……………….we executed over 100 slums upgrade, urban renewal projects – Dangiwa.
……………….we need to align with housing ministry to avoid duplication of projects – Ahmadu.
Housing and Urban Development Minister, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu have met to forge a common alliance that would see to the enhancement of their respective ministerial deliverables.
The common position was arrived at during the meeting of the two ministers hosted by Arc Ahmed Dangiwa and was attended by the Permanent Secretaries of the respective ministries; Dr Shuaib Belgore of Housing and Mrs Tinuke Watti of Regional Development.
Dangiwa was elated to receive the Minister, emphasizing that the meeting was part of the inter-ministerial collaboration that needs to be enhanced between Ministries and Agencies.
“With this type of collaborations, we can exchange ideas and leverage on certain privileges that one has, and find a way of enhancing our Ministerial deliverables that we have sworn to deliver,” he stated.
He expressed joy in the news that one of the Development Commissions of the Regional Development Ministry was developing over 1000 housing units for their citizens, hoping for more collaborations between the Commissions and the Housing Ministry in order for the built professionals in the Ministry to adequately provide designs, costing and necessary advice for the projects.
The Minister reiterated the mandate of the Housing Ministry which is to provide affordable houses for the Nigerian populace, as well as urban renewal and development.
He informed that the Ministry has successfully within two years, executed over 100 slums upgrade and urban renewal projects within the country which consists of water supply, drainages, roads, sanitation, street lighting, amongst other projects like intervention in schools and hospitals.
In the area of Housing, Arc. Dangiwa explained that the Renewed Hope Cities which are block of flats, duplexes and terraces were planned to be cited in each geo-political zone of the country and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“Currently we have taken Abuja which Mr. President graciously did the groundbreaking of 3112 houses, funded under PPP, another one in Lagos for 2000 houses and also in Kano for 2000 housing units” he explained.
Accordingly for the Renewed Hope Estates, the Minister said the Ministry intends to cover the remaining 30 states with 250 units of 1, 2, 3 bedrooms block of flats, to be cited in two locations of each geo-political zone of the country.
He as well showcased the National Social Housing Program which targets the zero and low income earners, the vulnerable and underprivileged citizens of the country, adding that the Ministry intends to commence and develop at least 100 houses in each Local Government Area of the country.
Minister Dangiwa emphasized on the power of housing constructions to generate employment, stating that the Ministry’s over 10,112 ongoing constructions can generate at least 250, 000 jobs, at 25 jobs per house.
He further assured the Minister of State that staff of the Regional Development Ministry can benefit from the housing projects of the Housing Ministry.
Speaking earlier, Minister of State for Regional Development, H.E Uba Maigari Ahmadu informed that the creation of Regional Development Ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was intended to take developments to the grass-root level through the development commissions, which the Ministry oversees as part of its mandate.
Acknowledging housing as a cardinal objective of the Regional Development Ministry, Maigari conveyed their desire to align and collaborate with the Housing Ministry through the development commissions, so as to avoid duplication of projects.
He informed the Housing Minister of a 1000 housing units estate at Mafa LGA of Borno state, saying that such edifice would be better implemented through collaborations by both parties.
Accordingly, the State Minister explained that the Ministry through the commissions aims to undertake urban renewal, development of infrastructure in selected cities, smart housing, as well as consideration of the financing models to adopt.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Dr. Shuaib Belgore, welcomed the Minister of State and his delegation, expressing hope that the interaction between the two parties would result in a collaboration that would deliver benefits to Nigerians.
Signed
Salisu Badamasi Haiba
Director Press and Public Relations
