Ministry to Partner IOD Centre for Corporate Governance on Staff Training and Capacity Building   The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is set to enter into collaboration with the Institute of Directors’ Centre for Corporate Governance to provide training and capacity building for its staff. The move is intended to optimise the processes of both the Ministry and its agencies and bolster their outlook by entrenching professionalism and enhancing their corporate governance.   This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa during a courtesy visit by the institute to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa at his office in the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The Minister underscored the important role the institute plays in enhancing professionalism in the workplace, promoting good governance practices, and boosting performance across sectors.   “We would leverage your capacities and resources to boost professionalism and effective leadership at all levels within the Ministry and Agencies towards powering our Action Plan for Housing and Urban Development. We hope that we can do this through periodic retreats, seminars, brainstorming sessions to empower our professionals with the right leadership techniques.   “In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we intend to build a Ministry of Housing and Urban Development that embraces the performance-driven culture of the private sector so that we can more effectively deliver homes and livable communities for Nigerians,” he said.   Dangiwa noted that the most important resource in any establishment is the human resource, and all personnel must be empowered with the requisite skillsets, mentality, and attitude to bring about positive change and transformation. He added that the IoD is a trusted resource that has been instrumental in boosting efficiency for optimal performance across organisations in Nigeria.   “The ideals that the Center promotes align seamlessly with the fundamental principles that underpin effective and responsible leadership. This includes Integrity, Meritocracy, Professionalism, Accountability and Probity, Customer Centricity and Teamwork. I recall that as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) IoD was a strong partner and insightful resource during the series of Board/Management Retreats and Capacity Building/Training programs that we carried out.   “During these sessions we sought to build a new culture of high performance that delivers results even while confronting systemic and institutional bottlenecks. I believe that the robust contributions and input from IoD helped to bring clarity to our initiatives and increase staff capacity. All these resulted in the historic performance that I was able to lead the Management to record within our five years at the Bank. I am proud to say that what we achieved in five years at FMBN was far more than what previous managements had achieved in 25 years before we came on board,” he said.   On his part, leader of the delegation and Chairman, Board of Governors of the Institute, Urum Eke noted that the purpose of the visit was to offer useful tools to the Ministry and seek the Minister’s intervention in ensuring that agencies such as the FMBN and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) take advantage of their expertise to position themselves for growth.   “It is clear to us that, with respect to housing and urban development, government does not have the wherewithal to do the massive work that is needed. What that means is that you’ll certainly be doing more of Public-Private Partnerships. However, no private sector partner will put his money in a parastatal, agency or company where there is no strong corporate governance; that is clear. Corporate governance is at the root of corporate performance, so we want to urge you to prevail on the agencies under the Ministry to take advantage of what we offer” he said. ...

Dangiwa Reiterates Commitment to Fiscal Responsibility, Judicious Use of Resources in Housing Delivery   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has reiterated his commitment to ensuring strict adherence to fiscal responsibility in the operations of the ministry and its agencies, noting that development in the housing and urban sector is largely dependent on judicious use of resources in the conceptualisation, development, and implementation of affordable housing and urban development plans.   Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) at the Ministry's headquarters in Abuja, Tuesday 28th November 2023, Arc. Dangiwa said the Ministry has a fundamental obligation to manage public funds responsibly and ensure that Nigerians get value for money expended by the Ministry and its agencies.   "As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I clearly understand the important role that fiscal responsibility should play in guiding the management of the Ministry’s affairs. For me, fiscal responsibility is not just merely a concept; it is a cornerstone that should shape our decisions, policies, and strategies, ensuring the judicious management of the Ministry’s resources so that we can give Nigerians value for money as we conceive, develop, and implement our affordable housing and urban development plans," he said.   The Minister further noted that he understands the weight of public trust and will do all in his power to ensure the activities of the ministry are carried out in a transparent and accountable manner. "Every decision that we make, every resource that we allocate, carries the weight of public trust and expectation. Therefore, instilling fiscal responsibility is indeed an ethical imperative and a commitment to transparent and accountable governance," he added.   He thanked the FRC for its efforts over the years and assured them of the support of the ministry to engender fiscal responsibility and reporting within its agencies, while pledging to help the commission make a case for the review of its establishment law to ensure proper compliance by public offices.   Earlier in his remarks, the commission's Chairman, Barr. Victor Muruako noted that the Minister has always been an advocate of fiscal responsibility right from his days as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). He sought the Minister's intervention in ensuring agencies under the Ministry adhere to annual financial reporting to the commission.   He further expressed confidence in the Minister's ability to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development. "As MD of the FMBN, he achieved about N270 billion in additional NHF contributions. We are also aware of the N40 billion FMBN Cities' Project which he started in his time. As Minister, I have no doubt in his experience, abilities, and commitment to developing the sector. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real, and very soon Nigerians will begin to see the results," he said. ...

