HOUSING MINISTER SUPPORTS PROPOSED JOURNALISTS’ VILLAGE IN ABUJA

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has given his full support to a proposed ‘FCT NUJ Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja, a housing scheme planned by the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). During a visit from the NUJ FCT leadership, led by Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, Dangiwa praised the vital role journalists play in the country and promised they wouldn’t 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,” Dangiwa said. He assured the NUJ that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme.

However, Dangiwa made it clear that the first step is for the NUJ to secure a titled plot of land. “Once you get a titled land and a housing design in place, bring it to us,” he said. “Through the FMBN, we’ll help build affordable homes for journalists, which can be paid for over about 30 years.”

The Minister highlighted that this plan is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aims to tackle Nigeria’s housing shortage, create jobs, and improve the quality of life. He shared that over 10,000 housing units have already started across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed.

Ike thanked the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the housing programme. She praised achievements such as the delivery of 10,000 homes, expansion of slum upgrades, and reforms in the housing sector.

“Housing is not just shelter – it’s dignity and a base for national growth. Journalists, as defenders of democracy, must not be left out,” Ike said, calling on the Minister to support the proposed Journalists’ Village and other initiatives.

Dangiwa also highlighted a new online platform where people can apply for homes, check mortgage costs, and track their applications without stress. The programme has created more than 250,000 jobs so far, and the Minister announced a partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to fund 5,000 affordable homes and the upcoming launch of local building material hubs to reduce construction costs.

“Our aim is simple,” he said. “Every Nigerian should have a fair chance to own a decent home.”