……..says ministry would surpass initial target set by President for housing delivery nationwide.
Housing Minister, Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma PhD has described the building sector as a major employer of labour in Nigeria, saying the sector is a significant contributor to the economic life and growth of Nigerians.
The minister spoke during an inspection of the National Housing Programme (NHP) housing estate and the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate site in Fukpa, Gwagwalada, Abuja, FCT.
Darma noted that the housing project had already created significant employment opportunities for local workers in the area, explaining that site statistics showed that more than 1,900 people were employed during the initial excavation phase alone.
“The housing industry is really a very, very important industry to employ Nigerians. And that’s why we are promoting the industry. Just 110 blocks of two-bedroom flats each employed 1,900 people for only excavation,” he said.
Going forward, he explained that “now you can begin to talk about the building work, the machinery work, the labourers, the mixing and others in the construction process.”
Accordingly, Darma further reaffirmed the commitment of the federal government to delivering more housing units to citizens across the country before the end of the year.
The Minister also expressed confidence that the ministry would surpass the initial target set by President Bola Tinubu for housing delivery nationwide.
“We will surpass what Mr President promised, that 100,000 units of housing will be delivered to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure. We are moved to do it and we are going to do it,” he said.
In the same vein, the Minister of Housing assured that the 250-unit Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate at Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Abuja, will be completed within six months.
He said that the ministry would closely monitor the contractors to ensure that the project was delivered strictly within the agreed timeline.
“Yes, it’s still possible. That’s why, I asked the engineer on site to give me the work plan for each contractor.They will provide the work plan for each contractor early next week so that we will monitor the contract,” he remarked.
The Minister assured Nigerians that the Ministry under his leadership will do its best to deliver in six months.
Badamasi Haiba, Fsca, mnipr
Director Press and Public Relations
