The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has revealed that the Federal Government has executed over 100 slum upgrade and urban renewal projects across Nigeria in the last two years.
Dangiwa made this known during a meeting with the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Salisu Badamasi Haiba.
The minister stated that the completed projects include water supply, drainage systems, roads, sanitation, and street lighting, alongside interventions in schools and hospitals.
He expressed delight at the news that one of the Development Commissions under the Regional Development Ministry is constructing over 1,000 housing units for its citizens, reinforcing the government’s commitment to nationwide housing initiatives.
On the Renewed Hope Cities project, Dangiwa explained that these planned housing developments, comprising blocks of flats, duplexes, and terraces would be located in each geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“Currently, we have taken Abuja, where Mr. President graciously did the groundbreaking of 3,112 houses, funded under PPP, another one in Lagos for 2,000 houses and also in Kano for 2,000 housing units,” he said.
Dangiwa further disclosed that the ministry plans to expand its housing projects to the remaining 30 states, with 250 units of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom flats in two locations within each geopolitical zone.
He also highlighted the National Social Housing Programme, which aims to provide affordable homes for low-income earners and vulnerable Nigerians.
The initiative targets the construction of at least 100 housing units in each Local Government Area across the country.
Speaking on the economic impact of the housing projects, the minister noted that the over 10,112 ongoing housing constructions could create at least 250,000 jobs, estimating that each unit generates 25 employment opportunities.
He assured Ahmadu that staff members of the Regional Development Ministry would also benefit from these housing projects.
In response, Minister of State, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, stated that the creation of the Regional Development Ministry by President Bola Tinubu was aimed at driving grassroots development through the development commissions under its supervision.
Recognizing housing as a key priority for his ministry, Ahmadu expressed readiness to collaborate with the Housing Ministry to prevent duplication of projects.
He informed Dangiwa of a 1,000-unit housing estate at Mafa Local Government Area in Borno State, emphasizing that such large-scale projects would be more effectively executed through inter-ministerial collaboration.
“The Ministry, through the commissions, aims to undertake urban renewal, infrastructure development in selected cities, and smart housing, while also exploring viable financing models,” Ahmadu added.
The meeting underscored the government’s efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation to accelerate housing and urban development across Nigeria.