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.

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.

Keynote Address Delivered by The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, at The 13th Meeting of The National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Holding in Gombe, Gombe State, On 11th To 15th November 2024.

Protocols

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to deliver the KeyNote Address at this 13th edition of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development holding here in Gombe State, the “Jewel of the Savannah”.

I want to sincerely thank His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State, my dear brother and friend, Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for graciously accepting to host this year’s Council Meeting and for the warm hospitality that the State has provided for all participants. Thank you, Your Excellency.

I also want to express our profound gratitude to the Distinguished Members of the Senate and House Committees that oversight the Ministry.  The Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Senator Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman; House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin and Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, I sincerely thank you all for your continual Legislative support for the development of the Housing and Urban Development Sector in Nigeria.

My appreciation goes out to Participants, Thought Leaders and Advocates for their support and expertise towards actualizing the objectives and strategies for the Sector.  I thank you all for your efforts and contributions.

At the last Council Meeting in Kaduna last year November, my first Council Meeting as the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I said that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are intent on making a major and history defining difference in land administration, housing delivery and management of our urban spaces. I stated clearly that Mr. President is not happy with the state of things in the sector and the very poor progress that we have made in unleashing the capacity of the sector for economic and national development.

I went on to outline the Ministry’s Action Plan and the Key Prioritities of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector. This included increasing housing supply to meet the housing shortage, implementing comprehensive land reforms to ease access to land, reforming federal housing institutions including Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Federal Housing Authority. We also said we would work to establish a National Social Housing Fund to meet the housing needs of no-income, low income and underprivileged Nigerians. Furthermore was the  establishment of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs, one in each geo-political zone of the country to lower the cost of building materials, create local jobs and lower the cost of housing delivery amongst others.

DRIVING ADEQUATE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING

It has been over a year, and I am happy to report that we are making steady progress. Under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, we currently have construction underway at fourteen sites, comprising a total of 10,112 housing units. This includes 250-unit Renewed Hope Estates with 1, 2, and 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows in Yobe, Gombe (NE); Nasarawa, Benue (North Central); Sokoto, Katsina (North West); Abia, Ebonyi (South East); Delta, and Akwa Ibom (South South). Additionally, we have ongoing work at the 3,112-unit Renewed Hope City in the FCT, the 2,000-unit Renewed Hope City in Kano, and another 2,000-unit Renewed Hope City in Lagos. A significant number of these units are at the roofing stage, and we look forward to their completion and commissioning.

We have also acquired land in Enugu and Borno for the development of 2,000-unit Renewed Hope Cities under a PPP arrangement. Planned locations for additional cities include Nasarawa (2,000 units) and Rivers (2,000 units). Our goal is to establish at least one Renewed Hope City in each geo-political zone and the FCT.

To fully appreciate the progress we have made over the past year, it’s essential to establish context. Before the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry had initiated only about 8,000 housing units under the National Housing Programme, with only 3,000 completed over eight years. In one year, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are on track to surpass this 8-year performance. Let us give a resounding applause to Mr. President for his vision, the National Assembly for its support, the Ministry’s management and staff, and our partners for this progress.

While it’s worthwhile to acknowledge our achievements, we must remember that we are only scratching the surface. The housing deficit in Nigeria is vast. We need to build approximately 550,000 units annually over the next decade to close this gap. This would require about N5.5 trillion per annum, yet our annual budget for housing remains below N100 billion. This shortfall is why we have embraced Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with reputable developers to help deliver housing at the necessary scale. However, PPPs alone cannot deliver affordable housing for the majority of Nigerians, given that the high costs of private-sector construction financing drive up prices.

For instance, a one-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, built under PPP, costs about N22 million, whereas the same one-bedroom unit under the Renewed Hope Estates, funded through budgetary allocations, costs approximately N8-9 million. The difference lies in the cost of finance. Under the Renewed Hope City, developers purchase the land, secure financing at double-digit interest rates, and the FMBN provides a Bankable Offtaker Guarantee. For Renewed Hope Estates, the funds are interest-free from budget allocations, state governments provide free land, and infrastructure costs are not included in unit pricing. Although we introduced cross-subsidies, only a few people will benefit, as developers must sell the majority of units at market rates to recover their investment and repay lenders with interest.

