Dangiwa Initiates Technical Collaboration on Social Housing with Algeria’s Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City   In a significant move toward ensuring efficiency and sustainable impact of planned social housing initiatives in Nigeria, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Nigeria's Minister of Housing and Urban Development, met with Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, Algeria, at the Sheraton Hotel in Algiers. The ministers engaged in a fruitful discussion centered around sharing expertise and knowledge on social housing programs. The meeting was on the sidelines of the 2023 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Shelter Afrique which held from 3rd to 6th October.   In his remarks, Arc. Dangiwa underscored Nigeria's commitment to addressing its housing challenges under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He revealed plans to rapidly increase Nigeria’s housing stock annually and create new cities across the country. He also mentioned the government’s plans to establish a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF) to cater to the housing needs of No income and low-income Nigerians and expressed eagerness to learn from Algeria's successful social housing model.   Minister Belaribi welcomed the hon. minister and his team while acknowledging the pivotal role housing plays in Algeria. He highlighted Algeria's remarkable progress, producing and distributing 1,160,000 housing units in 2020 and 400,000 units in 2022. Belaribi outlined Algeria's Integrated Cities approach, which includes incorporating schools, hospitals, roads, and ensuring security measures. He stressed the importance of urban and land development, citing the National Scheme on Urban Development and the creation of five new cities as pivotal steps.   Regarding social housing formulas, Belaribi outlined diverse approaches, including delivering units without any upfront payment, a rent-to-own scheme managed by the Agency of Amelioration and Development of Housing (AADH), and tailoring housing sizes based on income and family size. He also discussed the innovative National Bank on Housing, allowing subscribers to save for homeownership, thereby reducing the government's financial burden.   Minister Belaribi expressed readiness for collaboration, organizing meetings with key officials and offering Algeria's expertise in various fields. He emphasized the importance of establishing a formal agreement between the two ministries and proposed a comprehensive framework for joint efforts.   The meeting between the two ministers marked a crucial step toward international cooperation, fostering collaboration that promises significant advancements in social housing, benefiting the citizens of both Nigeria and Algeria. ...

Dangiwa Urges Shareholders to Focus on Strengthening Shelter Afrique for Rapid Affordable Housing Delivery in Africa As EGM Kicks Off In Algiers   The 2023 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Shelter Afrique commenced today at Sheraton Club des Pins Resort (Hotel Sheraton Alger) in Algiers, Algeria, with a resounding call from the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Nigeria, Arc. Ahmed M. Dangiwa. The Minister, who is the Chairman of the Company’s 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) Bureau, emphasized the importance of shareholder unity and commitment to the company's mission to provide affordable housing solutions across Africa.   In his opening address, Arc. Dangiwa emphasized the significance of the 2023 EGM and its role in shaping Shelter Afrique's future. He commended the company's leadership, recognizing the remarkable work of the Board and Management Team in navigating the organization toward growth, profitability, and a more substantial impact on housing development across the continent.   “Today, we are convening this EGM to discuss and take decisions on the pending matters. Through objective discussions, we are optimistic that we would conclude and approve the Company’s revised Statutes. Doing so will mark a momentous milestone and would lay the foundation for a new, innovative, and impact-driven Shelter Afrique,” he said.   The Minister extended his gratitude to all Ministers and shareholders for their commitment, willingness to support reforms and various contributions towards strengthening Shelter Afrique's position as a leader in the delivery of affordable housing in Africa. He applauded their collective resolve to address Africa's housing challenges and the noble shared commitment to the people they serve in their respective countries.   Highlighting Shelter Afrique's recent challenges between 2020 and 2021, Dangiwa reported substantial progress in the revision of the Company Statutes. He mentioned the engagement of a reputable law firm and numerous bilateral and multilateral reviews, resulting in broad shareholder consensus on key issues in the Company’s revised Statutes. He noted that the EGM's primary objective was to finalize and approve these revised Statutes, setting the stage for a renewed, innovative, and impactful Shelter Afrique.   Furthermore, the Hon. Minister called upon all shareholders to embrace the spirit of objectivity, reason, and compromise during discussions, always with a focus on strengthening Shelter Afrique's capacity to facilitate the rapid delivery of affordable housing solutions.   “As we begin this EGM, I want to urge all shareholders to embrace the spirit of objectivity, reason, and compromise, always focusing on what will help strengthen the Company towards achieving its goal of igniting rapid delivery of affordable housing,” he added.   Additionally, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and citizens of Algeria for their warm hospitality. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the EGM would position Shelter Afrique as a dynamic, innovative, and impactful housing development finance institution. One that would have the institutional and financial prowess to significantly contribute to Africa's housing solutions.   Shelter Afrique is a pan-African finance institution that supports the development of housing and urban development in Africa. A partnership of 44 African Governments, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Africa Reinsurance Corporation (Africa-Re), Shelter Afrique builds strategic partnerships and offers a host of products and related services to support the efficient delivery of affordable housing and commercial real estate. ...

Housing Minister Commends BUA Cement PLC’s Decision To Reduce Cement Price To N3,500   Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has applauded BUA Cement Plc’s recent decision to reduce the price of cement to N3,500 from about N5,500.   He said the proactive gesture will reduce the cost of cement, which is a major cost in housing construction, and that it supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to provide affordable housing to Nigerians.   The Minister made these remarks in response to BUA Plc’s official announcement of the reduction on Sunday, 1st October 2023. He underscored that the soaring cost of cement has led to a drastic increase in house prices, making them unaffordable for the average Nigerian, adding that that BUA Cement Plc’s decision represents a substantial stride toward easing the financial burden on aspiring homeowners.   Dangiwa emphasized that since assuming office, he has made promoting the delivery of affordable housing as a top priority in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. “The escalating prices of building materials, especially cement, have placed a daunting obstacle on the path to homeownership for many Nigerians. BUA Cement Plc’s decision to reduce the price of cement to N3,500 is highly commendable. It reflects their understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians and is a positive step towards making housing more affordable and attainable for all,” he noted.   “I commend BUA Cement Plc for their socially responsible decision to reduce the price of cement. Accessible and affordable housing is a fundamental right, and this move by BUA Cement Plc will undoubtedly alleviate the challenges faced by our citizens. It demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the lives of our people and furthering the goals of sustainable urban development.”   The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development stated that BUA Cement Plc’s initiative will not only benefit individual homeowners but will also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and lift many Nigerians out of poverty by fostering affordable housing construction and infrastructure development.   He encouraged other industry players to emulate BUA Cement Plc’s example, urging them to consider the social impact of their decisions. He believes that collaborative efforts between the government and private sector entities are essential in overcoming the challenges related to housing affordability and ensuring the realization of decent living conditions for every Nigerian citizen. ...