable and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). 

He further explained that the PRS department would in turn send the deliverables and KPI’s to the HRM department who would in turn send to the departments to extract the employees PMS.

Some of the responsibilities of the core teams according to Ogunbiyi include; to facilitate and implement the PMS in the Ministry, oversee the implementation of the Ministry’s plans and objectives, review the Ministry’s quarterly sector performance throughout the entire process of institutionalizing PMS in the Ministry, communicate to departments their departmental targets.

Other functions include training of supervisors, review of agreed performance contract, management of employee performance contract, among others.

Mar

28

2024

Ogunbiyi Tasks Ministry's Directors, Heads of Units on Performance Management System 

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development,  Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, has tasked the Directors and Heads of Units in his Ministry to pay maximum attention and take full interest in the new Performance Management System (PMS) policy introduced by the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation 

Dr Ogunbiyi made this remarks in his  opening address for an in-house sensitisation workshop on Performance Management System organised for Directors and Heads of Units of the Ministry,  Thursday,  March 28th, 2024.

He explained that,  the workshop was organised as part of efforts of the Ministry to operationalise the PMS as part of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP2), adding that it was designed to introduce participants to its operations. 

" PMS is a real thing now in the Federal Civil Service. It's a policy that will be implemented in different stages. Directors, especially must understand it well because they are critical in its effective implementation in their MDA" he said 

Emphasising on the need for Directors to pay serious attention to the PMS, Ogunbiyi said that,  himself as a driver of the new policy when he was at Head of Service,  had to show extra committment to have full grasp of it 

" I beg you to pay attention,  please pay attention and be interested. Let us all be interested . PMS is a real thing now in the Federal Civil Service" he remarked 

The new PMS policy is all about tracking performance of employees in a consistent and measurable manner. It was introduced to replace the old annual performance evaluation report system (apers), being used for years in evaluating employees for promotion.

In her presentation , Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, Director Planning Resarch and Statistics in the Head of Service Offce, stated that the objective of the workshop was to provide update on the new whole of government approach to Performance Management

On the PMS she explained ' what gets measured, gets done, what gets measured get improved. Its a measurement based on target set" 

Mar

26

2024

Digitalisation: Housing Ministry Launches Official Website

In line with the digitalisation in the Federal Civil Service, a new web portal has been unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development 

The domain name of the website is www.fmhud.gov.ng. It is the first stand alone website of the Ministry since it was demerged from the former Ministry of Works and Housing.

Unveiling the website, the Permanent Secretary,  Marcus Ogunbiyi, PhD, highly commended the efforts of the department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) under the leadership of the Director in charge, Marcus Amiolemen for their tenacity in ensuring that the activities of the Ministry are showcased to the world through the website creation.

Ogunbiyi acknowledged the endeavour of the ICT department in the improvement of the Ministry’s Internet Connectivity, noting that the accomplishments were good steps in the right direction towards DIGITALIZATION, which is one of the pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25).

“Digitalization is part of the ongoing reforms of the nation's Public Service so the launch of our Ministry’s website is an achievement worth celebrating” he said.

While lauding the initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s to demerge the Ministries of Housing and Works, Ogunbiyi expressed optimism that the gradual steps being taken by the Ministry to fully operate as an independent Ministry will in no time materialize into visible developments.

The Permanent Secretary was particularly excited to disclose more developments to expect in the Ministry, such as the creation of an official email with the Ministry’s domain name for all staff, the  acquisition of a small power inverter, a renewal of the Ministry’s reception area among others.

He further directed all departments to always send in their activities to the ICT departments for an edit and upload into the website.

Accordingly, he encouraged all staff of the Ministry to frequently visit the website so as to be kept abreast of all activities of the Ministry.

Earlier in his presentation,  the Director in charge of the ICT  department. Marcus Amiolemen, stated that the development of the Ministry’s web portal is key to the Ministry, being one of the components that all Nigerians all over the world can leverage on to know the activities of the Housing Ministry.

He said, “the era we are, any organization that lacks the presence of the international domain does not exist and to achieve that milestone we have been able to develop the ministry's website which serves as a platform to manage as well as showcase all programs and activities of the Ministry to the world”.

The Director outlined and explained some components and various pages that makes up the website which includes departments of the Ministry alongside their functions, press releases, documents from the office of the Honorable Minister, pictorials of important events of the Ministry, frequently asked questions on housing units from the general public, among others.

“The website is also very flexible, easy to access and highly secure, he added.

