The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has shown strong support for a new project called the FCT NUJ Journalists’ Village in Abuja. He believes this project is important and comes at just the right time. The goal of this housing project, created by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, is to provide good and affordable homes for journalists.
During a meeting with a group from the NUJ FCT Council, led by Chairwoman Ms. Grace Ike, the Minister praised journalists for their important work in keeping the public informed and holding leaders accountable. He promised that journalists would be included in the Federal Government’s housing plans under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Programme.
“You are essential partners in governance,” Dangiwa said. “Your voices are important, your stories shape our country, and we really appreciate what you do to keep everyone informed.”
The Minister explained that once the NUJ gets a piece of land and an approved building design, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will help build the Journalists’ Village through its cooperative housing program. Journalists will be able to pay for their homes over 30 years with a low-interest mortgage plan.
This project fits well with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aims to solve Nigeria’s housing shortage, create jobs, and improve living conditions. The program includes:
Renewed Hope Cities: Big developments with at least 1,000 homes in major cities, including the FCT.
Renewed Hope Estates: 250-unit housing estates in all state capitals for middle-income earners.
Social Housing Scheme: 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, focusing on low-income earners and vulnerable groups.
Dangiwa shared that over 10,000 housing units are already being built in 14 states and the FCT, and more than 150 projects to improve slums have been completed. These projects include better roads, solar lighting, clean water, and proper drainage systems.
He encouraged journalists and everyone else to use the new digital housing application platform at www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng. This website allows users to apply for homes, check mortgage options, and track their application status.
The Minister also mentioned partnerships with international housing financiers, like Shelter Afrique Development Bank, to provide 5,000 more affordable homes. There are also plans to create local building material hubs to lower construction costs.
“Our mission is simple – every Nigerian deserves a decent place to call home,” Dangiwa stated.
In her comments, NUJ FCT Chairwoman, Ms. Grace Ike, thanked the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase. She highlighted achievements like the ongoing construction of 10,000 homes, improved mortgage systems, and the Minister’s international efforts, especially the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing inclusion for people with disabilities.
“Having a home is not just a basic need; it’s about dignity and security,” she said. “As defenders of democracy and national development, journalists deserve to be included in housing plans.”
Ms. Ike asked for the Ministry’s help in making the Journalists’ Village project in Abuja a reality. She also requested support to finish the NUJ Pentagon building, build a 2,000-capacity events hall, and provide better access to housing finance and training for journalists.
She ended with a strong promise of the NUJ’s cooperation with the Ministry, emphasizing that journalists are not just storytellers of national progress but also important partners in development.
She also praised housing advocate and CEO of TV Housing Show, Bar Festus Adebayo, for his ongoing support for affordable housing for journalists in the FCT.
