Dangiwa Inaugurates Builders Disciplinary Tribunal … commends CORBON for collaborative engagement with the Ministry. … says Ministry remains committed to supporting stakeholders to meet global standards. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has inaugurated a seven member Disciplinary Tribunal for Registered Builders of Nigeria, Tuesday, October 29th, 2024. The Disciplinary Tribunal is charged with the duty of considering and determining any case of infraction by the members referred to it by the panel established by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) In his inauguration speech, the Minister expressed the Ministry's dedication to collaborate with professional bodies and regulatory agencies in the built environment, in order to ensure that it meets global standards. The tribunal is a part of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Danhiwa disclosed that the inauguration was facilitated by sections 16 (1) and (2) of the Builders Registration Act, Cap B13, LFN 2004 which guides the establishment of the tribunal. While acknowledging the responsibility of builders to construct safe and reliable structures that protect lives, the Minister emphasized on the importance of adhering to regulations and standards in the profession, warning about the catastrophic consequence of compromising safety. “I have always believed that establishing structures, systems and procedures that enforce adherence to professional standards and ethics is crucial" he said. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the recurring pattern of building collapse across the country, citing the tragic incident which recently occurred in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Similarly, he also stated that the Builders Disciplinary Tribunal is designed to take decisive action on issues concerning gaps in enforcement and professional diligence in the building industry. “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, negligence, misconduct, or compromise on safety standards will not be tolerated in the building industry” he warned. Accordingly, Arc. Dangiwa commended the CORBON for its collaborative engagement with the Ministry in providing a list of qualified nominees, further charging members of the tribunal to uphold the trust and credibility of the building profession by ensuring that disciplinary cases are managed with integrity, fairness and transparency. “Your decisions will have far-reaching effects, and I trust you to carry out your responsibilities with the diligence and professionalism that this mandate requires”, he said. Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, the Chairman of the Registered Builders Disciplinary Tribunal, Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah Stated that the inauguration of the Tribunal signified a bold statement by the Federal Government of Nigeria through Minister Dangiwa, that professionalization and regulation by law are being further entrenched in the building industry. He assured the Minister that the tribunal would enforce discipline on builders who are found wanting, further promising commitment to the professionalization of the built environment.
empowered with the duty of upholding the standards of the building profession, as well as guarding public safety.
Dangiwa Charges Africa's Housing Ministers to Collaborate Towards Tackling Continent's Housing Challenges at 43rd SHAFDB AGM in Kigali Kigali, Rwanda – June 11, 2024 - The Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development and 42nd AGM Bureau Chair of Shelter Afrique Development (ShafDB), Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has urged African housing ministers to work collaboratively to address the continent's pressing housing development challenges. This call to action was made during his opening remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Bank’s 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) Symposium, holding at the Marriott Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda 11-13th June, 2024. In attendance at the opening ceremony were the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, represented by the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Edouard Ngirente, Ministers of Housing and Public Works from several African countries, organized sector and private sector players. Stressing the importance of innovative financing, Dangiwa underscored the crucial role of ShafDB as Africa’s premier housing finance institution, stating, "ShafDB is Africa’s housing finance bank, the only such institution that we have. It is therefore important that we all continue to give the bank all the support that it requires to grow, scale in impact and deliver on its mandate." He highlighted the necessity for continued support to the bank to enable it to scale its impact and deliver on its mandate of providing affordable, decent, and quality housing across Africa. As part of efforts to institutionalize partnerships, the Hon. Minister unveiled plans to launch a Financial Caucus of African Ministers of Housing and Urban Development during the AGM. This platform, he noted, aims to foster synergy, share experiences, and develop innovative measures to bolster housing development across African nations. He emphasized, "The African housing problem is for Africa to solve. And we as Ministers of Housing must recognize that we are the ones responsible for providing the solutions and driving the process towards fixing Africa’s housing challenge." He reiterated that solving Africa’s housing problem requires a unified approach, urging ministers to work together, share lessons, and engage with external stakeholders collectively. “At the end of this AGM, we also plan to have a Kigali Declaration to signify and communicate our collective desire to Prioritize housing development and commit to taking concrete steps towards making a substantial difference. The Kigali Declaration aims to unify our voices to achieve common goals