NEWS
FG Is Fixing Structural, Macroeconomic Foundations That’ll Make Housing Affordable – Dangiwa
...Unveils State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa on Tuesday reiterated President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve towards fixing the structural and macroeconomic foundations that will make housing affordable and sustainable today and in the long run.
Dangiwa who gave the assurance in Abuja while presenting keynote address during the opening of the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), observed that the present administration is taking bold steps to stabilise the economy, strengthen the Naira, raise real incomes, and reduce inflation. These efforts are already beginning to show results—and they are laying the groundwork for a housing market where Nigerians can truly own or rent homes that reflect their income levels and living realities.”
The Minister also rolled out plans for the launch of State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaigna
“I must say that this conviction is at the heart of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme. The programme reflects a clear strategy for reimagining housing delivery across three tiers. First is Renewed Hope Cities which are large-scale urban developments with integrated infrastructure for construction in Nigerian cities — Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Maiduguri, Kaduna and Nasarawa Second are the Renewed Hope Estates which are medium-density residential clusters located in each of the 30 States. The third component is the Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates which aim to provide deeply affordable homes for low-income Nigerians, supported by targeted government subsidies to ensure affordability to be situated in each of the LGAs.
“To deepen the mortgage market and increase homeownership, the government has also set up the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF). This will mobilise blended finance—drawing in public and private capital to provide more longer term mortgage loans at twelve percent interest per annum to Nigerians.
“Recognising the reality that not everyone is ready to buy a home, we have also introduced two groundbreaking interventions at Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). The Rent-to-Own Scheme which allows eligible Nigerians to move into homes while paying monthly toward ownership. The Rental Assistance Product which helps Nigerians pay their annual rent in advance, with flexible monthly repayment terms. These are practical tools to ease housing pressure, particularly for urban workers and young families.
“Our commitment also extends to the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme, which prioritizes infrastructure improvement, housing rehabilitation, and service delivery in underserved communities. These efforts align with the UN-Habitat Global Action Plan for Slum Transformation and the Addis Declaration adopted at the 2024 Africa Urban Forum, which commits African governments to leave no one-and no place—behind.
“However, we know that real progress must happen beyond the federal level. The biggest gaps in housing delivery are at the subnational level—where many State Governments lack technical capacity, planning systems, and financial tools to act decisively.”
In the bid to address the challenges, he unveiled Federal Government’s plan to “launch a State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign – a high-impact outreach initiative in collaboration with state governments, the private sector, and development partners. The goal is to bridge the gap between national housing policy and state-level execution while empowering citizens with the knowledge and tools to access affordable housing opportunities.
“As part of this initiative, we aim to embed Housing Reform Champions as Special Advisers to State Governors, convene State Housing Roundtables to review existing housing development plans and provide technical advisory, develop actionable roadmaps, and offer hands-on support to structure viable projects and unlock financing.
“The campaign will also ensure alignment with federal programmes, thereby enabling states to access funding and technical support from institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), Family Homes Funds, the Mass Rent-to-Own and Equity Investment Facility (MREIF), Shelter Afrique Development Bank, and others.
The Minister also underscored the government’s renewed political will to housing delivery we have also finalized plans to establish an Experts-led National Housing Policy Coordination and Monitoring Committee to evaluate, and report on the implementation of the National Housing Policy and related housing sector programmes.
While commending the Convener of AIHS Team led by Mr. Festus Adebayo for their consistency and impact in shaping housing discourse and partnerships across Africa for nearly two decades.
On his part, former Federal Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana on Tuesday called for urgent measures to tackle Nigeria’s worsening housing crisis, advocating for local production of building materials and decentralisation of infrastructure management.
Professor Gana who acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its housing renewal agenda aimed at expanding affordable housing, applauded the recapitalisation of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) from ₦2.5 billion to ₦500 billion, describing it as “a vital step designed to expand the Bank’s capacity for affordable housing delivery.”
Expressing grave concern over the deepening housing affordability crisis, Professor Gana said: “despite these commendable efforts, I must raise a serious alarm. We are facing an escalating crisis of high prices for houses and prohibitive interest rates, which are making housing increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian worker.
“This represents a significant barrier to home ownership, and remains a major contributor to our nations staggering housing deficit, currently estimated to be between 17 and 22 million units. Thus, more than 90% of Nigerians cannot afford to purchase a home.
