Minister of housing and urban development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reiterated his commitment to ending decades of unsuccessful efforts in housing reforms.
Dangiwa who said this during a courtesy visit by the governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Radda, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, yesterday, promised to approach his ministerial duties with the full understanding of the huge responsibility that accompanies it.
The minister lamented that since independence, Nigeria has struggled to provide decent housing for its citizens despite numerous plans, initiatives as well as projects, and institutions introduced over the past 60 years. He stressed that progress in housing reforms has been limited, especially with the rapid population growth leading to the accumulation of a significant housing deficit.
While calling on the Katsina State government to champion the adoption and passage of mortgage foreclosure laws through the State House of Assembly, the minister revealed that the legislative action will enable the creation of an enabling environment for private sector investment in housing as well as stimulate economic growth, and provide its citizens with access to affordable housing.
He promised the support of the ministry in providing all the necessary facilitation with relevant institutions to make that happen.
“Today, the housing sector remains far from where it should be in terms of meeting the needs of millions of Nigerians for decent shelter, while contributing as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication. This is the challenge that His Excellency has put on my shoulders. With the grace of Allah, I am committed to putting in the hard work necessary to break the jinx of failure and achieve historic success.
“As part of our efforts to achieve this, we have outlined a series of housing reform initiatives in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We plan to embark on a stakeholder engagement drive with state governors nationwide towards achieving it. As my dear visionary, progressive, and reform-minded governor, I would like you to consider the rapid implementation of the initiatives,” he stated.
In his response, the governor declared that his government will collaborate with the ministry on urban renewal and rural development.
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