Construction Artisans Are Builders of Nigeria’s Future – Dangiwa   The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s skilled construction workforce, describing artisans as critical drivers of housing delivery, economic growth, and national development.   Speaking at the 6th Construction Artisans Awards (CAA 2026) in Abuja, the Minister said the event celebrates the skilled men and women “whose hands literally build Nigeria,” while promoting professionalism, certification, and pride in technical craftsmanship.   He noted that the two-day programme, which featured screening, practical assessments, competitions, and upskilling workshops, demonstrated discipline, innovation, and professionalism among participants.   According to the Minister, the initiative has evolved into a national platform that raises standards in the construction sector by integrating competency assessments, certification pathways, and skills development.   Dangiwa explained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, housing is being repositioned not merely as a social service but as a powerful economic engine capable of creating jobs, stimulating supply chains, and expanding opportunities across the economy.   He, however, expressed concern over Nigeria’s shortage of certified construction artisans, noting that the quality of buildings reflects the quality of skills available.   “The construction sector remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers. Every housing unit built creates work for masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, welders, tilers, painters and many others. But we must move from labour to skilled labour,” he stated.   The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP), which aims to train artisans, support certification to national competency standards, and connect them to employment opportunities through a digital marketplace and national database.   “This ensures that training leads to work, certification builds credibility, and skills translate into income. NASAP is not just training — it is economic empowerment,” he said.   He commended Family Homes Funds Limited for leveraging development partnerships to train construction artisans nationwide, linking skills training directly to housing delivery and improving quality and livelihoods.   Dangiwa also acknowledged ongoing Technical and Vocatio nal Education and Training (TVET) reforms by the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education, stressing that a strong TVET system is essential for producing the skilled workforce required for modern construction.   He emphasised that delivering housing at scale requires strengthening skills development, certification systems, construction finance, local building materials production, and adoption of modern building technologies.   “The Construction Artisans Awards elevate the dignity of skilled work, inspire young Nigerians to pursue technical careers, and strengthen the workforce pipeline Nigeria urgently needs,” he said.   The Minister concluded by recognising artisans as builders of communities and livelihoods, stressing that Nigeria must be known not only for the number of homes it builds but also for the quality of craftsmanship behind them. ...

Housing Ministry Holds Seminar on Data Protection Act Compliance for Directors   * Ministry committed to Stronger Data Accountability Culture - Belgore    In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA 2023), an awareness Seminar on Annual Data Protection and Compliance Audit was organized for the Directors of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.    The NDPA 2023 represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s digital governance framework. It establishes clear obligations for all public and private institutions to safeguard personal data, promote accountability, and strengthen trust in the digital ecosystem.    In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore,  urged staff of the Ministry to imbibe a strong culture of data accountability in order to build and sustain public trust by safeguarding information entrusted to them.   While reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to full compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, he described data protection as both a legal and moral obligation, emphasing that as a Ministry responsible for delivering housing solutions and driving urban development nationwide, it manages a significant volume of sensitive information that must be handled with utmost responsibility.   He noted that the seminar underscores the fact that data protection goes beyond regulatory compliance to fostering a culture of accountability, discipline, and professionalism in the collection, processing, storage, and sharing of data, explaining that even a single lapse in data management could have serious consequences for the institution and the citizens it serves.   Dr Belgore further stated that the Ministry serves as custodian of critical data, including records of applicants under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, staff records, land documentation, contractors’ data, and financial information,  assuring of the Ministry’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of data governance and maintaining public trust.   “In today’s digital environment, data is not merely an operational asset but a matter of public trust. With the enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the increasing digitization of our processes, data protection is no longer optional. Every citizen who submits information to this Ministry expects it to be safeguarded against misuse, unauthorized access, and breaches,” he stated.   Accordingly. Belgore added that data protection is not the responsibility of the ICT Department alone, but of every officer, director, and staff member who interacts with information in any form, describing  the seminar as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism, and compliance culture within the Ministry.   He highlighted ongoing digital initiatives within the Ministry, including the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) System, the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, and the soon-to-be-launched Consolidated Land Registry Management System (CLRMS), stressing that these advancements make it imperative for all staff to understand and uphold data protection principles.   The Permanent Secretary urged participants to engage actively, ask questions, and reflect on how data protection principles apply to their daily responsibilities.   Speaking earlier, the Head of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, Dr. Marcus Amionoleme, stated that data protection is essential to safeguarding the dignity, privacy, and trust of Nigerians served by the Ministry. He stressed that as custodians of the Ministry’s ICT systems, the Department must ensure that every unit aligns with established data protection standards.   Dr. Amionoleme explained that the seminar was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the requirements of the NDPA 2023, highlight the importance of the annual compliance audit as a tool for transparency and institutional integrity, and equip staff with practical strategies to embed a sustainable data protection culture across the Ministry’s operations. ...