Amiolemen solicited for the support of all Departments in ensuring that going foward, the Ministry’s website www.fmhud.gov.ng,  as well as the official email info@fmhud.gov.ng is included on all the Ministry’s letter headed papers.

Mar

21

2024

Housing Ministry Assures Diaspora Union of Participation in Nigeria's Housing Market Ecosystem 

..... commends Union’s interest in investing in housing development in the country 

Minister of Housing and Urban Development,  Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has assured African Descendants in Diaspora Union (AFRIDU) of an enabling environment for diaspora participation in Nigeria’s housing market ecosystem by having in place the right frameworks for secured homeownership for Nigerians in Diaspora.

Dangiwa also expressed the commitment of the Ministry to work with the Union in order to achieve a shared vision of a prosperous and united Africa that would in turn create a better future for all citizens, both at home and abroad. 

The Minister stated this when a delegation from AFRIDU led by the Union’s Diplomatic Administrator for Nigeria, Dr. Abraham Onwubuya, paid him a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

African Descendants in Diaspora Union (AFRIDU), is a platform created to foster unity, solidarity, and empowerment among the African descent in the Diaspora.

Dangiwa also acknowledged the importance of the diaspora to the government, adding that the over 20million Nigerians in Diaspora remitting an average of over $24bn per annum is a massive capacity, crucial to catalyzing development in all sectors of the Nation’s economy. 

On the participation in housing market, he said “We are doing this in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the two federal housing agencies that are under the supervision of our Ministry which includes the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)”

He also recalled the launch of the Diaspora Mortgage Loan at the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit in Sept 2023, a loan designed to enable Nigerians living overseas participate in the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme in order to access up to N50 million to own their homes in Nigeria.

Accordingly he explained that Participants could access the loan via a National Housing Fund (NHF) loan, Rent-to-Own or the Individual Construction loan window, with affordable terms at best market rates which includes a single-digit interest rate of 9%, and a payback period of up to 10 years.

While stating that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) as part of the initiative would facilitate the construction of affordable housing units in major cities that meets the specifications of Nigerians in Diaspora, Arc. Dangiwa notified the Union that the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) is also involved as part of the Ministry’s sector wide effort to cater to the Diaspora. 

In his words, “They have undertaken to develop the Diaspora City Project under a Public Private Partnership comprising the FHA, The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the private sector”.

He disclosed that The Diaspora City project  is situated at Maitama 2 FCT, with over 675 hectares of land, designed to have bungalows, semi-and detached duplexes, and mansions to reflect its inclusive essence; “The FCT administration has committed to opening the road and providing the relevant infrastructure”, he further disclosed.

According to the Minister, Our overall goal is to ensure that as our brothers and sisters’ sojourn abroad, they also have a decent shelter over here in Nigeria to call their home”

The Minister expressed excitement about the upcoming International Global Investment Summit to be held in Abuja in October, noting that the event presents a unique opportunity to showcase the potential of the Country and attract foreign direct investment in various sectors, including housing and urban development. 

On their part, the leader of the AFRIDU delegation Dr. Abraham Onwubuya on behalf of members of the Union appealed for a chance to partner with the Ministry in terms of investment in real estate, and also
requested the Ministry’s assistance in providing them with lands to develop smart homes and cities across the country, for the Africans descendants in diaspora.
According to him, “this will be beneficial to Nigeria as a Nation”.

Dr. Onwubuya further utilized the opportunity to invite the Honourable Minister for  the International gathering of the African descendants in diaspora slated to hold between the 3rd - 7th of October 2024, and particularly the Global Economic Investment Summit on the 5th of October, 2024.

Mar

15

2024

Housing Minister Charges REDAN for Commitment, Professionalism

..... Sets Agenda for the new leadership 

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged the new leadership of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria  (REDAN) to be committed to professionalism and make a difference in the delivery of Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed in providing affordable housing for Nigerians

Dangiwa stated that the realization of the Presidential vision can only be possible through active involvement and collaboration  of Association like REDAN

The Minister gave the charge when he received the new leadership of REDAN led by it's President, Akintoye Adeoye on a visit to his office. 

REDAN serves as the principal agency and umbrella body of the organized real estate sector developers involving both public and private sector in the housing dekivery in Nigeria 

He explained that the association play an impactful role in shaping the future of Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria, adding that the ministry aims at transforming the landscape of housing in Nigeria by driving historic housing reforms and increases access to affordable housing for Nigerians 

Accordingly,  he urged the association to ensure rigorous adherence to its code of conduct, continuous professional development for its members, and also transparent mechanism for accountability.

