By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has vowed to carry out institutional reforms that would turn around the fortunes of the sector for national development in line with the presidential mandate for the sector.
Speaking on assumption of office Tuesday as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, alongside the Minister of State, Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo, jin Abuja, Dangiwa promised to reform the FMBN, Federal Housing Authority ((FHA) and other housing agencies so that they can have the necessary capacity and the technological edge to deliver world class services to Nigerians.
“Our goal is to ensure that these strategic agencies are more effective and efficient in delivering at massive scale, decent and quality housing to Nigerians nation- wide” he said.
As part of the move to reposition the sector to provide affordable housing to Nigerians, Dangiwa also promised to ensure that the t N500 billion recapitalistion of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is actualised to enhance its ability to provide more affordable mortgage loans.
On the controversial housing deficit, the minister who disagreed with the figure of 17 million being bandied around
vowed to produce an authentic and reliable housing data in the coming months.
According to him, so far, no one has made efforts to come out with the correct figure and that is what they should have done, adding that he would engage the services of data consultants who would go round the country and get the needed data.
“I don’t agree with the current data on housing deficit because, honestly , even my predecessors have opposed the figure mentioned.
“But the problem is that no one has made efforts to come out with the correct figure and that is what they should have done.
“If you are in charge of any sector you must know the figures —– challenges and number of housing deficit if there is any.
“So my priority is that and I mentioned it even during my screening that I will engage the services of data consultants who would go round the country and get the needed data.
“I am also aware that the National Population Commission (NPC) will conduct a census on housing and the number of persons in need of a home. We have started conversations on that even before our inauguration.
“I have met with the chairman of NPC and discussions are ongoing and I promise to make sure the relevant data on housing is made available soon.
On his part, the Minister of State, Gwarzo, who collaborated Dangiwa’s position of working together to achieve the sector’s mandate, sought the cooperation of all stakeholders to move the sector forward in the national development interest.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mamman Mahmud, who described the appointment of the Minister as a welcome development as he is someone very familiar with the sector, pledged full support of the management and staff of the ministry for the Ministers to succeed.