Tinubu restates commitment to provide affordable, decent housing

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to empowering the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with the political will to boost the housing sector.

President Tinubu gave the assurance while laying the foundation of 3,112 housing units of Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja.

He also pledged his administration’s commitment to ensure the country’s economic prosperity and development.

The President reiterated his administration’s resolve to provide decent and affordable housing to Nigerians.

The 3,112 housing units are a part of the 20,000 housing units to be delivered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

It represents the first practical expression of the administration’s desire to implement a New City Development Plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Tinubu said under the plan, integrated living communities that would redefine the essence of residential living for Nigerians nationwide would be built.

The President assured Nigerians that his vision is to build dynamic, integrated, and self-sustaining communities equipped with modern amenities to enhance the quality of living for the residents.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said “this includes well-connected access and internal roads, provision of reliable and uninterrupted electricity, healthcare facilities to offer accessible and quality medical services and educational institutions to provide learning environments that nurture knowledge and skills”.

He added: “Our goal is to increase the sense of togetherness, improve health and productivity of our citizens and reduce pressure on city centres.

“On this note, I am today directing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Minister of Works to provide access roads to all Renewed Hope’s cities’ and estates’ projects to increase accessibility and livability, starting with this site in Karsana.

“This is because my administration believes that every Nigerian deserves to have access to shelter that is affordable and adequate.”

President Tinubu stressed that his administration also recognised the immense potential of housing as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.

“It is with this understanding that we have classified housing as essential social infrastructure and made it a major priority area towards delivering economic growth and job creation.

“At 25 direct and indirect jobs per house, the 20,000 housing units planned for the Federal Capital Territory alone will create 500,000 jobs,” he said.

Restating his administration’s determination to bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit, President Tinubu said he had resolved to face the challenge with the boldness and urgency it required.

The President urged Nigerians to remain forward-looking instead of going back to the past.

He noted that the housing projects would create many jobs for different cadres of artisans and professionals.

President Tinubu added: “Nigerians, Don’t look back; look forward. Be hopeful. Be assured that you have a country that cares about you, and you must care about the country.

“You have heard the data from the honorable minister and his team on what they are about to do to turn the country to a large construction site for housing units…”

The President also said there was a need to relaunch the National Pledge and ensure its recitation at every important national occasion to rekindle patriotism among the citizens.

He said: “Here again, let’s talk to Nigerians. Let’s talk to ourselves and see everything positive about our country. Don’t think of your country negatively.

“Before I left home this morning, I asked for the pledge, the printout of it, and we have to relaunch it, to be committed to the value, the greatness, the hope of our country. It is our country.”

Alluding to the victory of the national team, the Super Eagles, in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivore, President Tinubu said: “Congratulations once again everybody on the attainment of victory. Just last night (Wednesday), it was a moment of joy for everyone of us united as a nation. It was very hopeful that it is our turn for the trophy. Awa Lo Kan…”