The Minister noted that moving the housing sector forward does not only require new policies, reforms, or investments but also integrity, reliability, and ethical conduct of those who are at the forefront of bringing the visions of the sector to life;

”It is only when our developers adhere strictly to ethical business practices, quality standards, and regulatory compliances, that we can assure the populace of the safety, durability, and affordability of their homes. This commitment to professionalism must be evident in every aspect of your  operations, from the planning stages to the delivery of each housing unit” he stated 

Arc. Dangiwa also advised the Association to prioritize professionalism, dialogue, innovation, transparency, and accountability in their engagements with its members and external stakeholders.

The minister also admitted that a partnership with stakeholders like REDAN would help the Ministry to achieve its aim of transforming the landscape of housing in Nigeria by driving historic housing reforms and increasing access to affordable housing for all Nigerians across all income brackets under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

He said “By working together, we can explore innovative approaches to tackling the challenges to housing development and mobilize the much-needed resources to address the housing needs of our growing population”.

Arc Dangiwa expressed confidence in the capacity of the new President, Adeoye to drive innovative change in the face of the myriad of issues presently facing the real estate sector.

“I have no doubt that under your stewardship, REDAN will play a more impactful role in shaping the future of housing and urban development in Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, the president REDAN, Akintoye Adeoye expressed satisfaction on what the ministry has achieved so far in the housing sector and commended the minister for being a front burner of Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that, Redan as a group would engage, collaborate and partner with the ministry to better the housing sector, and ensure regulation that will bring sanity in the sector thst can stand the test of time. 

Adeoye used the occasion to invite the Minister to the REDAN Investiture ceremony scheduled to take place on 23rd May, 2024 to adopt the Renewed Hope Agenda into their program.
 

Mar

13

2024

Builders' Day: Housing Ministry, NIOB Partners to End Building Collapse

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) have assured that the two parties would work closely to put an end to the menace of building collapse in the country.

The Housing Minister,  Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, gave this strong assurance when he received the leadership of the NIOB, led by its National President, Bldr. (Sir) Alderton Ewa Ewa on a visit to his office.

 "The Ministry is ready to stop the menace of building collapse across the country. The presence of the Institute is a proof of the importance of collaboration between the government and the builders in the pursuit of a sustainable development for the government," he said.

He also stated that the stakeholders engagement is a vital ingredient in the policies that the government needs to drive in the housing and urban development, saying that it is in line with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Accordingly, the minister took note of all the concerns tabled before him by NIOB and was assured of immediate action that would improve the building sector and enhance the quality of housing, especially in the urban areas.

Dangiwa stated, " As the Institute is set to mark the annual Builders Day on the 13th March, the pressing issue is to tackle building collapse in the country. It's an embarrassment to the country where there are professionals such as architects, engineers, planners and surveyors; the building collapse is avoidable."
He explained that the solution to challenging the issue of building collapse is to avoid the use of substandard materials, ensure proper supervision, and also certified approvals.

Speaking earlier, the President of the NIOB, Bldr, Alderton Ewa Ewa expressed the Institute's unwavering commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in achieving it's vision and collaborate towards achieving shared goals.

He highlighted some of the key areas for collective action, like: Successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate, High cost of building materials, Land Availability, Accessible financing and others.

The President also told the minister that the Builders' Day 2024 event on the 13th of March is an advocacy against building collapse, creating awareness on the need for stakeholders on building projects to adhere strictly to standards, codes of practice, and building regulations.

The high point of the visit was the decoration of the Honourable Minister as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building 

The NIOB, is a professional body for builders and those who are about to be engaged in the building profession.

Mar

11

2024

Borno, Nasarawa Governors Commit to Providing Land to Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme

…Housing Minister reiterates commitment to Leveraging Public Private Partnerships to Tackle Housing Deficit

Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule and his Borno counterpart, Prof. Babagana Zulum have moved to make land available in their respective states for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme of the Federal Government. This is in a bid to ensure their citizens become early beneficiaries of the affordable housing programme.

They gave the assurance to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa during the commissioning of the first phase and flag-off of the second phase of the Nasarawa Technology Village in Karu Local Government Area of the state on Monday 11th March 2024.

Delivering his address, Governor Sule commended the effort of the Federal Government in the housing sector through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, noting that initial actions show signs of good things to come in the sector. “What we are doing here today is in line with the vision of Mr. President for the housing sector. Making homes accessible to our people is a priority of the Nasarawa State Government, just as it is a focus of the Federal Government.