and tackle shared challenges. It seeks to highlight to the global community the urgent need for coordinated action on climate change, emphasizing its impact on Africa. It is important to state that the Kigali Declaration will not just be words on paper. We have ensured that it is based on a well-prepared roadmap for "How to Finance and Deliver," leveraging the professional expertise around Shelter Afrique Development Bank. Our aim is to make a difference. And this is possible”, he noted. Dangiwa also highlighted the critical role of the housing industry in achieving climate ambition and sustainability targets in the face of climate change. He called for a commitment to upholding the laws and statutes governing ShafDB and praised the perseverance and strategic planning that have led to significant achievements over the past year. "Our achievements over the past year underscore the importance of strategic planning and building strong connections," he noted. Highlighting a major accomplishment, Dangiwa announced the overwhelming support from member States for the ratification of the new statutes during the Extraordinary General Assembly in Algiers. He stated, "This consensus is a significant milestone in our journey to establish the Shelter Afrique Development Bank." Despite some delays in the full ratification process, he emphasized the need to address these challenges promptly to continue the bank's growth trajectory. The Hon. Minister expressed his gratitude to the President of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, and the Government of Rwanda for hosting the AGM. He noted, "The beauty, neatness and orderliness of Kigali and its hospitality is simply breathtaking." Additionally, he thanked the ShafDB Board of Directors, led by Dr. Chii Akporji, for their support throughout his tenure as Chairperson of the 42nd AGM Bureau, acknowledging the significant milestones achieved under their guidance. In addition, Dangiwa underscored the importance of building robust alliances and sustaining momentum. He expressed confidence in the incoming Chair of the 43rd AGM Bureau, Hon. Dr. Jimmy Gasore, to guide the revitalization process effectively. He said, "I am optimistic and anticipate that the new Chair of the 43rd AGM Bureau possesses the capacity to effectively guide this revitalization process." Dangiwa expressed his gratitude to all participants for their commitment and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of staying united to overcome new and existing challenges. He stated, "Regardless of the decisions we make, I am confident that we will make them together, as a united body." Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of ShafDB, Mr. Thierno Hann and the Board Chairperson, Dr. Chii Akporji reinforced the Hon. Minister’s call for collaboration stating that the Bank had undergone significant reforms and reorganization and is now better positioned to deliver on its mandate of providing affordable to citizens of its member countries. They encouraged African countries to double down on their support of the Bank by making timely payments of the capital subscriptions and enabling effective project implementation. ...
Slums Ugrade, Urban Renewal Projects, Impactful on Living Conditions of People - Dangiwa ..... advocates amendments to national urban planning Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has stated that slums upgrade and urban renewal projects have significant impact on the lives and living conditions of the people. He listed housing upgrade, sanitation, environmental protection, agricultural support, boreholes and solar powered street lights among others, as projects that will enhance aesthetics and functional spaces, as well as impact the economy. Dangiwa spoke when he hosted the House of Representatives Commitee on Urban Development and Regional Planning who came on an oversight visit to the Ministry. The minister, in this regard, advocates for constitutional amendment to ensure urban and regional planning is placed in the concurrent list of the constitution and also called for an enactment of a bill for the establishment of National Urban Observatory that would collect urban sector data in order to have effective implementation of urban and regional planning projects. Accordingly, Dangiwa listed some of the challenges affecting effective implementation of urban development projects as; non availability of reliable human settlements data-store for planning purposes, and inadequate policy back-up and structure for country wide efforts to reposition urban planning and regional development sector, for the benefit of all. Similarly, the Minister explained some of the activities of the ministry's department of urban development and regional planning which includes, Preparation of National Physical Development Plan, Preparation of Physical Development Plans, Preparation of Urban Resilience and Sustainability Plans. He further stated that the department is also engaged in Urban Sector Multilateral programmes like; Executive Board Meetings of UN HABITAT, which Nigeria is currently holding the Chair of the Executive Board; Shelter Afrique (A Pan- African finance) Development Control Directorate, responsible for monitoring and control of development on Federal Government Lands and Estates; Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrading Programme, under which technical needs assessment studies of Slums in Nigerian cities were conducted. Earlier, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Honourable Abiante Awaji, said the Committee was in the ministry to fulfill it's critical part of it's oversight mandate to assess performance, establish effective utilization of resources, identify challenges with a view to ensuring service delivery that would impact the lives of the Nigerian citizens. He stated that the Oversight Visit was in furtherance of Constitutional mandate of the legislative arm of the government overseeing activities of the executive arm. ...