Some may ask why we continue to embrace PPPs. We do so because, as a government, we have a duty to all Nigerians. Our goal is to provide quality housing for all income levels. PPP Renewed Hope Cities target high- to middle-income earners who can afford these prices, while the Renewed Hope Estates serve lower-income segments. In this way, there is something on offer for all categories of Nigerians.

Despite our efforts with PPPs, government financing in housing should increase. The current sub-N100 billion annual budget for housing is inadequate compared to the N5.5 trillion required annually to address our housing deficit. Housing investment fuels economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation. For example, constructing the 10,112 units underway nationwide has created over 252,800 jobs for skilled and unskilled workers, with an average of 25 jobs per home. Workers, such as plumbers, masons, and laborers, earn an average of about N150,000 per month with a daily wage of N5,000, in addition to economic activities around the sites. Moreover, an investment of N100 billion in housing construction returns over 80% of that amount to the government through unit sales.

Therefore, we have engaged the National Assembly leadership and received their support for increasing the annual housing budget to a minimum of N500 billion, starting with the 2025 budget cycle. This would allow us to expand housing projects to cover the remaining 18 states and increase the unit count per state from 250 to at least 500, as initially planned. Such an expansion would create more jobs, combat poverty, engage our youth, and prevent them from falling prey to violence or criminal activities. Let us give the National Assembly Leadership a standing ovation for their understanding and support towards tackling this national problem.

The Ministry has signed a Housing Development Partnership with the Shelter Afrique Development (ShafDB).  Under the Partnership, the Bank will support the Renewed Hope Housing Program with Advisory Services and financing of competent Developers for an initial pilot programme for the development of 5,000 housing units.

Adding these Ministry-led housing projects to those by agencies such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Housing Authority would significantly boost the supply of decent, affordable housing to meet Nigeria’s shelter needs.

We recently returned from the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt. What we observed there was inspiring and should motivate us as a nation to do more. The Egyptian government is constructing a New Cairo City, an urban development estimated at 500 billion Egyptian Pounds (around $10.6 billion). This includes massive housing, road construction, shopping malls, rail systems, and more. While part of the funding comes from entities like the World Bank and IFC, a significant portion is government-sourced through the Administrative Capital for Urban Development (ACUD), the overseeing authority.

We also met with India’s Housing Minister, who shared that India has built over 1 million housing units entirely through government funding.

We noted similar large-scale, government-funded housing efforts in South Africa and other African nations.
The message is clear: while we will continue to drive PPPs, our government needs to do more to finance affordable and social housing for our citizens.

This call extends beyond the federal government. I urge all Commissioners here to encourage their state and local governments to allocate a substantial portion of their revenues to affordable housing delivery while exploring PPPs.
 

FORGING EFFECTIVE LAND ADMINISTRATION

Besides housing supply, we are also making progress in improving the land administration system in our country as we promised. Effective land governance is important to national and economic development in Nigeria. By ensuring clarity, security, and accessibility in land ownership and transactions, we lay the foundation for increased investment, both domestic and international. Transparent land administration enhances property rights, reduces conflicts, and encourages sustainable land use practices, which together foster a stable environment for economic activities. Furthermore, efficient land governance unlocks revenue opportunities for both federal and state governments through improved land-based taxes and encourages private sector participation in real estate and infrastructure development. These efforts collectively accelerate economic growth, create jobs, and contribute to our broader goals of social equity and inclusive urban development across Nigeria.

Last month, at the 2024 National Technical Development Forum on Land Administration, we launched a new framework for fair and equitable compensation rates for crops and economic trees, ensuring adequate recompense for persons affected by government projects. This initiative, developed with support from the World Bank and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP), was validated by forum participants. The last review of these rates was conducted 18 years ago.