“I heard my dear brother, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development talk about the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project during his speech. Let me assure you that we already have land waiting for you here in Nasarawa state. We are ready to become one of the pilot states for the project because we know how important housing is to the welfare of our people and the economic development of our dear state, and the country at large,” he said.

He added that the Technology Village, which is expected to have around 1,962 housing units, is a combination of affordable shelter and a technology hub, in the form of Silicon Valley in the USA with offices for local and international IT companies, training facilities for over 2,000 students annually as software engineers, and a framework to connect them to global ICT jobs, so as to bring about sustainable development in the State.

On his part, the Borno State Governor, noted that the state government had already concluded on the issue of land for the Renewed Hope housing project in Borno state, stating that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has earmarked Borno as one of the states to be captured in the first phase of the programme.

“The Nasarawa state Governor said he wants to beat me to it by allocating land for the Renewed Hope project, not knowing that he’s already late to the party. The issue of land for the Federal Ministry of Housing to build the Renewed Hope project in Borno state is a done deal. You can ask the Honourable Minister, that matter has been concluded already. It is an exciting project and we are so happy we have keyed in as a state.

“The importance of shelter cannot be overemphasized. It is a very important need and if we can secure decent shelter for our people, we would’ve solved a major part of all their challenges. This is why I congratulate my brother, the Nasarawa state Governor for this project because I know it will be of immense benefit to the people of the state,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Arc. Dangiwa underscored the importance of providing access to quality and decent housing as a prerequisite to dignified living and productivity. He commended the initiative of the Nasarawa state government in leveraging Public Private Partnerships for housing delivery, noting that it is the way to go.

“At the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, PPPs are also our focus as we work hard at delivering our Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, officially launched in February with the groundbreaking ceremony for a 3,112-housing unit in Karsana.

“The 3,112 Karsana Renewed Hope City is part of a 100,000-housing unit project to be delivered nationwide under a Public Private Partnership with a consortium of reputable developers. Under this arrangement, developers are to source for construction financing while the Ministry creates an enabling environment and provides bankable off taker guarantees. 20,000 housing units are billed to be built in the FCT. I am happy to say that we plan to build a substantial number of these units in Nasarawa State. 

A notable project is to be sited in Gbagadalape at the boundary between Nasarawa State and the FCT (near Abacha Barracks). We have engaged the Hon. Minister of the FCT to help open the access road there to enable us to begin work. These expansions and siting of cities on the outskirts of the FCT will help decongest the city center, lessen pressure on infrastructure and create jobs in the FCT and Nasarawa State,” he said.

Mar

07

2024

Housing Ministry, APDC to Partner on Renewed Hope Cities, Sales of Houses 

 ... Dangiwa urges APDC to explore the idea of raising funds through the capital to provide houses for different classes of citizens

Housing and Urban Development Minister,  Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has told the management of Abuja Property Development Company (APDC) of the readiness of his Ministry to partner with the Company to enable them key in to the ministry's Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project across the nation.

Dangiwa made this known when he received in audience the delegation from the Abuja Property Development Company, (APDC), led by its Acting Managing Director,  Akeem Aderogba." The delivery plan of Renewed Hope Cities and Estates is hinged on PPP. I urged you to engage with the PPP department of the Ministry in order to key in to the programme" he stated.

The minister also underscored the significance of knowledge sharing with APDC in the sell of the ministry's bulk of houses, saying that APDC has a success story for the ministry to learn from.
" I like to know your experiences in selling these house and your assessments over demands of the types of houses in FCT " he stated.

Accordingly,  the minister added that leveraging on the experiences of APDC has become necessary and imperative because this is the first time the housing ministry is going into the huge volume of housing units for sale, noting that, APDC has a robust marketing department through which houses constructed by the company are comfortably sold  to the public.

Commending APDC on the strong and effective management of their facilities accross the country, the  Minister noted that, APDC Homes are properly managed, requesting the company to avail his staff of the knowledge on facility management and how to improve on it.

On renew hope estates and cities, the Minister explained, that the estates part of programme are planned  specifically for low and middle income earners most of whom are of the organised labour and unions. He added that  the types of houses constructed in the estates are one to three bedrooms bungalows and are sited in the six geo-political zones of the country.

Explainibg further, the Minister said that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates is aimed to avert social inequality, providing a broad range of affordable ownership for both cities and estates, adding that, the option of getting the houses would  include single digit loan and mortgage facility  provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, as long as interested buyers are contributors of National Housing Fund, NHF.

