By Our Reporter
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing affordable and livable houses to Nigerians, regardless of religion, creed, race, or background.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the remark during the commissioning of a new shopping mall constructed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Senator Akume highlighted that prioritizing housing is central to the administration’s agenda, noting that the creation of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) underscores this commitment. He expressed confidence in the FHA leadership and staff, praising their nationwide efforts to provide RHA Estates across 28 states.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda policy on housing is a rejigged version of past initiatives, aiming to provide low-cost houses in all local governments across the country,” Senator Akume said. He further commended the FHA for turning into a performing agency, capable of addressing the nation’s housing needs while contributing to economic growth and security improvements.
Speaking at the event, FHA Managing Director and CEO, Hon. Oyetunde Olubunmi Ojo, noted that the era of abandoned projects is over. The newly commissioned mall, completed in under two years through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Horizon Construction Limited, features a four-story structure with 59 lock-up shops, a penthouse seating 600, lounges, lifts, escalators, borehole, standby generator, and ample parking space.
Ojo revealed plans to replicate such facilities across FHA estates nationwide, starting with Gwarinpa and Lugbe in Abuja. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop over 7,000 hectares of the Kabusu Estate in the FCT and to commence RHA Housing Estates in 17 states, with groundbreaking already conducted in Akwa Ibom and Kaduna.
“Our mission goes beyond providing affordable housing; we are creating modern facilities that foster business opportunities, generate employment, and improve the quality of life for Nigerians,” Ojo stated. He added that FHA has digitalized property files, interconnected zonal offices, and made its test laboratory fully operational to ensure efficiency, transparency, and safety in its operations.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Senator Akume, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Shaibu Belgore, and senior FHA officials.
Senator Akume called on Nigerians to support the government’s efforts, emphasizing that housing remains a top priority of the administration.