“The root causes are obvious. Inflation, currently at 23.71 percent as of April 2025 drives up construction costs, while the Central Bank of Nigeria’s high interest rate of 27.5% means that typical mortgage rates often exceed 20 percent, making housing finance largely inaccessible. The compound devaluation of the naira only exacerbates these issues, greatly raising the cost of imported building materials.
In the bid to address the challenges, Professor Gana stressed the urgent need to reduce reliance on imported building materials, which constitute 50–70% of housing costs, and called for the establishment of building material manufacturing hubs in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Professor Gana who doubles as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, said: “It is time to think outside the box and begin to address how we can reduce our dependency on importation of building materials.
“We must come together and produce ‘Made in Nigeria’ houses. Indeed promoting the widespread adoption of local content in housing delivery is a strategic imperative for sustainable national development,” he stated.
Beyond the economic implications, the former Minister who linked housing insecurity to national security, argued that inadequate housing not only perpetuates socioeconomic inequality but also directly activates civil unrest, and influences migration patterns. A significant housing deficit ultimately lads to high unemployment rates, rising crime rates, and increased poverty. Providing decent housing is a critical solution to insecurity.
Professor Gana further advocated decentralisation of infrastructure management, urging that States and Local Governments be empowered to provide housing solutions.
“May I advocate for decentralization of infrastructure management by empowering Federation units to provide basic needs like housing. Top-down solutions are not suitable for a challenge of this massive scale. We must do our very best to ensure every citizen has access to decent, affordable, and suitable shelter, homes that serve as foundations for dignity, security, and prosperity,” he said.
In his remarks, Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, represented by Professor Suleiman Bogoro underscored the need to “prioritize affordable housing, sustainable urban planning, and inclusive development.
“We must work collaboratively to ensure that our housing policies are not only effective but also equitable and beneficial to all segments of society. The future of Africa’s housing sector depends on our collective ability to innovate, invest, and implement solutions that meet the needs of our growing populations.”
Also speaking, National Programme Officer for United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), Paul Okunlola observed that Africa continent is in desperate need of effective and enduring housing solutions that can adequately curtain the widening gap between the rapidly rising populations in need of decent but affordable housing, and, enhance the capacities of existing housing delivery systems to meet their needs.
He said: “Indeed, the numbers speak for themselves. Today, there are an estimated 2.8 billion globally (about one-third of the World’s population), who do not have access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing, thereby limiting their enjoyment of basic rights, including the right to work, health social security education and many others.
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen unfortunately many of the factors driving this housing delivery gap are well known in Nigeria, including among others conflict and climate-induced displacement, the commodification of housing fragmented policies and uneven/inconsistent approach to implementation of strategies in Nigeria, for instance, the dearth of critical data, such as the precise scale of the nations housing deficit and absence of evidence-based needs and affordability data remains major limitation to sustainable public housing programmes and viable private initiatives. ‘As it has been said, ‘if you can’t measure it, you cannot fix!”
To this end, he underscored the need to “rethink urban policies, land use, legislation and financing to prioritize housing and basic services as key drivers of climate action and sustainable development.”
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called for transparency, accountability, and effective deployment of tax revenues to infrastructure development as part of the sweeping tax reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She spoke at the inaugural distinguished parliamentarian lecture organised by the House of Representatives Press Corps with the theme “navigating tax reforms in Nigeria: Insights on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies”.
The lecture was delivered by former Speaker of the House of Representatives are Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limiter Yakubu Dogara.
The NUJ Chairman said the tax reforms represent bold steps toward modernizing Nigeria’s fiscal system, broadening the tax base, and reducing over-dependence on oil revenues.
She said “Tax reform is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and social development. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing bold steps aimed at modernizing and strengthening our tax system”.
Ike commended the administration’s commitment, emphasizing that the success of the reforms depends on how well revenues are used to improve infrastructure and the quality of life for citizens.
“We must place emphasis on improved infrastructures, urging the government to deploy taxes effectively,” she noted.
The NUJ FCT Chair stressed the need for clear communication of the policies so Nigerians understand their rights and responsibilities.
She said the media has a central role in fostering dialogue and building public trust in the reforms.