We Will Implement Historic Housing And Urban Development Reforms In Nigeria  -  Dangiwa   The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has stated that the Housing Ministry under his leadership is exploring creative solutions and will also implement necessary reforms in order to rewrite the story of housing and urban development in the country.   The Minister made this known while delivering his keynote address on the 4th day of the 12th meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, held in Kaduna State.   " As part of endeavours to provide the right leadership as the focal driver of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold vision of making housing a top priority for his government, giving its unique potential to catalyze economic growth, create jobs and lift millions out of poverty,  the Ministry’s goal is to implement the most historic housing and urban sector reforms ever witnessed in the Country, by driving initiatives that will create enabling environments for easier, safer, and profitable private sector investments in the sectors" he stated.   The Minister explained that Housing as one of the critical sectors set aside for focus under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is tied to Four key presidential priorities which are, Economic growth and Job creation, Access to capital, social inclusion or Inclusivity and Ending poverty.   According to him, the Four presidential priorities of Government underline the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development over the next four years, through a Reform of Federal Housing Institutions like the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Family Home Funds (FHF) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), to enhance efficiency and capacity; Establishment of a National Social Housing Fund to cater to the housing needs of the NO INCOME, homeless and vulnerable groups; Review of the Land Use Act (1978) to streamline access to land; Establishment of a robust Mortgage Registry to facilitate property transactions and increased home ownership; Increasing housing supply, amongst others.   “The achievement of these targets would require an “All of Government” Approach and Actions that foster continuous engagement between Governments at all levels along with the private sector and relevant International Organizations operating in the Housing sector”, he added.   While noting that land reforms is a significant part of the housing sector reforms, Dangiwa disclosed a work in progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to establish a National Land Commission whose work would be partly to outline clear implementation guidelines for the Land Use Act to chart a new path of effective land administration in the country.   The Minister further disclosed readiness with Mr. President’s support to commence Phase 1 of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates which targets the delivery of 34,500 housing units of 1,2- and 3-bedroom affordable multi-level flats and bungalows for low-income earners, as well as high-end detached bungalows, terraces and duplexes for high income earners in Thirty States of the Federation.   For the Slum Upgrading Programme, he also disclosed the Ministry’s plans to upgrade 26 slums in the six regions of the Country, and the Federal Capital Territory, to improve the living standards of the slum residents and urban poor by providing key infrastructure and ancillary services.   “To ensure affordability for Nigerians we have already mapped out the following options which include Rent-to-Own, Public Rental, Mortgage Loans, and where applicable, outright sale”, he explained.   Speaking further, Dangiwa assured that the issue of financing housing development and urban infrastructure remains priority to the Ministry, and in this regard, he outlined some innovative financing and credit-driven approaches which could be exploited, such as Increasing the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships and similar Institutional arrangements, encouraging the growth of various Credit schemes, Housing Cooperatives and Rent-To-Own Schemes, increasing access to Multilateral/Bilateral, Pension Funds and Capital Market funding sources amongst others.   While appreciating the acceptance of the Kaduna State Government to host 12th Meeting of the Council despite a brief notice, Dangiwa praised the State for demonstrating exemplary leadership in housing development.   He informed that Kaduna was one of the first states in the country to adopt and pass into law the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL) which coordinates and   promotes housing investments and   mortgage development activities.   On the supply side, he pointed out that Kaduna State has implemented reforms in land administration, titling and registration, and also offered fiscal incentives, among others; and on the demand side, has developed single-digit interest rate mortgage arrangements with Sterling Bank, FHA Mortgage Bank and Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC).   “I am particularly impressed by the State’s Qatar Sanabil Project, which aims to deliver about 500,000 housing units. This is a laudable feat and testament to the business-friendly environment of Kaduna State that is worthy of emulation”, he expressed.   He commended the high rise in the revenue generation of the State as a result of these achievements, to over ₦44billion per annum despite the lack of amendments to the Land Use Act.   In his opening Address, the guest of honour, the executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani represented by the Honourable Commissioner of the Kaduna State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Hon. Aminu Abdullahi Shagali, informed that Kaduna State Government in its effort to increase the housing stock came up with a direct Construction of 624 affordable housing units of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom houses in four locations of the State, the Construction of a total of 222 houses of 1, 2, 3, 4 bedrooms terraces as well duplexes, directly and through partnership.   He added that the state was on partnership with 52 developers to provide between 20,000 and 30,000 houses which is at about 50% completion, provision of plots by the Kaduna Geographic Information System (KADGIS) to citizens, through the sites and services process so that individuals can build their own houses, amongst others.   The Governor further expressed the willingness of the State to continue in partnership with the Federal Government to facilitate the provision of decent and affordable Houses to Nigerians, while also welcoming investors to the State.   In his goodwill message, the chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Aminu Tambuwal Lauded the aptness of the theme for this year’s Council Meeting which is "HARNESSING LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CREDIT SCHEME AS A PANACEA FOR HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA” , pointing out that positive progress cannot not be made in the Housing and Urban Development Sector without funds.   While acknowledging that sourcing funds was a difficult one, He noted that it was not unconquerable giving that construction in housing is a major way of redistributing wealth and should be encouraged.   Tambuwal further assured of the support of the National Assembly in realizing the outcomes of the Council’s decisions. ...