He also mentioned other options of purchase open to Nigerians to include the Rent-to-Own, Outright and Installment purchases, apart from the mortgage facility.

Meanwhile, the Minister has advised Abuja Property Development Company to explore the idea of raising funds through the capital market in order to provide houses for different classes of citizens in Nigeria.

" With adequate capital, the property company could provide houses for low and middle income earners as well as the high income earners" he stated.

To effectively, accommodate the low, middle and high income earners, the Minister advised the management of the APDC to reduce the specification for structures meant for low income earners and increase that of high end earners, suggesting they could be sold with 10% interest for low end earners and 20% for high end earners.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Managing Director APDC,  Akeem Aderogba, said there were in the ministry to inform the minister of their request to key into the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme.

To convince the Ministry of their capability to key into the programme, Aderogba noted that APDC is a property development company who has grown from developing one estate in Gadi district, Abuja to four homes which are currently simultaneously developed and has never had a court case due to inability to deliver their mandate to Nigerians, pledging not to disppoint the Minister if request is granted.

Aderogbas listed the APDC Homes namely; APDC Capital Homes in Kaba, Gadi district, APDC Homes in Karsana, APDC Homes, Dongwari, Life Camp and APDC Homes in Millennium City, Kaduna, Kaduna state.

Mar

07

2024

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.

Feb

22

2024

REMARKS BY THE HON. MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA AT A MEETING WITH THE NEW MANAGEMENT TEAMS OF THE FEDERAL MORTGAGE BANK OF NIGERIA (FMBN) AND THE FEDERAL HOUSING AUTHORITY (FHA) ON MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2024

