ABUJA (MPWH’ Report)- The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has reiterated the efforts of the present administration to provide affordable housing to the teeming Nigerian population.
The Minister in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Abuja Housing and Investment Expo, noted that the theme of this year’s event “Housing and Investment for Economic Recovery’’ is most tropical and apt, considering the present government’s position for the provision of affordable housing, investment and promotion, job creation are all efforts targeted toward ensuring economic recovery.
Fashola stated that the ministry is willing to collaborate with private sectors ready to invest in housing and urban development, adding that this will invariably create enabling environment for the citizens to purchase affordable houses of their choices based on their income.
The Minister added that the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing will always welcome and continue to encourage new concept of decent and affordable mass housing for the people towards the full realization of government’s ultimate goal as contained in the National Housing Policy.
He commended the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Shelter Aid Limited, organizers of the event for their consistency and commitment in ensuring that adequate and affordable housing provision through massive investment in the sector is actualised.
The Chairman of the occasion and the Chairman Senate Committee of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Dino Melaye, regretted that corruption is an impeding factor in the development and growth of the housing sector and therefore urged stakeholders to have a change of heart and put the interest of the people first.
Melaye stated that his committee is already working on ‘Rent Edit’ in Abuja that will protect tenants and landlords and help checkmate incessant increase of rents in Abuja.
He added that while not everybody can own a house, the rent edit will help to tele-guide and curb excessive rent in the Federal Capital City and the nation at large’’. He however promised that the committee will ensure that the rent edit will be passed into law before the end of the 8th Senate.
Earlier in his remarks, the President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye welcomed participants and invited guests to the occasion. He urged everyone to take advantage of the technical and plenary sessions and also interact with the exhibitors so that the economic recovery plan of the government is given a face-lift by private sectors’ participation.