Dangiwa Expresess Ministry's Readiness, Participation in Community Engagement Programme Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has expressed the readiness of the ministry to participate in the community engagement programme in order to ensure the impact of the policies, projects and programmes of the federal government through the housing sector is felt at the communities. Dangiwa gave the assurance when he received the team of Senior Special Assistants to the President on Communty Engagement, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. The Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement are; Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, (NW), Abiodun Essiet (NC), Chioma Nweze (SE), Gift Johnbull (SS), Abdulhamid Yahaya (NE) and Moremi Ojudu for South West. Dangiwa expressed optimism to engage with the team considering how pertinent their mandate is, saying that they provide a bridge between the presidency and the grassroots, as well as between the Ministry and the communities. While reiterating his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demerging the Ministry from that of works, Dangiwa noted that housing is one sector that increases the GDP of a Nation and creates jobs, in the sense that for every house built, up to 25 jobs is created for the skilled and unskilled labourers. He also told the team the core functions of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development which is to increase the supply of affordable houses to Nigerians and to ensure that the urban and rural areas are developed in a way that the slums are upgraded, by increasing sanitation, support drainages, security lights, among others. Similarly, the minister informed the team that the Housing Ministry was included by Mr. President in the supplementary budget of 2023 with 100bn, from which 20bn was integrated into building the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, while 50bn integrated into slum upgrade and urban renewal. “We have done ground breaking for Katsina, Kano and Sokoto states in the North West, Yobe and Gombe States in the North East; we are still awaiting the sites in Nassarawa and Benue States for the North Central zone. The others in the South due to time limit we have to now schedule it till after sallah to start precisely from the 24th, we are planning to do the groundbreaking for the south western states in Oyo and Osun States, South East we have Ebonyi and Abia, South South we have Akwa Ibom and Delta States”, he stated. The Minister also explained that the Renewed Hope Cities are high rise multi storey block of flats and terraces supposed to be in each geo-political zone, aimed at decongesting the city centers to make another city, while for the Renewed Hope Estates he said they are to be done in the remaining 30 states. “For the Cities we have just taken Kano as one of it, we are planning to do public private partnership in other cities, we have done one here in FCT at Karsana, commissioned by Mr. President to contain over 3112 housing units, and the project is ongoing. We are thinking Lagos through the funding of the FMBN where 1500 units have already been recorded and construction has already started”, he said. Accordingly, the minister told the team that the Ministry intends to take four states in each geo political zones of the Country and two in the FCT for the Slum Upgrade, pointing out the components of the projects which are basically drainages, roads, street lights, sanitation and schools; according to him, this would be done closely with the National Assembly members who are much closer to their citizens and know their problems better. Under the National Housing Program, the Minister noted that the previous administration completed 3000 out of 6000 houses in 33 states; He said the houses which are still largely unoccupied were receiving attention from the Ministry, and renovation ongoing for some of the dilapidated ones. He said the Ministry is currently working with the controllers of housing in the states where the projects are located, and has also given out forms to sell them off to interested buyers through different subscription options such as outright purchase, mortgage, installmental payments or rent-to-own. Similarly, the minister informed the team about the web portal recently launched by the Ministry in order to enhance subscription for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, “ the portal has been launched and people are subscribing into the houses that are being built now in these 13 states plus the ones at the Karsana site, it has been made easier and simpler for people to go into and they are happily doing that” he stated. He further told the team of SSA’s that the selection of the construction sites was on a first come first serve basis, explaining that a letter was written to all the state governors appealing for 50 hectares of land for the Renewed Hope Estates. Responding to the request for a desk officer at the Ministry, the Minister directed that they meet through the Permanent Secretary, the Directors of the Public Building and Special Project departments, who are in charge of all the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates as well as the Urban Slum Upgrade, respectively, for any information they need. Also on their request to attend commissioning of sites and housing units in states alongside the Ministry, Dangiwa said that the groundbreaking for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates would recommence on the 24th of June immediately after the sallah celebration for the South West, South East and South South states, including Nasarawa State. “When the time table is drawn, you can get it from the public building department so that the person in charge for those regions can join us”, he assured. Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant, North West, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, informed the Minister about their mandate which is bridging between the presidency and global citizens by way of localizing to ensure that the policies, projects and programmes of the Federal Government get to those at the grassrooot. While noting that the people at the community level needs awareness to allow for feedback on the successes recorded by the Ministry in terms of provision of affordable houses, the team expressed their interest to collaborate with the Ministry and take the housing programmes to the communities across the six geo-political zones, engaging and informing them of how they can access the housing projects. They commended the slum upgrade initiative of the Ministry, and assured to engage the slum dwellers and communicate the plans of the Ministry as well as how they can key in and also use their own capacity to support in their own way to develop the slums. The team requested for a desk officer to work with during the engagements at different communities so as to properly address issues and provide information regarding how people can access the houses. ...