Protocols

1.    It is my pleasure to welcome on board what I call The Renewed Hope Executive Management Teams of Nigeria’s two premier federal housing agencies – The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
2.    These appointments, by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on Thursday, 15th February 2024 mark the beginning of a renewed hope era at these two agencies.
3.    So, before we proceed, let us take the National Pledge to mark the seriousness of the moment.
4.    Like I said earlier, this is the renewed hope era for housing and urban development. All of you who have been honored and privileged to lead these institutions must align with the vision. In doing your work you must put Nigeria first. You must make Nigerians the center of the work that you do. And you must ensure that we deliver results.
5.    You must thank Mr. President for giving you this national assignment. He has carefully selected you based on your pedigree, experience, and capacity to contribute towards the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda for housing and urban development.
6.    So, you must see your appointments first, as a privilege to be chosen out of millions of Nigerians, second as a call to serve the country at a very trying time, and third as an opportunity to be part of the historic transformation of the sector under the leadership of Mr. President.
7.    You have a responsibility to approach your work as Managing Directors and Executive Directors with the urgency that is required. The inefficiencies of the past decades have compounded the problems that we face in the housing industry today. As you all know, to have a strong a strong economy, better life, the housing sector must work to create jobs, contribute to GDP and boost health and productivity.
8.    His Excellency understands the importance of housing, its catalytic role to national development and economic growth. That is why he made the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development a standalone Ministry and is moving with speed to reform the housing sector.
9.    The two institutions that you now lead are Nigeria’s oldest federal government-owned housing delivery agencies. These institutions are not in good form. You are coming on board as doctors who would help to fix them, so that they can be strong, and have the capacity to meet the need of Nigerians for housing so Mr. President can deliver on his promise.
10.    I will start with the Federal Housing Authority which was set up in 1973. I remember that we marked the 50th year anniversary last year. I used the word “marked” deliberately because after 50-years, there was not much to celebrate.
11.    Like I said at the event, it is important for us to confront the truth of FHA’s history to learn the lessons from there. I therefore expect the new FHA Management to be mindful of this. It is only on this basis that we can begin the process of building a new FHA that delivers on its mandate.
12.    As you may recall, in 1973, FHA was created with the mandate to provide housing to low- and medium-income earners nationwide. These functions were further expanded under the 2012 National Housing Policy to include the following key provisions.
1.    To develop and manage real estate on a commercial basis in all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
2.    To provide sites and services for all income groups.
3.    To execute housing programmes in the public interest as may be approved by the Federal Government and
4.    To mobilize offshore funding for housing development.
13.    Pursuant to the re-defined roles, the National Council on Privatization in May 2013, approved FHA’s commercialization. The aim was to reduce the magnitude and scope of financial support of the Federal Government and allow the Authority to adapt to changing business requirements. At this time FHA had only managed to deliver 37,000 houses in its 40 years of existence.
14.    Ten years after commercialization, records show that FHA has only delivered a cumulative of just over 50,000 housing units. That shows an average of 1,000 houses per year in 50 years. This is clearly not a good result, especially from Nigeria’s foremost housing agency that has so many institutional advantages that it can leverage to deliver more results. This includes free access to land from the federal government in all layouts and new districts, relationships with other government entities like the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and strategic positioning to engage in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) with reputable developers given its name recognition as a government agency.  
15.    PPPs that the FHA has entered over the years have delivered little or no value to the country.  We have a serious housing crisis and current efforts; speed of delivery and strategies must be increased to meet the challenge. The new FHA Management must ensure that it sets a different and progressive tone for the agency under the renewed hope era. I expect you to provide leadership that is visionary, can innovate, think outside the box, while tackling problems. I want to see a reformed, more efficient, and capable Federal Housing Authority (FHA) that would have the financial strength to deliver more on its mandate.
16.    As you may be aware, FHA is the one agency that has the license to play in all income segments, so the Ministry expects the FHA to make judicious use of this advantage in the broad strategy of the government to deliver housing to Nigerians. I want to see the FHA go to the capital market, issue bonds, and raise funding to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, payback the loans, and declare profit. In the next fifty years, we expect that FHA would be celebrating millions of homes built and successfully delivered to Nigerians.
17.    As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am ready to provide the necessary leadership that is required to move FHA forward. This includes granting the necessary Ministerial support for FHA to access funding from international development finance institutions such as Shelter Afrique. The Shelter Afrique Development Bank Board and Management Team are currently on a working mission to Nigeria. I have asked them to meet with both FHA and FMBN later today to map out points of partnerships.
18.    The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is also critical to the actualization of the Renewed Hope Vision for Housing. Its own case holds personal significance to me. I remember years ago; I was here at the Ministry after my appointment as MD/CE of FMBN to report to my predecessor. Then I was on the other side. Today I am on this side. That is the way of God, and I am thankful to Mr. President for the opportunity and the promotion. This is the first time someone moved from being MD of FMBN to Minister of Housing.
19.    Like I said at the 2024 Annual Management Retreat recently, this is another God given opportunity to take FMBN to the next level. My charge to the new Management Team is the same as the one I gave the outgone Management; you will be seeing a lot of pressure from me. This is because I expect you to do ten times better than I did.
20.    What this means is that FMBN must transform. FMBN must innovate. And FMBN must lead a new era of massive housing development and delivery even in these difficult times of high construction costs and lower incomes. This requires a radically new mindset, thinking out of the box and identifying the opportunities that these challenges present.
21.    For me FMBN faces several fundamental challenges that must be dealt with, and we have already set the ball rolling with the inauguration of the Housing Institutions’ Reform Task Teams under the Chairman of Adesemoye with representatives from the Bank.
22.    As you are all aware the task of the Tast Team is to develop a robust framework for ensuring that housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry are optimized to deliver effectively on the Renewed Hope Vision for the provision of quality, decent and affordable homes to Nigerians.