23. For example under the revised rates for matured trees in the North Central Zone: 

i. Cashew: increased from N2,000 per matured stand to N45,000 and N5.5M for a hectare.  

ii. Mango: increased from N4,000 per matured stand to N105,000 and N13M per hectare.

iii. Cocoa: increased from N3,000 per matured stand to N160,000 and N160M per hectare.

Now, Project Affected Persons will receive compensation that reflects current economic realities.

We are also initiating a groundbreaking partnership between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the World Bank to tackle Nigeria’s long-standing land registration challenges. Currently, over 90% of the country’s land remains unregistered, representing an estimated $300 billion in untapped capital.

This partnership aims to work with State Governments to register, document, and title all land parcels, clarifying and securing land ownership to unlock development and investment potential. Through this program, we intend to establish a National Digital Land Information System (NDLIS) to streamline land transactions, making them more efficient, transparent, and accessible. This initiative will boost economic activity and enhance property rights protection, with a goal of increasing formal land transactions from less than 10% to over 50% within a decade. As you are aware we have over 300billion dollars in dead capital because land is not titled and our people cannot leverage land as an economic asset to get loans for their businesses or other investment purposes.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the World Bank are finalizing the operational framework and investment commitment for this initiative.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlement, you may recall that last year, we formed a Land Reforms Task Team to review, audit, and devise approaches to operationalize the Land Use Act. The task team has prepared a preliminary report that highlights the need to establish a National Land Commission as a starting point for implementing the Land Use Act and coordinating state land registries.

We have also enhanced the Electronic Certificate of Occupancy (e-C of O) and Land Titling System for all federal government-owned lands across Nigeria's 36 states. This system streamlines the review, approval, and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, significantly reducing administrative delays for federal land applications.

From fewer than six e-C of Os previously signed, I have, over the past few months, digitally signed over 1,000. As of October 2024, we have approved 417 C of O applications and received 1,079 applications. Our goal is to clear the backlog by the end of December.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT DRIVE

Distinguished members of the Council, as we chart the course for urban development in Nigeria, we must grasp the scale of our urban growth and the profound challenges it brings. Nigeria’s urban population is expanding rapidly, driven by an annual growth rate of 4.1%. From just 9.4% in 1950, our urban population now exceeds 52%, with projections indicating a rise to 70% by 2050. By then, Nigeria will likely be the world’s third most populous country, with over 400 million people.

This expansion spans all six geo-political zones, where cities grow at unprecedented rates. Today, we have eight cities with populations above one million and 81 cities with populations between 100,000 and one million. Yet this rapid growth comes with pressing challenges. Approximately 58.8% of our urban residents live in slum conditions, with a national housing deficit of 16-18 million units. Infrastructure is inadequate, and many lack secure land tenure.

Addressing these complex issues requires strategic planning and innovation, which the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) which is pending approval of the Federal Executive Council aims to deliver. Our goal is to provide a framework that guides long-term, sustainable urban growth, addressing not only housing and infrastructure needs but also creating the foundation for economically vibrant, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities.

The NUDP's vision is clear: to transform Nigeria’s cities into well-functioning, prosperous, resilient, secure, and livable spaces for all. Achieving this vision demands a 'Business Unusual' approach, one that replaces 'Urban Pessimism' with 'Urban Optimism.' This means embracing high-density urban development over sprawl, safeguarding agricultural land and resources, and adopting integrated, evidence-based urban policies.

Our approach includes:

1. Raising public awareness of the potential and challenges of urbanization.

2. Instilling a sense of urgency and optimism among stakeholders to implement sustainable urban strategies.

3. Providing strategic leadership to drive meaningful, short-term gains.

4. Empowering citizens to co-create and sustain this vision.

The NUDP also promotes a 'Healthy Cities' concept, integrating environmental health with secure, resilient urban spaces. This involves essential services like waste management, water, sanitation, and local public health systems. As the recent pandemic has shown, resilience in city design is critical for public health and community well-being. Models like the '15-minute city'—where essential services are within walking distance—offer accessible, self-sufficient neighborhoods that promote health and connectivity.