Keynote Address by the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Housing & Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, at the 12th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development (NCLHUD) Holding from 13th - 17th November 2023
PROTOCOL
Your Excellency, the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
Your Excellency, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Kashim Shettima Mustapha, GCON,
The Hon. Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Tijjani Gwarzo
Your Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani
Permanent Secretary, Federal Minister of Works and Housing
Heads of Parastatals and Agencies,
Distinguished Commissioners
Housing industry Stakeholders
Members of Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations,
The Media and members of the Press,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
SPEECH
1. It is my pleasure to welcome the Distinguished Members of the Council and other dignitaries to the 12th Edition of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development with the theme: “Harnessing Local and International Credit Schemes as a Panacea for Affordable Housing Infrastructure Development Under the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
2. This is my first attendance at the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development. Before now I attended it for several years as the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). So, I understand all the issues that are of concern to the Council and requiring urgent attention.
3. These challenges include the inefficiencies in our land administration processes, infrastructure deficit, high construction costs and weak household demand. Others are inadequate access to affordable housing financing options, which I believe informed the theme of this year’s Council.
4. Today, as you are all aware, we have a stand-alone Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The last time we had this independence was decades ago, so we do not take it for granted.
5. By this demerger, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has shown that housing is a top priority for his government, because of its unique potential to catalyze economic growth, create jobs and lift millions out of poverty.
6. The implication is that Mr. President now expects action and results. So as Commissioners of Housing and critical stakeholders in the housing delivery value chain at both national and sub-national levels, we must all up our game. We must work harder to break all the barriers that have mitigated against the progress of the sector.
7. At the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we are committed to providing the right leadership as the focal driver of His Excellency’s bold vision for the housing sector. Indeed, we are charting a progressive, proactive, and knowledge-based approach to address these by thinking out of the box.
8. We are exploring creative solutions and will implement necessary reforms so that we can rewrite the story of housing and urban development in our dear country. I urge you all to join me so that when the story of the transformation of the sector is written, you will be happy to have contributed your patriotic quota.
9. Before I proceed, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani for accepting to host this 12th Meeting of the Council in Kaduna State at such a brief notice. We sincerely thank you for your support and understanding. We also want to appreciate the warm reception and the hospitality that the good people of Kaduna State have accorded us all.
10. I must also say it is a divine coincidence that this Council Meeting is holding in Kaduna State after being planned for another state. This is because Kaduna State has demonstrated exemplary leadership in housing development. The State stands as a good example of how we should approach the challenges in the housing sector.
11. In June 2017, Kaduna State became one of the first states in the country to adopt and pass into law the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL). Kaduna State now has a functional State Mortgage and Foreclosure Authority that coordinates and promotes housing investments and mortgage development activities as stipulated in the foreclosure law.
12. On the supply side, Kaduna State has implemented reforms in land administration, titling and registration and offered fiscal incentives, among others. They have digitized land administration through the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), provided land for willing developers to help expand the housing stock and even began direct construction of low-medium income housing by their Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. On the demand side, they have developed single-digit interest rate mortgage arrangements with Sterling Bank, FHA Mortgage Bank and NMRC. The mortgage arrangement with Sterling Bank has enabled the buyers of non-essential government residential assets, more than 80 percent of whom are civil servants, to secure mortgage loans to pay for the properties which were sold at open market value.
13. As a result, the revenue generation for the State has risen tremendously at over 44billion per annum. The State has been in the top 10 revenue generating States in Nigeria and first among the Northern States.
14. Kaduna has made all this possible despite the lack of amendments to the Land Use Act. It is therefore no wonder that the state has become a major source of foreign direct investment.
