L-R: Yusuf Ata, minister of state for housing and urban development; Grace Ike, chairperson of the FCT Nigerian Union of Journalists; and Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development
Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development, has backed the proposed Nigerian Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) village in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja while receiving the NUJ federal capital territory (FCT) leadership led by the council chairperson Grace Ike, Dangiwa commended journalists for their contributions to democracy and nation-building.
He said the housing initiative proposed by the FCT council of the NUJ aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope housing programme, aiming to bridge the housing deficit, create jobs, and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
“Your voices matter. You help explain government policies to the public and hold us accountable — something we value greatly,” the minister said.
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“Our aim is simple; every Nigerian should have a fair chance to own a decent home.”
He assured the delegation that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) would support the project through a cooperative housing model after the union must have secured titled land.
The minister said over 10,000 housing units have been initiated across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed under the renewed hope programme.
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He also highlighted a new digital platform — renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng — where Nigerians can apply for homes, check mortgage affordability, and track their applications.
Dangiwa noted that the renewed hope programme has created over 250,000 jobs, adding that the ministry is working on land reforms to unlock an estimated $300 billion worth of dormant property assets.
He also announced a new partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to deliver 5,000 affordable homes and establish local material hubs to reduce construction costs.
The NUJ chairperson commended President Tinubu for his commitment to delivering 50,000 homes under the first phase of the renewed hope programme.
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She urged the minister to provide infrastructural upgrades, access to housing finance and mortgage literacy training for journalists.
