The year 2024 marked a transformative period for Nigeria’s housing sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, under the leadership of Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the ministry recorded remarkable milestones that addressed housing deficits, enhanced urban development, and promoted economic growth.
In January, the ministry inaugurated four Reform Task Teams focusing on strengthening housing institutions, streamlining land administration, fostering multi-agency collaboration, and establishing building materials manufacturing hubs across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. These teams have produced actionable reports that guide ongoing reforms, marking a significant departure from past administrations’ unimplemented recommendations.
February saw the launch of the Nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme at the Karsana District in the Federal Capital Territory led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa. This ambitious initiative, aiming to construct 50,000 housing units in its first phase, leveraged various funding sources, including budgetary allocations, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and Public-Private Partnerships. Tangible progress has already been made in several states, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering affordable housing.
In May, the ministry inaugurated the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) governing council, led by Arc. Dipo Ajayi, to tackle issues such as building collapses and professional accountability. Similarly, in July, the ministry hosted a UK delegation during the Africa International Housing Show to discuss boosting housing investments, showcasing Nigeria’s openness to international partnerships.
In July, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, engaged in a series of key activities:
International Collaboration: He hosted the UK Delegation who came for the 18th Africa International Housing Show, the largest housing event in Africa, fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange. He also attended a dinner hosted by the UK Ambassador to Nigeria for the delegation to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Domestic Policy Focus: The Minister received the progress reports from housing sector reform task teams which he established, demonstrating his commitment to addressing critical issues within the housing sector.
These activities highlight the Minister’s dedication to advancing the housing sector through international collaboration, policy review, and strategic engagement with global stakeholders.
By August, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of the National Housing Data Steering Committee. Speaking at the event, Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa emphasized that fixing Nigeria’s housing data problem is a top priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The 13-member committee was tasked with establishing a framework for a National Housing Data Centre (NHDC), improving data gathering and distribution, and setting up a mortgage exchange. This initiative aims to provide credible and verifiable data to support the housing market and foster economic development.
In September, the ministry announced a groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to address Nigeria’s unregistered and untitled lands, unlocking an estimated $300 billion in dormant capital. This collaboration includes a National Land Registration and Titling Programme in partnership with state governments, aimed at boosting economic opportunities and enhancing real estate investments.
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development also made significant strides in resolving land disputes with the Lagos State Government. A tripartite committee was established to address issues surrounding land administration, including disputes over the former Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi.
Additionally, the ministry took proactive steps to combat quackery in the building industry with the establishment of the Builders’ Disciplinary Tribunal and reinforced its commitment to disability-friendly housing by implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. This included structural adjustments like ramps and elevators in ministry buildings to ensure accessibility.
Another achievement of the Minister was global engagement with his participation in the World Urban Forum, utilizing this platform to meet with the Executive Secretary of UN Habitat and actively pursue investment opportunities for the Nigerian housing industry.
Other key achievements included the allocation of completed houses under the National Housing Programme, partnerships with Shelter Afrique to deliver 5,000 housing units, and collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) to end building collapses.
These accomplishments reflect the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s unwavering commitment to tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit, promoting sustainable urban development, and fostering economic resilience.
Under the leadership of Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the ministry has set a benchmark for excellence in addressing critical national housing and urban development challenges.