Mr. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, has instructed the ministry’s heads of departments to come up with innovative strategies and ideas to enable the ministry achieve its objective of providing affordable housing in the country.
This comes as TEXEM, a corporation based in the United Kingdom, has stated that Dangiwa’s appointment signals a new age of advancement and innovation in the housing sector.
Dangiwa, who issued the directive on the first day of receiving detailed briefings from ministry principal officers, charged them with taking the lead in researching and developing housing designs that are actually affordable, acceptable, and accessible to Nigerians, particularly low and middle-income earners, who account for more than 80% of the Nigerian population.
According to him, the desired price range for a house that the average Nigerian can buy is N4 million to N7 million.
To accomplish this, the minister promptly established a Committee on Affordable home Design and charged its members with developing a least of three different home concepts that an average Nigerian may afford, with the direction that the conceptual designs be organic.
“This was part of a broad range of reform actions that he plans to take to ensure that the Ministry is properly re-aligned along the path of enhanced efficiency to enable it to perform its functions optimally towards delivering greater impact as stated in its mandate,” he said.
“This includes ensuring that the ministry, which is mostly staffed by professional Architects and Town Planners,” the statement said, “takes the lead in researching and developing housing designs that are, in reality, actually affordable, acceptable, and accessible to Nigerians, particularly low and medium-income earners, who account for more than 80% of the Nigerian population.”
He emphasized that all Ministry personnel must take their jobs seriously and give their fair share to accomplishing this goal.
“As a ministry staffed primarily by professional architects, we must use our knowledge and expertise to create innovative, affordable, and livable housing designs.”
“We must prioritize the 80 percent of Nigerians who have low to medium incomes.” “They, too, are Nigerians who deserve to live in decent, secure, and high-quality housing,” he said.
“This means that a family can start with a one-bedroom house and, as their income grows, expand that same house to a two-bedroom or three-bedroom house on the same parcel of land over time by attaching one or two walls,” it added.
Dangiwa went on to say that an affordable housing is one that is appropriately priced and within the financial means of low-income persons and families.
He stated that such a home should not cost more than 30% of a household’s income. Rent or mortgage payments, as well as utilities and maintenance charges, are all included.
“This puts the preferred cost of a house that an average Nigerian can afford within the range of N4 million to N7 million.”
The Minister also charged the Urban and Regional Planning Directorate with partnering with the National Assembly to develop an executable framework for commencing the review of the Land Use Act of 1978, which is critical for facilitating the supply of affordable housing.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that the Land Use Act contains outdated provisions and that, as a result of time, it no longer fully serves its intended purpose.
Meanwhile, TEXEM stated that Dangiwa’s nomination underlines the administration’s commitment to tackle the vital concerns of housing and urban development “in our rapidly evolving nation.”
In a congratulatory message, the corporation stated that Dangiwa is capable of taking Nigeria’s urban development and housing agenda ahead.
“His transformation from accomplished architect and academic to former CEO/MD of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and now as Minister of Housing and Urban Development, demonstrates his dynamic ability to shape the course of urbanization in Nigeria.”
“As the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa enters a new chapter in his illustrious career.”
“His demonstrated track record of leadership, innovation, and dedication positions him as a visionary poised to drive Nigeria’s urban development and housing agenda forward.”
“TEXEM, UK congratulates Architect Dangiwa and looks forward to witnessing the transformational strides he will bring to this pivotal sector in Nigeria.”
Dangiwa’s selection, according to the corporation, reflects a promise of a brighter, more sustainable, and inclusive urban future for all Nigerians.
The business also stated that Dangiwa’s appointment should act as a wake-up call to TEXEM and its executive community to strive for greatness.
“First and foremost, this appointment demonstrates that the organization lives its values: insights that inspire and actions that change the world.” Second, it serves as a reminder of the impact that TEXEM alumni may have on the nation and the world when they utilize the knowledge and skills they gained via TEXEM’s programs.
“Furthermore, this accomplishment is more than just a personal success for Architect Dangiwa. Nonetheless, it symbolizes the caliber of individuals cultivated by TEXEM and their transformational effect in their respective disciplines.
As a result, it is both a personal triumph and a group success story that emphasizes the necessity of ongoing learning, networking, and leadership development.”
The firm reaffirmed its dedication to developing current and future strategic leaders.
“Dangiwa’s journey exemplifies the tangible results that can be obtained when knowledge is combined with dedication.”
“It serves as a reminder that TEXEM’s role in shaping leaders extends beyond its programs to the broader impact these leaders have on society.”
“Congratulations, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, on your well-deserved appointment as a Federal Minister!” said Dr Alim Abubakre, founder of TEXEM, UK. Your compelling strategic leadership, lofty achievements, and journey as an alumnus have brought you here, and we expect you’ll use this role to help society and cement your effect. Continue to strive towards new heights!”
Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa’s nomination as Minister of Housing and Urban Development is a source of pride not only for him, but for TEXEM and the entire nation of Nigeria, according to the firm.
“It demonstrates the transformative power of education and the enormous potential that each TEXEM alum possesses.”
Let us rejoice in this accomplishment and anticipate the positive improvements and innovative solutions that will emerge under Dangiwa’s leadership.”
TEXEM takes pride in developing leaders like Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and hopes that this position will motivate others to strive for excellence, leadership development, and lifelong learning.