Housing Ministry, National Assembly Advocate Robust Funding for Housing Sector    The National Assembly has called for increased and sustained funding for the housing sector, recognising its critical role in economic growth, job creation, and national development.   This position was expressed during the 2026 budget defence of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees.    The Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development is chaired by Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, is chaired by Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin.   During the session with the Senate Committee, Chairman Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to supporting policies and funding mechanisms that will strengthen housing delivery nationwide.   “Housing delivery remains central to national development, and the Senate will continue to support initiatives that expand access to affordable homes and strengthen urban infrastructure,” he stated.   He urged the Ministry to sustain close engagement with the Committee to ensure effective implementation of programmes and optimal utilisation of appropriated funds.   At the session with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, Chairman Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin emphasised the strategic importance of housing to Nigeria’s economy and national development. “Housing must be prioritised on the government’s agenda because of its multi-dimensional impact on the economy. The sector creates jobs for various skilled workers and stimulates activity across multiple value chains,” he stated.   Hon. Jibrin further disclosed that his consultations with relevant government funding institutions indicate a shared understanding that the housing sector remains underfunded and requires increased investment to strengthen delivery capacity and maximise its economic impact.   He assured the Committee’s readiness to support initiatives that will expand affordable housing supply and improve living conditions for Nigerians.   Earlier, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, led the Ministry’s management team — alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ata; the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore; and Directors of the Ministry — to present the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposals.   The Minister explained that the Ministry’s priorities in the 2026 budget are designed to consolidate ongoing projects, sustain momentum, and ensure continuity in housing delivery and urban infrastructure development nationwide.    Key 2026 Budget Priorities of the Housing Ministry;    * Renewed Hope Housing Programme — delivery of 4,000 housing units across 15 state capitals nationwide (Osun, Oyo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto, Gombe, Kano and Yobe).   * Completion of National Housing Programme (NHP) projects in over 20 states and the FCT.   * Construction of an additional office block at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.   * Completion of ongoing Federal Secretariats in Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Zamfara and Osun States.   * Completion of additional Federal Secretariats in Abia, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kogi and Taraba States.   * Major rehabilitation and restoration of 28 existing Federal Secretariats nationwide.   * Upgrading, completion and operationalisation of Building Crafts Training Schools in Yaba (Lagos State) and Ikeduru (Imo State).  Funding Support and Strategic Interventions  The Minister also requested special funding interventions to address outstanding liabilities and critical national commitments, including:   •    MDGs/SDGs projects   •    Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP)   •    Special Projects Unit (SPU) mandates   •    Outstanding urban renewal and slum upgrading obligations   •    Physical development planning projects   Additional funding needs include:   •    Provision of on-site infrastructure (roads, drainage, culverts, and utilities) to support PPP housing developments nationwide;   •    Expansion of the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme across the 36 states and the FCT.   The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to expand affordable housing supply, strengthen urban infrastructure, and support inclusive economic growth. ...