23.    This includes a thorough review and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments of relevant housing industry laws including the National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Establishment Act, 1993. A lot of work has already been done in this regard, having achieved successful passage of the amendments to the two Bills during my stewardship as MD/CE of the Bank by the two chambers of the National Assembly while Presidential assent was declined.  
24.    The Housing Institution Reform Task Team comprises housing industry experts, stakeholders, agency representatives, professional bodies, and academia. The reforms and legislative amendments that the Reform Team will carry out in collaboration with stakeholders and the National Assembly will be the most comprehensive set ever done in the history of Housing and Urban Development in Nigeria.
25.    FMBN is also a key part of the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team which we inaugurated. The aim is to ensure that all housing agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development work collaboratively towards optimizing their strengths to deliver decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.
26.    I expect strong participation of the FMBN in this Team as it is expected to outline frameworks for synergy between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) and propose processes to eliminate bottlenecks in housing development to increase the national housing stock, amongst others.
27.    But it is important to say that while these teams are working and we expect them to come up with blueprints in the next few weeks ahead, I expect the new Management to hit the ground running, giving each day in the office to the transformation process. This applies to FHA too. FMBN must work to improve customer service delivery and to do this requires the completion and full operationalization of the Core Banking Application.
28.    I am also committed to the N500billion Recapitalization of the Bank. Its been in the pipeline for too long. Now is the time to get it done.
29.    FMBN should also make greater effort towards reducing its non-performing loan portfolio and the clearance of backlog of its audited accounts. A major step to take in this regard to ensure efficient processing and approval of corresponding NHF loans for all completed projects to ensure effective offtake and inter-account settlement to clean up the Bank’s books.
30.    I also expect to see measurable progress in the implementation of the revised 5-Year Strategic Plan.
31.    Now to FMBN Statistics: Between 1992 and December 2023, FMBN had only delivered a meager 38,756 houses. This means over a 31-year time frame, FMBN was doing a yearly average of 1,250, just slightly better than FHA. The bank also disbursed a total of N426bn in mortgage loans and created about 24,629 mortgage loans.
32.    As it is with FHA, so it is with FMBN. What has been done is little compared to the size of the problem that we face.
33.    In fact, I am proud to say that the only bright spot in FMBN’s 31-year history based on facts and statistics that can be checked is my five-year term between 2017 to 2022 where I was able to post results that exceeded all that was achieved over the 25 preceding years of the Bank.
34.    And that is why the reform of the housing sector and that of federal housing agencies was made a key part of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
35.    So, I want you all to know that these appointments didn’t just happen out of the blue. They are part of a carefully planned Strategic Broad Renewed Hope Roadmap towards the actualization of Mr. President’s vision for the housing sector.
36.    Earlier I called you Renewed Hope Executive Management Teams of Federal Housing Agencies for three key reasons.
•    Nigerians have given Mr. President a mandate to provide decent and affordable housing to them and to fix urban development challenges.
•    Mr. President has given me that job to deliver using the FMBN and FHA as institutional tools.
•    You are the focal persons at these agencies tasked with making sure that Mr President's promise of increased housing to Nigerians is fulfilled.
37.    So, today, I am not telling you “Congratulations”.
38.    Your appointment is a privilege, and not an invitation to make merry and enrich yourselves.
39.    I have my deliverables and you are to fashion out ways to deliver on them. If you work hard and deliver, you will stay. If you don’t work hard and fail to deliver, you will leave before your term. I believe that is a strong message that Mr President has already passed across to all appointees. Don’t look at the 5-year term, look at your ability to meet the targets for every review session. Because when it comes to review and KPIs – I won't be looking at your faces. What we want is action, progress, improved customer service delivery and more Nigerians owning homes.
40.    16. Both the FMBN and FHA Management Teams must see this as a new beginning for real progress. This must reflect in the quantum of houses delivered and fully occupied by Nigerians.
41.    17. For the FMBN, we expect that you meet and exceed the targets in your Action Plan.
42.    The delivery of at least 5,000 new homes annually; with a significant portion of this through the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
43.    Disbursement of mortgage loans to at least 20,000 Nigerians annually, and this will mean quicker turnaround time and a more efficient customer service.
44.    Increased National Housing Fund (NHF) collection by expanding the subscription net for more Nigerians. You can achieve this by making it easier to accommodate more private sector players in the scheme.
45.    Speedy rollout of the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme to facilitate an increase in NHF collection and the provision of more houses to Nigerians.
46.    Up-to-date audited accounts and corporate stability to facilitate fruitful cooperation with financing institutions like Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
47.    For the FHA, I expect to see more flexibility and innovation in its operations rather than the usual, conventional, docile way of doing things.
48.    The ministry expects the FHA to make judicious use of its license to operate across all income segments in the broad strategy of the government to deliver housing to Nigerians.
49.    We expect to see the FHA get more funding from the capital market by issuing bonds to deliver mass housing projects across the country, market them, pay back the loans, and declare profit.
50.    We expect to see the FHA delivering a minimum of 5,000 houses annually to Nigerians.
51.    The FHA should also take advantage of its status as an agency without budgetary allocations to be inventive, partner with credible investors and local and international financing partners to deliver more houses to Nigerians.
52.    We will keep track as a Ministry and monitor your progress on a year-to-year basis. Like I said earlier, your KPIs are the only things that matter because we have a responsibility to Nigerians, and we cannot afford to fail.
53.    On our part, we will continue to work to strengthen your capacities and break down the limitations that hamper your performance.
54.    Let me, once again, reiterate the seriousness of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure the full implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development. We can already see that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is one of the signpost projects of his administration. He will not tolerate failure or mediocrity, and neither will I.
55.    24. I will be the first to acknowledge that you now carry a huge responsibility on your shoulders; one that is time-bound and measurable. I expect that you see this not just as an opportunity to write your name in the annals of history, but also to be a part of the team that looked the challenges to housing delivery in the face and overcame them with innovation, strong commitment, transparency, and a great sense of responsibility and urgency.
56.    This is because you have been called, selected, and appointed to serve Nigeria our country in those roles.
Thank you.