15. 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.
16. As I mentioned earlier, Housing is one of the critical sectors earmarked for focus under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It is tied to Four (4) of the Eight (8) key presidential priorities of the current government namely, Economic growth and Job creation, Access to capital, social inclusion or Inclusivity and Ending poverty. These Four presidential priorities of Government underline the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development over the next 4 years through the following efforts:
a. Reform of Federal Housing Institutions such as the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Family Home Funds (FHF) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to enhance efficiency and capacity.
b. Establishment of a National Social Housing Fund to cater to the housing needs of the NO INCOME, homeless and vulnerable groups. .
c. Review of the Land Use Act (1978) to streamline access to land.
d. Establishment of a robust Mortgage Registry to facilitate property transactions and increased home ownership;
e. Increasing housing supply
f. Establishment of private sector-led local building materials manufacturing clusters in each geopolitical zone of the country.
g. Development of fiscal incentives for private Investors to manufacture local building component.
17. 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. This approach is particularly required because land is a serious impediment to the expansive construction of mass, social and affordable housing in Nigeria. Accordingly, the contribution of State Governments who are critical Stakeholders, being the custodian of land in line with the Constitution and the current Land Use Act, is vital.
18. As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I have taken Mr. President’s vision and am determined to actualize it. Our aim at the Ministry is to implement the most historic housing and urban sector reforms the country has ever witnessed. We want to drive through initiatives that will create an enabling environment for easier, safer, and profitable private sector investments in the sectors.
19. A notable part of our housing sector reforms is land reforms. What we envision is a streamlined land administration that cuts through the bureaucratic bottlenecks and systemic inefficiencies to ensure cost effective and efficient access to land for both individuals and investors in our country.
20. Currently, we have a situation where the Land Use Act, which was enacted in 1978 has no complementary institution set up alongside it to provide the necessary framework, guidelines, and regulations for operationalizing it. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we aim to fix this systemic anomaly. We are working to establish a National Land Commission. Part of their work will be to outline clear implementation guidelines for the Land Use Act to chart a new path of effective land administration in the country.
21. Only recently, I invited members of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms (PTCLR) to the Ministry, and I must say that the work they have done over the past 14 years is comprehensive and commendable. We have set up an Internal Committee to review their submissions for inclusion in our land reforms strategy.
22. Despite challenges, I believe there is hope for a significant turnaround for the Housing and Urban Development sector in Nigeria. My confidence lies in the fact that we have a President who is a visionary, and a gamechanger. He has shown that he has the political will to back his bold vision of providing affordable and quality housing for all.
23. With Mr. President’s support, we are set to commence Phase 1 of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates and Slum Upgrading Programme nationwide before the end of this year. The Phase 1 of the project is targeted to deliver 34,500 housing units consisting 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 (30) States of the Federation including, Kano, Lagos, Rivers, Borno, Enugu, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
24. To ensure affordability for Nigerians we have already mapped out the following options. These include Rent-to-Own, Public Rental, Mortgage Loans, and where applicable, outright sale.
25. With regards to the Slum Upgrading Programme, the Ministry plans to upgrade a total of 26 slums in the Six (6) regions of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory. This project would ensure the provision of key infrastructure and ancillary services including access roads, water supply, solar streetlight, drainages, sanitation and waste management services etc., that would improve the living standards of the slum residents in the project sites and the urban poor in general.
26. In the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development the issue of financing housing development and urban infrastructure remains priority. Some of these innovative financing and credit-driven approaches, which could be exploited to its fullest potential include:
a. Increasing the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and similar Institutional arrangements.
b. Encouraging the growth of various Credit schemes, Housing Cooperatives and Rent-To-Own Schemes;
c. Increasing access to Multilateral/Bilateral, Pension Funds and Capital Market funding sources.
d. Expanding housing construction finance from Federal and State Housing Agencies.
27. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to conclude by encouraging each one of you to see yourselves as the visionaries and gamechangers of land administration in your various states. As you aim to attract financing to your various states, we cannot do this effectively if we do not have a streamlined land administration system. It will not be possible if we do not have a model mortgage foreclosure law passed and operational in your state. Experts agree that it is not possible to have sustainable economic growth without land reforms.
