Dangiwa backs Abuja Journalists’ Village, pledges affordable homes for media professionals

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has pledged his full support for the proposed ‘FCT NUJ Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja, a housing initiative planned by the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

During a visit by the NUJ FCT leadership led by its Chairman, Grace Ike, Dangiwa acknowledged the critical role journalists play in national development and assured them that media professionals will not be excluded from the government’s housing projects.

Speaking alongside the Minister of State, Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, and senior officials of the ministry, Dangiwa commended journalists for their contributions in educating the public and holding government accountable. “Your voices matter. You help explain government policies to the people and hold us accountable—this is something we truly appreciate,” he said.

He confirmed that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) would be available to support the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme. However, he stressed that the NUJ must first acquire a titled plot of land before the project can proceed. “Once you secure a titled land and have your housing designs ready, bring them forward. Through the FMBN, we’ll assist in delivering affordable homes for journalists, repayable over a period of up to 30 years,” Dangiwa assured.

He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme aimed at tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit, creating employment, and improving citizens’ living standards. The programme features several components including:

Renewed Hope Cities with at least 1,000 homes in major cities.

Renewed Hope Estates of 250 homes per state capital for middle-income families.

Renewed Hope Social Housing providing 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local councils for low-income and vulnerable citizens.

Dangiwa revealed that over 10,000 housing units have already commenced in 14 states and the FCT, while more than 150 slum upgrade projects have been completed, featuring roads, solar lighting, clean water and drainage systems. He also introduced a new digital platform — www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng — where Nigerians can apply for homes, check mortgage rates, and track their applications seamlessly.

According to him, the programme has so far generated over 250,000 jobs nationwide. He further mentioned that ongoing reforms in land titling are expected to unlock over $300 billion in dead capital within the property sector.

On affordable housing finance, Dangiwa disclosed a partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank for the construction of 5,000 low-cost homes, alongside plans to establish local building material hubs to cut down construction expenses.

“Our vision is simple: every Nigerian deserves a fair opportunity to own a decent, secure home,” Dangiwa stated.

In her remarks, NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Minister Dangiwa for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the housing scheme’s first phase. She acknowledged the delivery of 10,000 completed homes, the expansion of slum upgrades, and reforms in the housing finance system, including improvements at the Federal Mortgage Bank and Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Ike praised initiatives like the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing provisions for people with disabilities, while also appealing for government support on several fronts:

Allocation of land for the FCT Journalists’ Village project.

Support for infrastructure development at the NUJ, including the completion of its Pentagon Building and the construction of a modern events hall.

Inclusion of journalists in urban renewal projects.

Greater access to mortgage financing and training to help media workers understand housing policies and finance.

She commended Bar. Festus Adebayo, CEO of the Africa Housing Show, for his consistent advocacy for affordable housing for journalists in the FCT. Ike reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to continue supporting government efforts to provide decent and affordable housing for all Nigerians.