Dangiwa Advocates for Youth Inclusiveness in Urban Planning and Development The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has underscored the need to incorporate the youth perspective into Urban Planning and Development, in order to effectively address climate change and ensure that cities remain resilient in the face of emerging challenges. Dangiwa made this known while giving his keynote address at the commemoration of the 2024 World Habitat Day/World Cities, in Abuja. The theme for this year’s World Habitat Day is “Engaging youth to create a better urban future” and for the World Cities Day, “Youth leading climate and local action for cities”. The Minister appreciated the promptness of the themes for the event, pointing out that the youth of today are not only the leaders of tomorrow but are already making significant contributions to sustainable urbanization through innovation and advocacy. While acknowledging the power of the unique insights and powerful voices of the young people in shaping the future of communities, the Minister emphasized on the importance of creating spaces where the ideas of the youth are valued and acted upon. According to him, “By supporting their initiatives with the necessary resources, we can enhance their impact on urban development and climate resilience”. The Minister was delighted at the Ministry’s role to lead Nigeria’s participation in the Urban October celebration, adding that the Ministry took pride in joining the international community to tackle the multifaceted challenges of urbanization, with the goal to raise awareness of the issues within Nigeria and promote collaborative action across all levels from local communities to the international stage. Arc. Dangiwa noted some of the steps being taken in the Country under the Housing Ministry to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization to include: the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program which aims to build 50,000 housing units under phase 1; a 2-Day Workshop on Green Buildings by World Bank, IFC EDGE Programme, for technical staff of the Ministry, which is part of the drive to ensure the incorporation of sustainable and climate smart practices into housing projects. Accordingly, he stated the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable urbanization beyond housing, siting initiatives that support the low income earners such as the ongoing work towards the establishment of the National Social Housing Fund, aimed at helping the lower income Nigerians access affordable housing. While the Minister revealed that the efforts of the Ministry aligned closely with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty, inequality, and climate change, he acknowledged that the challenges required the support of every segment of the society, with youth playing a key role. “By engaging youth in urban planning and decision-making, we can create cities that offer opportunities for all while remaining resilient to the impacts of climate change”, he added. Further charging the young leaders to drive real change with their potentials, Dangiwa assured that they would be provided with the needed resources and opportunities to shape a sustainable and equitable urban future. “We stand with you, ready to amplify your voices and support your efforts in creating cities that reflect our shared values”, he encouraged. Similarly, he expressed optimism that the work being done at the Ministry would impact positively on the lives of Nigerians, making housing more affordable and accessible while fostering inclusive urban growth. Earlier in his message for the day, the Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Antonio Guterres, noted that Cities needed the energy and vision of youths to champion the cause for change, being at the forefront of climate crisis with more than half of the world’s population and 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Gutteres expressed hope that empowering young people can lead to acceleration of climate action and global driven progress for Sustainable Development Goals. “We must amplify their voices, invest in their ideas, and promote their meaningful participation in urban decision-making”, he further said. In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, Honourable Abiante Awaji, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abdulhakeem Ado, said the occasion offered an opportunity for reflection, action and collaboration in the strive to create a sustainable, inclusive resilient Urban space. He stated that the challenges of lack of proper planning, building without consideration of climate change, conversion of residential areas to that of commercial, among others, being faced by Cities can be solved when young people whose energy, creativity and commitment to sustainability are engaged. Hon. Abiante further assured that the house committee would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian Cities are planned and managed for the benefit of both present and future generations. In his Welcome Address, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi stated that by the event, the Country was joining the global community in the laudable venture of advancing the interest of National, regional and global stakeholders, on issues of sustainable urbanization. He encouraged all stakeholders to contribute their ideas, share experiences and propose solutions in the their discussions. “Let us work together to build inclusive, safe and resilient cities where all citizens regardless of background or social economic status can thrive”, he said. Dr. Oginbiyi expressed appreciation to the UN- Habitat for their roles in making the event possible.