Feb

20

2024

FG Expresses Strong Displeasure at Cement Manufacturers, Says They Can Do More Despite Economic Headwinds

.....We Are Government, we have Options, says Minister of State

.....Sets up a Technical Committee to Review & Establish Validity of Cement Manufacturers’ Concern

.....To Present Valid Concerns to FEC for Consideration

The Federal Government has said cement manufacturers are not doing enough to stem the rising cost of cement in the country, stating that it will not accept a situation where the price of essential building materials like cement continue to rise uncontrollably. This was relayed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa when he summoned cement manufacturers to a meeting at the Ministry headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday 20th February 2024.

Arc. Dangiwa expressed displeasure over the steady, recurring, and alarming increase in the prices of cement and other building materials and accused the manufacturers of hiding behind unstable FOREX to inflict hardship on Nigerians. He described the situation as unacceptable and inimical to the country's growth, saying that the government cannot accept such illicit price hikes.

Dangiwa noted that the incessant hike has overtaken the country in the past few months, which has seen the price rise by over 100%, from N5,500 a few months ago to more than N10,000 today.

“This represents a 100 percent rise. And it is not only cement; we have also seen near-record high escalations in the prices of other building materials such as iron rods and other fittings. I recall that late last year, BUA Cement announced a commendable reduction in the price of cement from N5,500 to N3,500 per bag. I applauded the gesture, and several other stakeholders did too. But today, the reality is that of escalating cement prices. This is a crisis for housing delivery.

"An increase in essential building materials means an increase in the prices of houses. An increase in the cost of building houses means more and more Nigerians can no longer afford to own houses and provide decent shelter for themselves and their loved ones”, he noted.

Arc. Dangiwa charged the manufacturers to be honest in their dealings and desist from making life difficult for Nigerians. "We know that some of the key components of producing building materials, especially cement, are locally sourced, so the recurring disproportionate increase in the price of cement is unacceptable and unreasonable. Key input materials such as limestone, clay, silica sand, and gypsum within our borders should not be dollar-rated.

"You cannot continue to give excuses and blame it on the dollar all the time. The worst part is that other building materials manufacturers take a cue from cement manufacturers, and once they see that you increase your price, they do the same. Recently, this is happening almost every week, and it has to stop”, he said.

He noted that rather than make Nigerians bear the brunt in their quest to make a profit in the face of slight macroeconomic headwinds, cement manufacturers need to be innovative and come up with a roadmap as part of the committee that has been set up to tackle the challenges for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking further, he said the unfortunate situation poses a threat to housing delivery which is the main focus of the Ministry, and a priority of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. “For example, if we were planning to build a one-bedroom apartment for about N8 million, it will now cost twice that much, about N16 million to build. If a Nigerian could afford to own a home of N8 million, it would now be impossible to do so. We are also aware of several persons who have had to suspend construction work because of this development”, he said.

He added that the Ministry is alarmed by the current situation, especially considering the projects the Ministry has embarked on to provide affordable and social housing delivery to low- and medium-income earners and vulnerable members of society. “We have already awarded contracts for Renewed Hope Cities and Estates in 15 states of the Federation. There is also the PULAKU Initiative through which we intend to build at least 1,000 houses in seven (7) states affected by banditry. We are worried that the rising cost of cement and other building materials in the country will affect these plans”, he said.

He further directed the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, to get the committee working quickly and come up with recommendations based on the issues raised by manufacturers, so that they can be taken to the Federal Executive Council.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, called on the manufacturers to make some sacrifices in their operations, understanding that they have a corporate social responsibility to stand by Nigeria in difficult times. “This is not the time to focus too much on profit, but on our collective responsibility to the people of Nigeria.

“Cement manufacturers must realize that, as government, we have options, but we would not want it to get to the point where we have to use those options because it may not be good for local producers. That is not to say we do not have options. As the Minister said, the Federal Government placed a ban on cement importation in a bid to empower you to flourish, but that cannot happen at the detriment of Nigerians", he said.

In the meeting were the Group Chief Commercial Officer for Dangote Industries Limited, Rabiu Umar; Commercial Director for Lafarge Cement PLC, Gbenga Onimowo; and Secretary of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN), James Salako, among other top officials of the represented cement companies.