President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and that of the Ministry of Works, David Umahi to begin the construction of access roads leading to all new ‘Renewed Hope Cities and Estates’ sites in Abuja and across the country.
Mark Chiese, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, in a statement at the weekend, reiterated that the move was in line with the federal government’s bid to deliver on its promise to improve the welfare of Nigerians through decent and affordable shelter.
Tinubu emphasised the need to make such cities and estates accessible, liveable and safe in order to decongest city centres, the statement said, adding that the scheme will see to the delivery of 50,000 housing units of various house types in the first phase.
It further noted that new city developments were also an important instrument of massive job creation and economic development, explaining that “at 25 direct and indirect jobs per house, the 20,000 housing units planned for the FCT alone will create 500,000 jobs.”
The launch, it said, coincided with the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of 20,000 housing units in the FCT, beginning with a pilot site for 3,112 units, at the Karsana District of the FCT.
The project, being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, is for a total of 100,000 housing units across the country, beginning with the first phase in the FCT.
It quoted a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, as stressing that the president also reiterated his administration’s resolve to provide decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.
“On this note, I am today directing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Minister of Works to provide access roads to all Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Projects to increase accessibility and liveability starting with this site in Karsana.
“This is because my administration believes that every Nigerian deserves to have access to shelter that is affordable and adequate,” the statement added.
It pointed out that under the plan, integrated living communities that will redefine the essence of residential living for Nigerians nationwide will be built.
It emphasised that the president’s vision is to build dynamic, integrated, and self-sustaining communities, equipped with amenities to enhance the quality of living for residents
“This includes well-connected access and internal roads, provision of reliable and uninterrupted electricity, healthcare facilities to offer accessible and quality medical services and educational institutions to provide learning environments that nurture knowledge and skills,” it further quoted Tinubu as saying.
The president applauded the innovativeness of the Housing Ministry in taking advantage of PPP collaborations that attract domestic, foreign, and diaspora investments.
He said the federal government aims to design and implement incentive schemes, boost Nigeria’s capital market while enhancing the governance and risk management frameworks to ensure their stability, transparency and integrity.
He emphasised his resolve to face the housing challenge with the clarity of purpose and determination that is required to break all the barriers that stand in the way of success.
“That is why I took the historic decision of separating the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from Works so it can be fully aligned towards tackling the nation’s massive housing problem.
“That is also why I have appointed experienced professionals with proven track records of delivering in the housing sector to lead the Ministry,” he added.
Tinubu also assured of his commitment to providing the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with the support and political will required to ensure that his administration makes a historic difference in the housing and urban development landscape of the country.
Expressing excitement that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has awarded contracts for the construction of 200 housing units in twelve (12) states (two per geo-political zone) as Renewed Hope Estates, he assigned the Minister to proceed with the groundbreaking ceremonies in the twelve (12) locations, stating that the estates must be completed before the end of 2024.
The president added that in the next couple of weeks he will also be performing the ground-breaking of a similar project to deliver 2,500 housing units at the Ibeju–Lekki coastal city, Lagos.
Emmanuel Addeh
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