The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has urged the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations for key housing initiatives, highlighting their significance in driving economic recovery and growth.
Speaking during the Senate Committee on Housing’s budget defence session on Monday at the National Assembly Complex, Dangiwa emphasized the need for more funds to execute critical projects, including the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Housing Programme and the Slum Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme.
“Current Allocations Are Inadequate”
Dangiwa revealed that the ministry’s 2024 allocation of N162.609 billion was insufficient to meet the sector’s needs. For 2025, the proposed capital budget ceiling is N83.752 billion, which he described as “a far cry from even the previous year’s appropriation.”
Calling on the committee to advocate for increased funding, Dangiwa said, “These programmes are pivotal to Mr. President’s transformative policies, designed to stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and attract investments.”
Renewed Hope Programme: Building Jobs and Opportunities
Explaining the impact of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, Dangiwa noted that the first phase aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across 18 states.
“The construction and development of these areas will create 1.25 million direct and indirect construction jobs for professionals and artisans, such as architects, engineers, plumbers, and masons,” he stated.
The minister highlighted the ripple effects on local businesses, emphasizing the need for N108.6 billion to implement the programme at a rate of 250 housing units per state.
Slum Upgrading and Urban Renewal: Expanding the Reach
Dangiwa also underscored the importance of the Slum Upgrading and Urban Renewal Programme, which currently covers four sites in each geopolitical zone and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He estimated that at least N100 billion would be required to scale up the programme and achieve significant results.
Managing Liabilities
The minister raised concerns about the ministry’s mounting liabilities, amounting to over N92 billion, stemming from certified but unpaid projects. He requested N60 billion in the 2025 budget to reduce the financial burden.
Senate Committee Pledges Support
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, assured the minister of the committee’s commitment to resolving these challenges.
“We will work with the Ministry of Finance, the budget office, and the Presidency to address these liabilities and secure debt relief for both the ministry and contractors,” Tambuwal said.
Dangiwa’s plea for increased funding underscores the critical role of housing in economic development and the urgent need for adequate resources to meet the nation’s housing demands.