The NUDP also prioritizes climate responsiveness. Climate change poses a severe threat, with impacts like drought, flooding, and extreme weather intensifying. Without adaptation, climate change could cost Nigeria between 6% and 30% of its GDP by 2050. Therefore, urban planning is a frontline defense in building climate resilience and economic security.

This vision aligns with global commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG 11), the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Management. By localizing these goals, we can transform urban spaces to benefit all Nigerians and capture the 'Urban Dividend,' making our cities engines of opportunity, resilience, and well-being.

This is our path to sustainable urbanism, a future where Nigeria’s cities work for everyone, delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits for present and future generations alike.

But to do this we must all work together. Federal, State and Local Governments. We must discuss and collectively agree to drive these initiatives. We must stop working in silos and build synergies. At the twelfth World Urban Forum in Cairo, there was a strong emphasis on devolving the Global conversation on urbanization. We now have an Africa Urban Forum, the last held  recently this year in Addis Ababa. At the Forum all African Member Countries, including Nigeria, agreed to organize Annual National Urban Forum in the declaration.

At this Council Meeting, I would therefore direct that in line with the Africa Urban Forum Declaration, we set in motion the process for the organization of an Annual National Urban Forum where we all meet to discuss Nigeria’s Urban Agenda.

In conclusion, as we meet and deliberate at this 13th edition of the National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s housing, land, and urban development landscapes. The work we are undertaking is more than just policy—it’s about creating a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future for our nation.

I urge each one of you to carry the insights, ideas, and innovative strategies from this meeting back to your respective states and departments, actively advancing our goals for sustainable, affordable housing, effective land administration, and resilient urban spaces. Let us continue building on the progress we've made and work tirelessly to transform our vision of ‘Renewed Hope’ into reality for every Nigerian.

Together, we can foster cities that are economically vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive. The journey ahead requires our unity, our resolve, and our unwavering dedication to delivering real, lasting change.

Thank you, and may our collective efforts here in Gombe pave the way for a stronger, more dynamic Nigeria.

Long Live Nigeria

Long Live His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

REMARKS DELIVERED BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AT THE 13^TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, HOLDING IN GOMBE, GOMBE STATE, ON 11^TH TO 15^TH NOVEMBER 2024.                                             

PROTOCOLS

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.1     It is with great pleasure and a profound sense of purpose that I welcome you all to this important 13th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development holding here in Gombe, Gombe State with the theme "Housing the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilient and Urban Development”.   I am also truly honored to address this distinguished gathering of Permanent Secretaries and Professionals from the Housing and Urban Development Sector.

1.2     This Council meeting serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to advance the development of the Housing and Urban Development Sector in Nigeria and your presence here today demonstrates the commitment you have towards achieving this objective.

2.0.Greetings and Appreciations

2.1     Let me use this opportunity to once again appreciate the Executive Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for accepting to host this 13^th Meeting of the Council and for his support to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.  I would also like to commend the Officials of the State Government for ensuring the provision of everything necessary towards ensuring the success of this Council meeting.  I also express my gratitude to the good people of the State for the warm reception accorded to all the Participants following their arrival in the beautiful city of Gombe. 

2.2     I must also use this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Senator Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman; House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin and Chairman, House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Awaji-Inombek Abiante for their Legislative support for the development of the Housing and Urban Development Sector in Nigeria.

3.0 Reflecting on the Progress and Challenges in the Sector

3.1     We have gathered here not only to exchange best practices and review Policies but also to confront and tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our Nigeria today—challenges of affordable housing shortages; rapid urbanization due to high population growth and increased rural urban migration; poor access to land for housing development and unsustainable urban planning, which continue to exert pressure on our urban infrastructure and housing stock.

3.2     The yearly National Council on Land, Housing and Urban Development has a reputation for fostering collaboration, generating innovative ideas and advancing meaningful solutions and I am confident that this year’s edition will not be different.  I am also confident that the collaborative energy here today with my fellow Permanent Secretaries will continue to fuel our shared progress and yield actionable steps to achieve sustainable urban growth across our Nation.

