The newly appointed Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has outlined his ambitious vision for affordable housing in Nigeria.
He disclosed this at a dinner organised by the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) and Friends of Dangiwa in Abuja.
The minister expressed his gratitude to HDAN and its executive director, Bar. Festus Adebayo, for their unwavering support throughout his tenure as the MD/CEO of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
He highlighted his commitment to providing Nigerians with access to “decent, quality, and affordable housing.”
Acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s role in appointing him, Dangiwa asserted, “I am highly optimistic that with the support of His Excellency to do uncommon things, there is no challenge that the housing sector currently faces that collectively we cannot overcome.”
He emphasised the Ministry’s role in fostering an environment conducive to private sector investment and pledged to formulate policies that empower housing agencies under his supervision.
“I have been one of you and still remain one of you,” the Minister declared, recognising the passion of stakeholders for the housing sector.
He expressed his readiness to consult and collaborate with industry experts to address pressing issues.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including rapid population growth, Dangiwa promised to take “bold initiatives” and champion reforms.
He revealed key priorities, including streamlining land and housing administration, recapitalizing the FMBN, and reforming housing agencies like the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
“We will also embrace innovative housing construction financing solutions while working with relevant institutions to unlock the funding required to deliver massive affordable housing nationwide,” he added.
Dangiwa unveiled plans to release a Strategic Housing and Urban Development Blueprint in the coming days, showcasing the government’s comprehensive approach to housing reforms.
He highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to reforming the housing sector and urged stakeholders to “embrace this historic opportunity.” He declared, “This is a moment of change. Let’s all seize it and make a difference.”
