By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has vowed his full support to the proposed ‘FCT NUJ Journalists’ Village in Abuja.
The housing scheme is one of the critical welfare plans by the FCT NUJ for journalists practicing in the territory.
Arc. Dangiwa made this known when the NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike -led team paid a courtesy a visit to the .Minister in his office in Abuja recently.
Dangiwa emphasized the critical role journalists play in the country, adding that they would not be left out of the government’s housing plans.
Dangiwa, who received the NUJ FCT delegation along with the Minister of State, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata and top directors of the ministry described journalists as key partners in nation building, adding,“Your voices matter.
“You help explain government policies to the public and hold us accountable—something we value greatly”, he emphasized.
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The Minister assured the FCT NUJ Chapter that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme.
However, he stressed that the first step is for the NUJ to secure a titled plot of land.
“Once you get a titled land and a housing design in place, bring it to us,” he said.
“Through the FMBN, we’ll help build affordable homes for journalists, which can be paid for over about 30 years.”
He added that this plan is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aims to tackle Nigeria’s housing shortage, create jobs, and improve the quality of life.
The minister, listed part of the Presidential Renewed Hope Housing Programme which such as the Renewed Hope Cities consisting of Large developments with at least 1,000 homes in key cities across all regions and the FCT.
Renewed Hope Estates: 250 homes per state capital, aimed at middle-income earners.
Renewed Hope Social Housing: 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local councils, for low-income families, informal workers, and people with disabilities.
The minister disclosed that over 10,000 housing units have already started across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed.
These include new roads, solar lights, clean water, and better drainage aimed at enhancing the lives of citizens.
According to the Minister, the programme has created more than 250,000 jobs so far. He also mentioned efforts to reform land ownership rules to unlock over $300 billion worth of unused property.
Speaking on how to facilitate housing investments in the country, Dangiwa announced a partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to fund 5,000 affordable homes and the upcoming launch of local building material hubs to reduce construction costs.
“Our aim is simple,” he said. “Every Nigerian should have a fair chance to own a decent home.”
Earlier, Comrade Grace Ike thanked the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister for their commitment to building 50,000 units of homes in the first phase of the housing programme.
She also lauded the ministry’s achievements of
delivering 10,000 homes, expansion of slum upgrades, and reforms in the housing sector, including improvements in the Federal Mortgage Bank and Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Comrade Ike also commended the Minister’s efforts abroad, such as the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing for people with disabilities.
She said, “Housing is not just shelter – it’s dignity and a base for national growth. Journalists, as defenders of democracy, must not be left out.”
She urged the Minister to support the Journalists’ Village in Abuja, through an affordable homes scheme, that would ensure their peace of mind and security.
Furthermore,” lke called for other infrastructural support from the ministry in areas of completion of the NUJ Pentagon building and building a modern hall for over 2,000 journalists.
Partnership in Urban Renewal, with journalists playing a bigger role as both reporters and community members.
Access to Housing Finance, ensuring journalists can benefit from mortgage schemes, and training to help them understand housing policies and finance.
The FCT NUJ Chairman assured the Minister of the NUJ’s continued support, in not just reportage of government activities but in close synergy for the good of Nigeria.
She also praised Barr. Festus Adebayo, CEO of TV Housing Show, for his continued advocacy for affordable housing for journalists in the capital territory.
Moreover, to make things easier for the public, the housing ministry has announced a new online platform – www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng – where people can apply for homes, check mortgage costs, and track their applications without stress.
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