By Esther Alexander
The Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa says he is committed to the effort required to break the scourge of failure and achieve historic success in the housing sector.
This was made known when he received a delegation from Katsina State led by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Dr. Dikko Radda on Tuesday in Abuja.
While recounting the ties that bind himself and the governor of Katsina, Dangiwa commended Dikko for the massive strides that he has recorded since becoming Governor, his tireless efforts in improving security, education, agriculture, infrastructural development, and the welfare of the citizens, which he described as a testament to his vision for a prosperous Katsina.
“Since independence, Nigeria has struggled to provide decent housing for its citizens. Despite numerous plans, initiatives, projects, and institutions introduced over the past 60 years, progress has been limited. With rapid population growth, these unsuccessful or suboptimal efforts have led to the accumulation of a significant housing shortage”.
“Today, the housing sector remains far from where it should be in terms of meeting the needs of millions of Nigerians for decent shelter while contributing as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication. This is the challenge that His Excellency has put on my shoulders.”
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“As part of our efforts to achieve this, we have outlined a series of housing reform initiatives in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
“We plan to embark on a Stakeholder Engagement Drive with State Governors nationwide towards achieving it. As my dear visionary, progressive, and reform-minded Governor, I would like you to consider the rapid implementation of the initiatives.”
“This includes championing the adoption and passage of mortgage foreclosure laws by the Katsina State House of Assembly. This legislative action is key to creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in housing, stimulating economic growth, and providing our citizens with access to affordable housing.”
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He further encouraged the Katsina State Government to deepen collaboration with key housing agencies, including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Housing Authority, and the Family Homes Funds, to increase access to affordable housing for Katsina indigenes.
Reacting, the governor of Katsina State assured the minister of his readiness to collaborate and support to urban renewal.
“Urban renewal and affordable housing are one of our administration’s utmost priorities. We want to expand our cities and that is why we are seeking collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to tap from their experiences to help us achieve this goal of renewing our cities and towns in the state.”
He therefore congratulated the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development and the State Minister of Housing for their well-deserved appointments. He urged the ministry directors and staff to give them maximum cooperation to achieve their mandate.
