The federal government has said that it is going to build 34,000 homes in select cities and state capitals across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the first phase of the Renewed Hope Cities Project.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this disclosure, on Thursday during the meeting with the comptroller general of Immigration Service at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said that increasing access to decent, quality and affordable housing for all Nigerians is a major priority of this government. He revealed that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for housing and urban development, the government have already mapped out clear actionable steps to make this possible for Nigerians.
According to him, the major focus area is the reform of all federal housing agencies such as the Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria and Federal Housing Authority.
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While explaining that these cities will stand as symbols of inclusivity, ensuring that every Nigerian family, regardless of their income level, has a place to call home, the minister stated that FMBN will focus on affordable houses with a payment plan of single digit interest rates and long tenures of up to 30 years to contributors to the National Housing Fund Scheme, while FHA has flexibility to develop houses for the high income segments.
“Our Renewed Hope Cities will be inclusive and integrate all segments of Nigerians. They will comprise 1, 2, and 3-bedroom affordable bungalows and multi-level flats catering for low to medium-income earners and ensuring they have access to affordable and comfortable living spaces.”
“For high-income earners, we will leverage Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers to offer the elegance of Terrace and detached bungalows and duplexes providing them with homes that match their status and aspirations.
“To fund this initiative, we will leverage resources from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budgetary allocation, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and engaging in Public Private Partnerships with reputable developers. This collaboration will pave the way for a new era in housing development, ensuring that every Nigerian can afford a place they can proudly call home.”
Meanwhile, the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Caroline Adepoju said that shelter is the number one priority of any human being and reiterated that when shelter is a challenge to an individual, it tends to expose them to all sorts of illegal behaviours.
“So we have thought about it and I said well with this new administration, I’m aware that there are programmes in place where the immigration service of Nigeria can benefit from. That is why I’m here today and to also make my request that I want you to come to the rescue of our personnel,” she said.
