Minister vows to restructure housing sector for optimal delivery
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has committed to restructuring the housing sector to enhance housing delivery for Nigerians.
During a meeting with members of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) in Abuja, he emphasized the ministry’s role in providing policy guidance to the housing industry.
Dangiwa stated that housing policies were under review to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the aim of stimulating economic growth and job opportunities.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of these policy revisions in creating a conducive environment for economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
On the issue of building collapses, the minister assured that collaborative efforts with professionals and state authorities would address this problem.
NIA President, Enyi Ben-Eboh, raised concerns about challenges in the architecture field and urged the minister to work with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to regulate substandard building materials.
He also advocated for architects’ involvement in the National Development Plan (2021-2025) to support the Federal Government’s goal of providing 500,000 to one million houses annually.
Meanwhile, Shelter Afrique successfully raised $100 million through a local currency bond issuance for housing operations in Nigeria, as part of a $250 million medium-term loan.
Dr. Chii Akporji, the Board Chairperson, conveyed this news to Minister Ahmed Dangiwa, also inviting him to chair the upcoming yearly general meeting in Algiers.
She requested the minister’s assistance in settling Nigeria’s outstanding capital subscription of $21 million, which had been approved during the previous administration but remained unpaid.
In response, Minister Dangiwa pledged continued collaboration and commended Shelter Afrique’s efforts to transform into the Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
