Kogi Assembly, Ministry Partner To Address Housing Deficit

The Kogi State House of Assembly has promised to partner with the State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development towards the provision of affordable houses for the citizens and address the acute housing deficit in the state.

The vice chairman, House Committee on Physical Planning, Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Sunday Daku made the promise on Friday, shortly after the lawmakers embarked on an oversight function to the Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Lokoja.

Hon. Daku who is the member representing Bassa in the State House of Assembly commended the commissioner and his team for their hard work and dedication.

The lawmaker assured the commissioner that the committee would continue to support the ministry’s efforts to provide affordable housing and improve urban development in Kogi State.

According to him, “This is one of our duties as lawmakers to checkmate the activities of ministries, departments and agencies through our oversight function. Today, the agency took us round to inspect ongoing constructions of some of their projects and as well as to ascertain some of their challenges and how we could intervene.

“The visit has provided us with valuable insights into the ministry’s operations and progress and on our part as a committee we will ensure that the ministry remains on track to achieving its goals.”

Daku commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for embarking on massive projects across the state, adding that his commitment to consolidating the achievement of his predecessor is highly appreciated.

Earlier, the state commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, briefed the committee on the ministry’s progress, highlighting its achievements in housing development, urban renewal, and infrastructure development.

While noting that the Assembly members are part of the progress of the ministry, the commissioner noted that plans are on by the present administration to address the housing deficit in the state.

On the need to update the State Master Plan for the purpose of urban rejuvenation, Hon. Taiye explained that the ministry was working closely with state governments and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive urban development plans.

The Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning, Urban and Rural Development had earlier inspected the ongoing construction of Kogi Audit House and the ongoing renovation of Kogi State Customary Court of Appeal for an oversight function.