28. So, my charge for all of you as Commissioners of Housing is that you should go back to your States as Senior Advocates of Land Reforms (SALRS). Impress on your State Governments to toe the line that Kaduna and some states such as Ekiti, Nasarawa, Lagos have toed by passing the Model Mortgage Foreclosure, implementing land titling and property registration using GIS even as we work to review the Land Use Act of 1978.
29. Let me assure you all that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development would continue to work closely with Members of the Senate and House Committees on Lands, Housing and Urban Development to ensure successful passage and review of the laws required to ensure speedy realization of all the Ministry’s and Sector’s plans and targets.
30. Before I close, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing, H.E. Senator Aminu Tambuwal, the Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Hon. Balele Aminu and Chairman, House Committee on Regional Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Abiante Awaji for their continuous legislative support towards the development of the Housing Sector in Nigeria.
31. My greetings and appreciation also go to all Participants and Resource persons. I thank you all for your efforts and contributions to the success of this Meeting.
32. Finally, I would like to again reiterate and assure you of the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining the necessary collaborations, partnerships and engagements with all relevant Stakeholders in the Housing and Urban Development sector, as we all work together towards providing affordable housing and ensuring sustainable urban development in Nigeria.
33. Thank you all for your attention and God bless.
WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED M. DANGIWA FNIA, FCIB, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 28TH CONFERENCE OF DIRECTORS OF LANDS IN THE FEDERAL AND STATE MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES HOLDING AT MARCELINA’S PLACE, IKEJA, LAGOS, ON 15TH - 16TH NOVEMBER 2023
PROTOCOLS:
1. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 28th Conference of Directors of Lands in Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Nigeria.
2. As most of you are already aware, this Conference was conceived over 28 years as part of efforts to promote effective land administration in our country.
3. Each year the Conference provides a platform for Directors of Lands at Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, State Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Nigeria to gather, network, share experiences, discuss sector challenges to produce clear recommendations that border on promoting effective land administration in the country.
4. The Conference objective remains noble, progressive, and relevant today, as it was back then when the Conference was conceived. So, as we begin this 2023 edition, the 28th one in a series, we must do so in full recognition of the current in-efficient and challenges-full state of land administration in our country today.
5. To do this means asking ourselves some tough questions to bring us to reality and confronting the answers.
6. First, can we say that the sum of annual gatherings and conversations over the close to three (3) decades of this conference are helping us make progress in fixing the many issues in land administration in our dear country?
7. How many of the issues that we discuss each year at this Conference end up tackled and solved? How many of the recommendations that the Conference produces end up implemented? Or are we simply moving around in circles and turning the conference into an annual bazaar of some sort. Do we even have a tracking mechanism to monitor whether we are making progress or not?
8. We must confront these questions and be humbled by the answers. It is only by doing this reality check that we can find the inspiration, encouragement and resolve to work harder and differently in our respective offices as Directors and stakeholders towards achieving the noble goals with which this Conference was established.
9. As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I must say that I am honestly not happy with the current state of land administration in the country. And the reasons are obvious. The same issues that were there decades ago are still there today with us today.
10. This includes inadequate land information systems, complex land tenure systems, cumbersome and time-consuming land registration processes that contribute to delays and corruption in the system; the lack of a streamlined and transparent registration process that discourages investment and hinders economic development; inadequate urban planning which lead to informal settlements; congestion, and improper land use, inadequate legal and regulatory frameworks which results in legal uncertainties, making it difficult for individuals and businesses to navigate the land administration system with confidence. These are all problems that we all must fix. No one will do it for us.
11. I must acknowledge that some of these problems are beyond the capacity of the Conference and Directors to resolve. Indeed, the most fundamental ones such as the Land Use Act 1978 require legislative amendments and national government policy interventions. However, there is a lot of room for innovation to circumvent the limitations posed by some of these barriers. We have seen in States such as Kaduna, Kano, where innovative leaders have found ways to implement reforms that have helped them ease land administration by introducing efficiencies in land titling and property registration despite the limitations of the Land Use Act. These states deserve our commendation.
12. And my charge to all of you attending this 2023 Conference is that we must do likewise. We must think out of the box, innovate, and learn to do things differently. That will help us make progress and change the narrative going forward.
