Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc Ahmad Musa Dangiwa, has said that the Renewed Hope Housing Programme was planned to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives and boost economic power of Nigerians.
The Minister made the statement through the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo during the groundbreaking and foundation laying for the construction of 250 housing unit of the Renewed Hope Estate in Makurdi, Benue state capital on Friday.
“I want to state that under Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, GCFR, we at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development are very particular about giving Nigerians value for money” he said.
He explained that, statistics show that construction of one housing unit creates an average of 25 direct and indirect jobs, and this he said, translates in to creating over 6,500 jobs for various trades during the construction of the 250 housing units in Benue state.
Through, the housing development, the Minister further explained that, professionals like architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, masons, plumbers, tilers, electricians woud be engaged, besides the economic activities involving food vendors, suppliers of blocks, building materials and the likes.
“The value chain effect of construction work on every site is big and creates positive economic impact”, he added.
The phase one housing project was being funded dilgently from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget approved for the Ministry by the President to ensure sustainability, quality and geographical spread.
The Minister further stated that provision of land in a good location by state is a key condition for siting Renewed Hope Housing Project, saying that the states covered under the 2023 supplementary budget are those that first provided land and states that are yet to be covered will be included in the 2024 budget of the Ministry.
“Work is currently ongoing at each of the sites already launched construction across the states and the plan is to have all the houses completed within the next couple of months and made available to Nigerians in line with President’s desire to provide quality and affordable houses for all Nigerians,” he remarked.
The Minister charged the contractors to ensure that they build according to specifications, emphasising that substandard work from any developer will not be tolerated and will explore all necessary legal means to ensure that they deliver as per the contract.
To this end, the Minister assured Nigerians that different options have been created to enable everyone who has a source of income and livelihood to own these homes when they are completed.
Dangiwa commended President Bola Ahmad Tinubu for providing the vision and political will necessary to make a difference in terms of delivering decent and quality housing to Nigerians.
In his remarks, “Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, represented by the Commissioner of Works and Housing, Hon Orji Tiza stated that Benue state is committed to supporting the partnership with the federal government by any means, adding that the state is ready to provide additional land if needed.
He thanked President President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Housing initiative and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, while assuring the contractors of adequate security to execute their job.
Badamasi Salidu Haiba
Director Information and Public Relations
