President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step towards fulfilling his administration's promise of providing decent and a...
President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step towards fulfilling his administration's promise of providing decent and affordable housing for Nigerians. He recently launched the construction of 3,112 housing units in Renewed Hope City, located in Karsana, Abuja. This project is part of a larger initiative to deliver 20,000 housing units in the Federal Capital Territory, and it represents the first practical expression of the administration's New City Development Plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, released a press statement on February 8, 2024, providing these details.
President Tinubu emphasised his vision of building dynamic, integrated, and self-sustaining communities that would improve the quality of life for residents. These communities will be equipped with amenities such as well-connected access and internal roads, reliable electricity, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. The President stressed that the goal is to foster a sense of togetherness, improve citizens' health and productivity, and alleviate pressure on city centres.
Recognising the moral imperative of providing decent housing and the economic potential of the housing sector, President Tinubu classified housing as essential social infrastructure and a major priority area for economic growth and job creation. He highlighted that the planned 20,000 housing units in the Federal Capital Territory alone would generate approximately 500,000 jobs, with an estimated 25 direct and indirect jobs per house.
Addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria remains a top priority for the president's administration. President Tinubu emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, domestic and foreign investments, and incentive schemes to ensure the success of this endeavor. Furthermore, he spoke about the separation of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from Works, enabling a dedicated focus on the nation's housing problem. Experienced professionals with proven track records have been appointed to lead the ministry.
President Tinubu announced that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has already awarded contracts for the construction of 200 housing units in twelve states. Groundbreaking ceremonies for these Renewed Hope Estates will take place soon, and they are expected to be completed before the end of 2024. Additionally, the Ministry is developing Renewed Hope Cities in Kano, Lagos, and Abuja, utilising various funding arrangements. The President commended the Ministry's plan to implement a national urban and slum upgrading programme at 26 sites across the country.
Looking ahead, President Tinubu revealed that he will perform the groundbreaking of a similar project in the Ibeju-Lekki coastal city of Lagos, which aims to deliver 2,500 housing units. This project will demonstrate cross-subsidisation, with 400 housing units sold at concessionary rates to low- and medium-income Nigerians who are members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
With these bold initiatives, President Tinubu aims to confront the housing challenge head-on and make a historic difference in Nigeria's housing and urban development landscape. He is fully committed to providing the necessary political will to ensure the success of his administration's housing agenda.
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