3.3     Over the past few years, the Ministry has worked relentlessly to advance strategic Policies and Initiatives to drive Urban Development and increase the accessibility and affordability of housing for all Nigerians. Through ongoing Projects and Partnerships, we have strengthened our commitment to Nigerians by delivering affordable housing, improving land use policies and setting the foundation for resilient urban communities.

3.4     As you are all aware, under the current Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the housing sector, the Ministry has made significant progress in housing construction in all the geo-political Zones of the Country under its Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme and the Honorable Minister has displayed strong commitment to the success of the Programme. This unprecedented progress is also due to the cooperation and support of the various state governments. I am sure that that the support could not have been possible without the cooperation of my colleagues Permanent Secretaries. I say thank you and request for your continued support in pushing forward the lofty renewed hope agenda of our dear President, especially in the housing and urban development sector.

3.5     Furthermore, knowing the importance of housing data for decision making, the Honourable Minister inaugurated a Steering Committee under my Chairmanship, which was tasked with the responsibility of providing direction and oversight for the collection of National Housing Data from Public and Private Institutions and creating access to housing data in Nigeria for Policy, Planning and decision-making.  This Committee has already mandated its Technical Working Group (TWG) to come up with the Governance and Data Gathering Frameworks and modalities for setting up the National Housing Data Center (NHDC).  This Programme is among some of the key initiatives of the Ministry geared towards the achievement of our mandate.

3.6 You would all agree with me that the housing and Urban Development sector faces formidable challenges, which demand a united front from both Government and Private Sector Actors to create enduring solutions.  This is because the need for affordable, accessible and sustainable housing, as well as inclusive urban development has never been more urgent.

4.0 Strengthening Collaboration and Innovation

4.1 This year’s theme, "Housing the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilient and Urban Development” is not just a topic for discussion; it is a call to action.  To meet the demands of today and to plan for a sustainable future, we as Partners in Progress; must foster Public-Private Partnerships, promote innovative Technologies and harness the resources within our communities.  By bringing together Thought Leaders, Policy Experts, and Community Advocates, we are not only setting the direction for future growth but also building a legacy of resilience and inclusivity for generations to come.

4.2     Since this commencement of the National Council meeting, we have been deliberating on critical areas including, Improving access to land; land Titling and Registration; Building collapse; Social Housing; Green Building practices, Partnerships, Institutional strengthening and Policy.  I urge each of you to continue to participate actively, bringing forth your unique perspectives, experience and expertise as we work toward actionable solutions that will shape the future of our Cities and Communities.

4.3     It is noteworthy that one of the recurring issues that has come up since the commencement of this Council meeting on Monday has been the issue of the need for close monitoring of the implementation of the Resolutions reached at the Annual National Council meetings.  This will require regular monitoring of implementation status by all levels of Government and the plan of the Ministry going forward is to work closely with key Stakeholders on the Implementation status of their relevant Resolutions through periodic review sessions. Concerned with the non-implementation of Council resolutions over the years, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development sponsored a memo this year to seek the approval of Council for the mid term monitoring of the implementation of Council resolutions. I am happy to inform you that the Technical Session held yesterday accepted the prayers and this will be presented to the body of Permanent Secretaries today.

4.4     Our collective vision is clear: a Nigeria where every Citizen has access to safe, affordable housing within thriving, sustainable communities. This Council is instrumental in realizing that vision and each contribution made here will impact lives and strengthen our Nation’s socio-economic fabric.

4.5     In closing, let me extend my profound gratitude to all of you for your commitment and collaboration in the work that lies ahead. The outcome of this Council and Permanent Secretary’s meeting will play a pivotal role in shaping our Policies, guiding our Projects and laying the groundwork for sustainable development. 

4.6     On behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, I thank you for your participation and wish all of us fruitful deliberations.  May our efforts this week set a course for lasting and positive change in Nigeria.

4.7     Thank you and may God bless our nation.