NHP: FG Hands Over Housing Keys to Beneficiaries in Osun State ......Lists Out Requirements To Qualify To Access The Houses ......Engineer Akinkumi Akinola and Mr. Adelani Oladosu Shuaibu Receive Keys To Their Apartments Federal government today, June 29, 2022 handed over housing keys to beneficiaries who have completed payment for their houses under the first phase (phase I) of the National Housing Scheme at Abere, AIG Zone 11, Oshogbo, Osun State. Speaking before handing over the keys to the beneficiaries the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr.Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, represented by the Osun State Controller of Housing,TPL. Nureen Salako Abioye said, "ln Osun State today we have four Nigerians who have fully paid for the houses of their choice within the estate comprising 76 -units of one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedrooms." Fashola disclosed that the beneficiaries had declared interest in buying the houses of their choice under the National Housing Programme( NHP) when their sale began and had successfully subscribed through the website of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/ and had also completed payment. The Minister noted that the essence of opening the portal was to ensure that interested Nigerians could access the houses without being impeded. " We have therefore offered all these housing units to members of the general public in a non- discriminatory way by opening the portal to ensure that those interested are not inhibited by any artificial obstacle and allocation will be made on the basis of those who apply and pay on first come , first serve basis," Fashola explained. On the issue of payment, Fashola said, "We have offered flexible payment options like Mortgages and Rent-to-Own which we encourage applicants to pursue, adding that anyone who could make an outright payment could indicate interest but that wouldn't be a condition for eligibility for accessibility to those houses." Fashola , while calling on Nigerians to own a house among the completed houses across the 35 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, listed the requirements interested buyers need to upload on the ministry's portal to include; i. Current Passport Photograph in JPEG and PNG format, ii. Most recent copy of your tax clearance/payslip in PDF format, iii. Means of identification (National ID, Driver's license, International Passport) in digital JPEG format; iv. Letter of recommendation from any Primary Mortgage ( for mortgage subscribers); v. Evidence of 10% initial payment deposit ( for mortgage subscribers only). While encouraging Osun state citizens and Nigerians at large to leverage on units of houses yet to be sold, the Minister said, "The advantage of owning a house in our NHP Estates includes the well - spaced sizes such as: one bedroom unit is about 60-70 sq.meters, two - bedroom units 76- 103sq. meters and three -bedroom units 110 - 137 sq. meters, adding that such generous spaces couldn't be compared with what is obtainable in the common market." Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali, represented by the Chief Town Planner, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, TPL Danbaba Yahaya Haruna, revealed that "The philosophy behind the National Housing Programme is the provision of pilot scheme that is affordable, accessible and acceptable as contained in the National Housing Policy." According to the Permanent Secretary, the cultural and climatic peculiarities of the regions within the countries were majorly considered before embarking on the projects. "The approach to design and use of materials takes cognizance of the cultural and climatic peculiarities of regions while responding to the tenets of the Building Energy and Efficiency Code ( BEEC) being championed by the Ministry," Alkali added. In line with the vision of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in creating job for Nigerians, the Permanent Secretary said that under the National Housing Programme over 1,500 building contractors have been engaged since it began in the year 2016 over 15,000 direct jobs and 55,000 indirect jobs have also been created. He added that a total of 6000 housing units is being built by the ministry in 45 sites out of which 2,666 have been completed in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Timi of Ede, Oba Nurudeen Adesola Lamisa, in a goodwill message, commended the Federal Government for building houses for Nigerians and notably for siting the Estate in Ede town. Oba Adesola Lamisa noted, "The aim and objective of having this kind of project is to boost the economy and social life of the inhabitants.We know that in few months time this place will become a market," saying everyone in the state will see and feel the impact of this National Housing Programme in the state. One of the beneficiaries, Engineer Akinkunmi Akinola, who was represented by his brother, Engineer Abayomi Akinola, while giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries applauded the Federal Government for constructing the housing estates for its citizens pointing out that accessing the National Housing Programme portal and its method of payment for his brother's choice of house among many units were easy and straightforward. Engr. Akinola who assured the Federal Government of proper use of the facility also appealed for an expansion of the housing programme in the state to accommodate more members of the public. ...
NHP: FG Hands over Keys to Beneficiaries in Owerri ...... I bought my house freely, no backdoor business - Beneficiary The federal government, in Owerri, Imo State, formally handed over keys to the beneficiaries of the National Housing Programme who have met the requirements and successfully completed payment for the houses they applied. The Federal Controller of Housing Imo State, Engr Dania Denis Abu Azebokhai performed the handover event on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. The ceremonial handover took place on the premises of the National Housing Estate, Avu town along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, Wednesday 15th, 2022. In his address read by the Federal Controller Housing, the Minister reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari to making sure that the citizens are provided with decent and affordable houses by gradually easing the housing deficit in the country. "As part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s developmental agenda of addressing Housing needs in Nigeria, the Federal Government inaugurated a pragmatic National Housing Programme (NHP) for the construction of acceptable and affordable houses nationwide. It is a Programme borne out of the present Government's desire to provide affordable housing for its citizenry" he said Fashola emphasized that the allocation of the houses is for every citizen and there is fairness and equity in its allocation as it is on first come first serve basis. The Minister stated that the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure of office has entered a season of completion and handover of keys to beneficiaries of houses in 35 States and the FCT who have successfully subscribed through the open Ministry’s website at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/ for the sales of these completed houses. " We have therefore offered all these housing units to members of the general public in a non-discriminatory way by opening the Portal to ensure fairness and equity" he said. Fashola also encouraged all Nigerians to avail themselves with the opportunity of owning a house in the 36 States and FCT except for Lagos State. Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Work and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by the Deputy Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Housing, Onyetenu Joseph Emeka particularly welcome the beneficiaries of the sales of the houses built under the first phase of the programme. He stated that the philosophy behind the National Housing Programme is the provision of pilot scheme that is affordable, accessible and acceptable as contained in the policy. He added that the approach to the design and use of materials takes cognizance of the cultural and climatic peculiarities of the regions, while responding also to the tenets of the Building Energy and Efficiency Code being championed by the Ministry. In her response after collecting her keys, the beneficiary, Mrs. Rosemary Onyeneke represented by Alor Aloysius appreciated the Federal Government immensely for the allocation She said “this shows that the government has the interest of the poor masses at heart. I got to know about it online and applied, I followed all the steps and approval was given to me" Mrs Rosemary urged other Nigerians to key in because it is real, pointing out that there was no backdoor business in the process. ...