“The media must provide accurate, unbiased information and foster public dialogue to build trust in these reforms. Transparency and accountability should guide every stage of implementation to protect the interests of all Nigerians,” she stated.
Ike also urged collaboration among all stakeholders, including lawmakers, the executive, civil society, and the media, to ensure the reforms deliver tangible benefits.
“Our collective goal must be a Nigeria with a robust economy, where tax policies contribute to sustainable development and improved quality of life for every citizen,” she added.
She commended the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for making the lecture a reality, describing it as a platform that will enrich public policy engagement.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran said taxation has become one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria today, with multiple narratives circulating about petroleum tax, data tax, and requirements such as the National Identification Number (NIN) for bank operations.
He said the newly introduced Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture is designed to bridge the gap between the legislature and the public by simplifying parliamentary activities and clarifying national issues.
“As journalists, the mirror of society and agenda setters, we believe this forum offers a unique opportunity to unpack these grey areas and simplify parliamentary activities for Nigerians,” he said.
The Press Corps chairman explained that the aim of the lecture is to create a platform where distinguished parliamentarians, past and present, can share knowledge and provide clarity on topical national issues through the lens of the legislature.
“This is vital, because the legislature remains the most misunderstood arm of government in Nigeria,” he added.
Onadiran described the inaugural guest lecturer, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, as a statesman whose insights would enrich discourse on tax reforms and national development.
“As Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives, he presided over the passage of historic bills, set legislative records, and distinguished himself as a bridge-builder committed to deepening democracy and promoting good governance,” he noted.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture, Philip Nyiam, said the initiative marks a new chapter for the Press Corps, positioning journalists as agenda setters and contributors to national development beyond routine reporting.
Nyiam said the Press Corps was determined to expand its role by enlightening Nigerians on issues of national interest.
“This is a novel in the history of the House Press Corps. It is part of efforts to change the narrative where journalists are seen as only reporting press releases, statements and conferences. As the watchdog of society, we are also agenda setters and we also enlighten society on key issues of national interest,” he stated.
He explained that the lecture was organised to demystify President Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, which has sparked apprehension and debate since the law came into effect.
According to him, the event provides a platform to address controversies around the reforms and their place in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
“This will be the contribution of the Press Corps to the growth of our nation and the sustenance of democracy and good governance,” Nyiam added.
He said the choice of the guest lecturer, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives and current Chairman of the National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd., was deliberate, given his experience, courage, and record of legislative achievements.
Nyiam expressed confidence that the deliberations would enrich national discourse on tax reforms and governance.
...Backs Governor Idris, President Tinubu’s Security Drive
Members of Kebbi State Caucus of the National Assembly on Friday called for the arrest and prosecution of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami over the breach of public peace which occurred last week.
Speaking on behalf of the Caucus during a press briefing held in Abuja, Senator representing Kebbi Central, Senator Adamu Aliero who responded to the baseless petition dated 10th September , 2025 initiated by Malami, pledged support for Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State on his tiredness efforts to maintain law and order in the State.
Senator Alero who was flanked by two Senators and Members of the House of Representatives Kebbi State Caucus, said: “The attention of the Kebbi State APC National Assembly Caucus has been drawn to a petition authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, dated 10th September 2025, in which he alleged that His Excellency, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), Governor of Kebbi State and other political actors are involved in Importation of Political Thugs, Foreign Mercenaries and Clandestine Arms Deals in the state.
“We wish to categorically state that these allegations are false, unfounded and politically motivated. They represent a desperate attempt by Mr. Malami, now leader of an imaginary opposition party in Kebbi State, to undermine the peace, progress and stability that our people currently enjoy under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris.
“Ironically, it is on record that during Malami’s recent condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, he hired thugs from Sokoto, Koko and Rara to accompany him into the state capital. These thugs, under his watch, attacked the APC State Secretariat with stones while chanting ‘One term’ against the Governor.
“Their actions led to violent clashes with APC supporters — an unprecedented development in Kebbi politics, which has always been known for its peaceful nature and culture of mutual respect. This incident alone speaks volumes about who is truly attempting to sow chaos and disrupt the peace of our state.
“At no time has the Kebbi State Government, nor the APC family, been involved in clandestine activities or linked with terrorist groups, as mischievously signed personally by the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“Kebbi remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria today, owing to deliberate investments in security, collaboration with security agencies and the overwhelming support of our patriotic citizens. It is important to note that the state Governor has demonstrated great Capacity and performance in the Security sector above all expectations and this is responsible for the Peace that the state has enjoyed compared to other states since the Governors assumption of Office
“We call on Nigerians to see Malami’s petition for what it truly is — a smear campaign laced with dangerous rhetoric intended to incite fear and distract from his dwindling political relevance. Resorting to alarmist narratives and unverified claims about foreign mercenaries and terrorism is not only irresponsible but also reckless, especially coming from a former top law officer of the federation.
“The Caucus further urges security agencies to focus their efforts on genuine threats to national security and not be drawn into partisan theatrics. We reaffirm our unwavering support for all security agencies working tirelessly to keep our borders safe and our communities peaceful and this sort of negative narratives are designed to undermine the efforts of the security agencies. We urge you not to be deterred. We also urge you to invite to invite Malami to substantiate his allegations.
“As elected representatives of the people of Kebbi State, we stand solidly behind Governor Nasir Idris and the APC administration. Together, we remain committed to delivering good governance, strengthening democracy and protecting the peace and dignity of our state.”
On his part, Senator representing Kebbi South, Senator Garuba Musa Maidoki who described APC as a peaceful party, said: “We want to put it on record that Malami’s house is less than 50 meters from the APC state headquarters, and if APC is a violent party, we would have had so much clashes between him and our people. But it had never happened until this incident came with a convoy, campaign style, and that sequence to that convoy.
“The national chairman of the INEC actually has warned that the political campaign has not started. It’s a campaign style moving in order to provoke our people. And we challenge him to produce evidence to you that there are… He says he has evidence. We challenge him to produce it, that our party is importing weapons. We are not a dangerous people.
“We do not support any dangerous activity towards Nigeria. We do not support We do not support terrorism in whatever form and manner. And we are against it. We are going to fight it.”
Senator Maidoki also applauded President Bola Tinubu efforts in the fight against insecurity, saying: “The President has done so well in the fight of banditry today. Before we came in, in my own constituency, we have more than 100 villages that have been abandoned and evacuated.
“But to the glory of God today, all the villages have gone back. That is not to say we don’t have challenge. We still have a long way to go. But we have done progress and we are expecting more progress. We will not be associated with any banditry. We reject that call. And we ask him to produce the results.”
NEWS
BTO Renewed Hope Media Team Commends President Tinubu’s Achievements, Hails Tunji-Ojo’s Transformative Impact
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what it described as “bold, transformative reforms” that are repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued on Monday, the team noted that since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated “exceptional courage and visionary leadership” through policies that are reshaping the nation’s economic, infrastructural, and institutional landscape.
The statement highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows, which have freed up resources for national development and sent strong signals to investors about Nigeria’s commitment to fiscal discipline. It also cited the administration’s repayment of the $3.4 billion COVID-19 IMF loan and the ₦100 billion Sovereign Sukuk loan, describing these steps as evidence of responsible economic management.
The BTO Renewed Hope Media Team gave special commendation to the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, applauding what it called his “transformative contributions” to effective governance. It particularly praised the ministry’s “historic feat” of clearing a backlog of 204,332 passports within just three weeks, a move it said has restored citizens’ confidence in government service delivery.
“Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has redefined efficiency and innovation in public service,” the statement read. “His leadership has not only eased the burden on Nigerians seeking passports but has also repositioned the Ministry of Interior as a model of modern governance.”
Beyond passport reforms, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has also spearheaded an unprecedented transformation of Nigeria’s correctional system. Under his dynamic leadership, correctional centres—once seen merely as punitive spaces for punishment and social exclusion—are being repositioned as hubs of reformation, rehabilitation, and empowerment. The recent inauguration of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre at the Abakaliki Correctional Centre, Ebonyi State, marks a significant milestone in these far-reaching reforms, offering inmates the rare opportunity to pursue quality education and rebuild their lives.
In line with the minister’s vision, correctional centres are no longer to be viewed as places where society condemns and abandons its offenders, but as platforms for personal transformation and national reintegration. Dr. Tunji-Ojo has repeatedly stressed this in his policy drive: “I don’t want our correctional centres to be places of condemnation. Correctional service is becoming transformational, rehabilitatory, and, of course, reformatory, and that’s what I want to see,” he said, reiterating his resolve to redefine the role of custodial facilities in national development.
