I’ll break jinx of housing deficit in Nigeria, says minister

Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development, says he is ready to put in the hardwork needed to solve housing deficit in the country.

Dangiwa spoke when he received Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina state, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dangiwa said the housing sector remains far from where it should in meeting the needs of Nigerians.

He said since Nigeria gained independence, the country has been struggling to provide decent housing for citizens.

“Inspite of numerous plans, initiatives, projects, and institutions introduced over the past 60 years, progress has been limited,” Dangiwa said.

“With rapid population growth, these unsuccessful or suboptimal efforts have led to the accumulation of a significant housing shortage.

“This is the challenge that President Bola Tinubu has put on my shoulders. With the grace of Allah, I am committed to putting in the hard work necessary to break the jinx of failure and achieve historic success.

“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 president Tinubu.

“We plan to embark on a stakeholder engagement drive with state governors nationwide towards achieving it.”

Dangiwa commended the Katsina governor for his achievements within a short time.

He urged the people to support the Radda-led administration in transforming the state.

“His tireless efforts in improving security, education, agriculture, infrastructural development, and the welfare of our citizens is a testament to his vision for a prosperous Katsina,” the minister said.

“As a fellow son of Katsina state, I am immensely proud of the momentum of achievements that he has recorded in such a short time and I pray to the Almighty to continue to grant him the wisdom, understanding, and good health to transform our state.”

The minister encouraged Radda to deepen collaboration with key housing agencies, including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, and the Family Homes Funds, to increase access to affordable housing for Katsina indigenes.

Also speaking, Radda said the provision of affordable housing remains part of his priority programmes to improve the lives of Katsina residents.

The governor said Katsina is ready to collaborate with the ministry of housing to open the cities in the state.

“Urban renewal is one of the major priority of our administration,” Radda said.

“We want to expand our city, we are in the process of developing Katsina master plan which has expired in the last 30 years.

“So, urban renewal is one of the major focus of our administration and affordable housing to serve the people.

“So, we are thinking collaboration with the Housing and Urban Development Ministry to tap from your experiences to help us in achieving our goal of renewing our cities and towns in the state.”