13. The theme of this year’s Conference — "Improving Land-Based Revenue of the Federating Units in Nigeria through Efficient and Effective Land Administration" — speaks directly to the core of our national progress.
14. As you are all aware, land, is an economic resource that holds immense potential for revenue generation and sustainable development. However, to harness this potential, we must address the challenges within our land administration systems and strive for efficiency and effectiveness.
15. I am happy to inform you that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is set to tackle the systemic challenges that have hindered effective land administration. Mr. President has a bold vision for the sector and is committed to backing it up with the necessary political will to break down all barriers to unlock the revenue earning potential of land.
16. As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, we have taken Mr. President’s vision and are running with it. Our aim is to implement the most historic land reforms the country has ever witnessed to make it easier, safer, and more profitable for the private sector to invest in the sector and make good returns.
17. A notable part of our broad housing sector reforms includes the implementation of comprehensive land reforms towards streamlining land administration and ensuring easy, cost effective and efficient access to land in our country.
18. Currently, we have a situation where the Land Use Act was enacted in 1978 but there was no complementary institution set up alongside it to provide the necessary framework, guidelines, and regulations for operationalizing it. We are working to establish a National Land Commission that would fix this gap and chart a new way forward for effective land administration in the country.
19. This will improve land titling and boost Nigeria’s ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business where we currently rank 186th out of 190 countries on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business index in terms of ease of registering properties. Last week I met with the leadership of the Presidential Technical Committee on Land Reforms, Prof. Peter O. Adeniyi, where we agreed to incorporate the extensive work that they have done over 14 years in our land reform strategy. As the renowned land reform scholar said, experience shows that a nation can never develop if it does not conduct land reform. It will also help to boost revenues that States and Federal Government can earn from land.
20. The second related reform is the nationwide adoption of the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law. The Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL) is a housing industry stakeholder initiative and part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR that is focused on establishing an enabling environment for investment in real estate and the growth of mortgages in a state. It provides contemporary provisions on the creation, registration, and enforcement of mortgages, along with remedies like foreclosure and the enforcement of mortgages on real properties and related purposes in Nigeria.
21. As of date, the Model Mortgage Foreclosure Law (MMFL) has been passed in four (4) states, including Lagos, Kaduna, Ekiti, and Nasarawa States. We aim to drive its passage in all the states of the federation as part of our efforts to ensure that investments in the housing and mortgage sector are protected.
22. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, through the Lands and Housing Development Departments, made great strides in improving land-based revenue generation for the Federal Government by way of income from fees charged on both primary and secondary transactions. These are statutory fees demanded for use of Federal Government lands.
23. As you deliberate on land and land related issues for the next two days, I urge you to critically examine measures that you can act on in the interim such issues as digitization of land titling process to improve ease of doing business, fostering synergy between public and private investors in housing delivery, checking the trend of double titling and multiple charges on Federal Government properties in the states, all of which is aimed at improving land based revenue in the tiers of government. At the end of your deliberations, it is hoped that you will come up with meaningful and workable solution to most of the problems confronting land administration and management at the various tiers of Government.
24. Knowing fully well that the outcome of this conference will form part of input/proposals to the National Council on Lands and Housing to be held next year. It is, therefore, with all seriousness of purpose that I enjoin you to be sincere and meticulous in your deliberations, putting the interests of the Country and complexity of interests in land in focus, in addressing issues hindering efficient land administration and management in Nigeria with a view to improving land-based revenue for sustainable development in the country.
25. On this note, it is now my special pleasure and privilege to declare the 28th Conference of Directors of Lands in Federal and State Ministries, Departments and Agencies open.
26. Thank you and may God bless Nigeria.
THE HONORABLE MINISTER HAS TODAY DELIVERED THE “GOVTECH AWARD” BY BUREAU OF PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM TO THE PERMANENT SECRETARY. THE MINISTRY WON THE OVERALL BEST MDA IN USE OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY.
The Honorable Minister has today delivered the “GovTech Award” by Bureau of Public Service Reform to the Permanent Secretary. The ministry won the overall best MDA in use of innovative technology.
MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ARC AHMED MUSA DANGIWA INAUGURATING MEMBERS OF DISCIPLINARY TRIBUNAL FOR THE REGISTERED BUILDERS, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2024
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa inaugurating members of Disciplinary Tribunal for the Registered Builders, Tuesday, October 29th, 2024