By George Ozalla
The Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has indicated full support for the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council’s proposed ‘Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja. During a visit from the NUJ FCT leadership, led by Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, Dangiwa lauded the important role journalists play and pledged they wouldn’t be left out of the government’s housing plans.
Dangiwa described journalists as key partners, saying, “Your voices matter. You help explain government policies to the public and hold us accountable—something we value greatly.” 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, with affordable homes payable over about 30 years. However, he noted that the NUJ needs to secure a titled plot of land and a housing design in place before the ministry can step in.
He further spotlighted 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. The Minister stated that over 10,000 housing units have already started across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed, including new roads, solar lights, clean water, and better drainage.
Dangiwa also mentioned efforts to reform land ownership rules to unlock over $300 billion worth of unused property and announced a partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to fund 5,000 affordable homes. He added that the ministry has created over 250,000 jobs so far and launched an online platform for easy application and tracking of housing units.
In her reaction, NUJ Chairman Comrade Ike expressed gratitude to the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the housing programme. She praised the Minister’s efforts, including the delivery of 10,000 homes, expansion of slum upgrades, and reforms in the housing sector. Ike also highlighted the Minister’s initiatives like the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing for people with disabilities, saying, “Housing is not just shelter – it’s dignity and a base for national growth. Journalists, as defenders of democracy, must not be left out.”
The NUJ Chairman requested the Minister’s support for several initiatives, including infrastructure for NUJ, access to housing finance for journalists, and partnership in urban renewal. She assured the Minister of the NUJ’s continued support and cooperation with the Ministry.