NHP: FG Hands Over Keys to Beneficiaries in Kano ... “While we welcome those who can afford to pay outright, it is not a condition for eligibility and we have offered flexible payment options like Mortgages and Rent-to-Own which we encourage applicants to pursue.," Fashola clarified. ...Beneficiaries testify “The process of acquiring the houses is fair, devoid of human lobby and the quality is worth the money, and we will recommend this National Housing Programme to all Nigerians.” The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN on behalf of the Federal Government has officially handed over keys to four beneficiaries who have fully paid for the houses for sale built under the first phase of the National Housing Programme (NHP) in Kano, Kano State. The representative of the Minister at the official hand over, the Permanent Secretary of Works and Housing, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali said “While we welcome those who can afford to pay outright, it is not a condition for eligibility and we have offered flexible payment options like Mortgages and Rent-to-Own which we encourage applicants to pursue,” he clarified. The Minister added “Some of the requirements for qualification to access these houses and to be uploaded on the web-portal includes: Current Passport Photograph in JPEG or PNG format; Most recent copy of your current tax clearance / pay slip in PDF format; Means of Identification (National ID, Driver license, International Passport) in digital JPEG format; Letter of recommendation from any Primary Mortgage (for Mortgage Subscribers) and Evidence of 10% initial payment deposit (for Mortgage Subscribers only)." In his closing remarks Fashola said, “The beneficiaries today are therefore among the first set of Nigerians other than the 1994 Super Eagles who have been handed the keys to their houses promised by the Federal Government over 28years ago.” Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by Director Public Building and Housing Development in the Ministry, Arc. Solomon Labafilo, said, “The housing types are currently available for sale to all Nigerians through the Ministry’s web portal https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng comprise of 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom and 3 Bedroom semi-detached bungalows and condominiums.” Alkali said, “The Philosophy behind the National Housing Programme is the provision of pilot scheme that is affordable, accessible and acceptable as contained in the National Housing Policy. The approach to the design and use of materials takes cognizance of the cultural and climatic peculiarities of the regions while responding also to the tenets of the Building Energy and Efficiency Code (BEEC) being championed by the Ministry.” “I welcome you all once again to the handing over of keys to Nigerians who have complied with the requirements of the sale and who have fully paid for the houses in Kano State,” he remarked. Speaking on behalf of the host community, Chairman of Fagge Local Government Area, Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu said, “ I thank everyone who came to mini Nigeria to witness the handover of keys to beneficiaries of the National Housing Programme in Fagge. He said Fagge is a mini-Nigeria in Kano State because all tribes are present here and I appreciate the Federal Government for this housing project as our Local Government is not left behind.” One of the beneficiaries a retired civil servant, Mr.Farouk Adamu who spoke on behalf of others said, “ I thank the Federal Government. The process of acquiring these houses is easy and simple. Anyone who says that he has used influence to obtain the house I will tell him it is not true. We applied through the portal that the Ministry opened. We were lucky to be selected.” “This is what Nigerians are waiting to see, especially the less privilege citizens to get things without lobby or having to know “one big man ", he commented. Another beneficiary, the Manager of Spraywell & Finch Solutions Ltd, Mr. Henry Obi was happy to say, ‘’ there was no human interference in the process of getting selected. You only get your confirmation via email and the infrastructure in the estate is qualitative with expected finishing of the buildings in order. The building is worth the money paid for it. I will recommend that Nigerians go for the National Housing Programme,’’ Obi advised. ...
HON MINISTER , HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ARC. AHMED MUSA DANGIWA DECLARING OPEN A TRAINING WORKSHOP ON GREEN BUILDINGS PRACTICES FOR THE STAFF OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTS OF THE MINISTRY, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30TH, 2024
Hon Minister , Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa declaring open a Training Workshop on Green Buildings Practices for the Staff of Professional Developments of the Ministry, Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
2024 URBAN OCTOBER: DANGIWA ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH INCLUSIVENESS IN URBAN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa