News Investigators/ The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has pledged his support for the proposed Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Journalists’ Village project.
Mr Dangiwa made this known during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT leadership, led by its Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, on Friday in Abuja.
The minister lauded the vital role journalists play in nation-building and assured them they would not be left out of the government’s housing plans.
“Your voices matter. You help explain government policies to the public and hold us accountable, something we value greatly,” he said.
Mr Dangiwa assured the NUJ that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) would support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme.
However, he emphasised that the first step was for the Union to secure a titled plot of land.
“Once you get a titled plot and a housing design in place, bring it to us. Through the FMBN, we will help build affordable homes for journalists, payable over about 30 years,” he stated.
He advised the Union to engage an architect to design the houses, and promised to direct the FMBN to initiate a cooperative housing development scheme to build the estate.
He also recommended that the union presented a list of off-takers, journalists who would benefit from the housing, with a payment plan extending up to 30 years at an interest rate of six per cent.
Additionally, the Minister promised that the ministry would inspect the ongoing NUJ FCT Pentagon building to explore further support.
He briefed the union on key initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, a transformative effort aimed at addressing the housing deficit and creating jobs.
“The Renewed Hope Housing Programme has three key components: Renewed Hope Cities, 1,000 housing units in each of the six geopolitical zones and the FCT.
“Renewed Hope Estates – 250 units in each state capital.
“Renewed Hope Social Housing, 100 units in each Local Government Area nationwide.”
Dangiwa also announced the commencement of work on more than 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit through large-scale, nationwide projects.
He noted that the Ministry had adopted a transparent approach to housing allocation by creating the Renewed Hope Housing Portal, accessible at www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng
Earlier, Ike expressed appreciation to the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the housing programme.
She commended the achievements recorded so far, including the delivery of 10,000 homes, the expansion of slum upgrade projects, and reforms in the housing sector, particularly improvements in the Federal Mortgage Bank and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Ike also lauded the minister’s international engagements and initiatives like the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing support for people with disabilities.
“Housing is not just shelter, it’s dignity and a foundation for national growth. Journalists, as defenders of democracy, must not be left out,” she said.
She called on the minister to support the establishment of the Journalists’ Village in Abuja, which would provide affordable housing and peace of mind for media professionals.
She also appealed for support to complete the NUJ Pentagon building and to construct a modern conference hall to serve more than 2,000 journalists.
Additionally, she requested partnerships in Urban Renewal programmes, emphasising that journalists should be seen not only as reporters but as active members of their communities.
Ike further advocated for access to housing finance, ensuring journalists benefited from mortgage schemes, and requested training to help them better understand housing policies and financial options.
She assured the minister of the NUJ’s continued support, not only to report on government efforts but to collaborate for national development.
NAN
