The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has expressed full support for the proposed ‘NUJ FCT Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja, a housing scheme initiated by the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Dangiwa, who received the NUJ FCT leadership led by Chairperson Ms. Grace Ike in Abuja, described journalists as critical partners in nation-building. He assured them that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) would support the initiative once a titled plot of land and a housing design are secured.
“Your voices matter. You explain government policies and hold us accountable. We do not take this for granted,once you secure land and provide your design, the FMBN will support the project under our cooperative housing scheme.”the Minister stated
Dangiwa said the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which targets bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
The programme encompassed Renewed Hope Cities, with at least 1,000 homes in major cities and the FCT; Renewed Hope Estates with 250 homes per state capital for middle-income earners; and Renewed Hope Social Housing, which will provide 100 homes in each of the 774 LGAs for low-income earners and persons with disabilities.
He revealed that over 10,000 housing units are under construction in 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed featuring roads, solar lighting, clean water, and drainage.
To simplify the homeownership process, Dangiwa also introduced the Ministry’s new online platform: www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng, allowing Nigerians to apply for homes, calculate mortgage options, and track applications.
The Minister disclosed partnerships with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to finance 5,000 affordable homes and plans to establish local building material hubs to cut construction costs.
“Our aim is simple: every Nigerian deserves the chance to own a decent home,” he affirmed.
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike commended the Minister and President Tinubu for delivering 10,000 homes in the first phase of the housing programme. She also lauded ongoing sector reforms, including improved access to the Federal Mortgage Bank and the creation of the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme.
“Journalists are defenders of democracy and must not be excluded from access to decent housing,” she said.
Ike requested the Minister’s support for the establishment of the FCT Journalists’ Village, completion of the NUJ Pentagon Building and construction of a modern 2,000-capacity hall, involvement of journalists in urban renewal programmes, and access to housing finance and mortgage training for media professionals.
She concluded by pledging the NUJ’s continuous support for government efforts in addressing national development challenges.
Ike also praised Bar. Festus Adebayo, CEO of the Housing TV Show, for his consistent advocacy for affordable housing, especially for journalists in the FCT.