The Abakaliki NOUN Special Study Centre embodies this philosophy in action. Inaugurated by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche, the centre was made possible through collaborative partnerships between government, private foundations, and development organisations. The building housing the facility was fully renovated and furnished by Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, while the Sudan Mission Foundation in the Netherlands equipped the centre with modern educational tools, ensuring that inmates have access to resources on par with regular university campuses.
During the inauguration, the Controller-General noted that the initiative signifies a shift in priorities for correctional management in Nigeria, emphasising that corrections should focus on redeeming lives rather than condemning them. He commended the Vice Chancellor of NOUN for sustaining the partnership that has so far established 15 correctional study centres nationwide, giving inmates across the country access to quality higher education.
The impact of this initiative is already evident in Abakaliki. Twenty-eight inmates have enrolled as pioneer students, 25 of whom are pursuing undergraduate degrees, while three are working toward their master’s programmes. The state controller of the correctional centre, Offem Bessie, described the development as “the opening of new doors of hope, opportunities, and transformation.” She highlighted that inmates now have the chance to upgrade their educational status and reshape their futures while serving their sentences, aligning with global best practices and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.
Hon. Chinedu Ogah praised the determination and resilience of the enrolled inmates, commending them for embracing education despite their current circumstances. He pledged that his foundation would fully support the pioneer students by covering tuition, books, and other learning materials to ensure they complete their studies without financial obstacles. “Being an inmate should not deprive anyone of the right to education or personal growth,” he said, adding that education remains one of the most powerful tools for reform and reintegration.
Mrs. Modukwe Adesina, the National Coordinator of NOUN Special Study Centres, provided further insight into the scale of these reforms. According to her, over 2,000 inmates across Nigeria have benefited from NOUN’s scholarship programmes, with 207 graduating from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across 12 custodial centres. With Abakaliki Correctional Centre now becoming the 15th facility approved by NOUN, more inmates than ever before will gain access to quality education, vocational training, and mentorship opportunities.
These strides in prison education are complemented by other innovative reforms introduced under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s leadership. One of the flagship initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated showroom in Maiduguri, where products handcrafted by inmates are displayed and sold to the public. Supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from the German government and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the programme equips inmates with vital vocational skills, offering them a chance to contribute meaningfully to society while generating income.
The broader vision is clear: to create a correctional system that produces reformed, skilled, and responsible citizens capable of reintegration and positive contributions to the national economy. This approach has earned Nigeria commendation from international partners, who have lauded the ministry’s commitment to aligning correctional practices with global standards while upholding human dignity and promoting second chances.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s reforms reflect a deliberate shift from punitive incarceration to restorative justice. Rather than merely punishing offenders, the government is investing in programmes that equip inmates with education, vocational expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism, combat societal stigma, and provide rehabilitated individuals with pathways to meaningful employment and self-reliance upon their release.
The synergy between the Ministry of Interior, NOUN, international partners, and local stakeholders has proven to be a catalyst for change. From transforming correctional centres into learning hubs to empowering inmates with practical skills, these reforms are reshaping the country’s justice and rehabilitation landscape. The Abakaliki study centre is a shining example of what is possible when reform-driven leadership is matched with collaboration and innovation.
For many inmates, the NOUN centre represents more than just classrooms and books; it symbolises hope, dignity, and the promise of a second chance. It underscores the government’s belief that every individual, regardless of past mistakes, deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and contribute positively to society.
Beyond the Ministry of Interior, the team highlighted other landmark achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which grants zero-interest loans to tertiary institution students, the creation of new federal universities in Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, and the rollout of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Project to deliver 6,612 housing units nationwide.
It also pointed to major infrastructural projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, and significant upgrades within the aviation sector, alongside President Tinubu’s legal victory over Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID) Ltd, which saved Nigeria a staggering $11.5 billion.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan; it is a reality unfolding before our eyes,” the statement added. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, and with dedicated public servants like Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigerians are seeing concrete results, improved services, and governance that truly delivers.”
The team concluded by expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and deliver even more transformative dividends to Nigerians in the years ahead.
