The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has thrown his weight behind the proposed “Journalists Village” in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a housing initiative spearheaded by the FCT Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
During a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT leadership on Friday, June 20, led by Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, Dangiwa praised journalists as vital partners in national development, assuring them they will be fully integrated into the Federal Government’s housing agenda.
“Your voices matter. You help interpret government policies and hold us accountable. That role is indispensable, and you deserve more than just appreciation—you deserve action,” the Minister affirmed.
Dangiwa, who was accompanied by the Minister of State, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, and senior directors of the Ministry, pledged the support of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for the project. He urged the NUJ to secure a titled plot of land and a clear housing design as prerequisites for accessing cooperative housing support.
“Once you get titled land and a housing design, bring it to us. Through the FMBN, we will facilitate affordable homes for journalists, with mortgage repayment spread over 30 years,” Dangiwa said.
This move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which seeks to address Nigeria’s massive housing deficit, create jobs, and improve living conditions nationwide. The initiative is structured around:
Renewed Hope Cities – Large-scale developments with at least 1,000 housing units in key cities, including the FCT.
Renewed Hope Estates – 250 units per state capital targeted at middle-income earners.
Renewed Hope Social Housing – 100 homes in each of the 774 Local Government Areas, designed for low-income families, informal sector workers, and people with disabilities.
Dangiwa also announced the launch of a user-friendly online portal—www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng—which allows prospective homeowners to apply, review mortgage costs, and track their housing application status.
He noted that over 250,000 jobs have already been created under the scheme and disclosed plans to reform land titling regulations to unlock more than $300 billion worth of dormant real estate assets. He also revealed a partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to finance 5,000 affordable homes and announced the establishment of local building material hubs to lower construction costs.
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike expressed gratitude to Minister Dangiwa and President Tinubu for their housing vision, especially the goal to build 50,000 new homes in the programme’s first phase. She acknowledged the delivery of over 10,000 homes so far, the revitalization of slum areas, and key institutional reforms at the Federal Mortgage Bank and Federal Housing Authority.
“Housing is not just about shelter—it’s about dignity and national growth. Journalists, as watchdogs of democracy, must not be left behind. The Abuja Journalists Village will not only provide homes but peace of mind for media professionals,” Ike said.
She also commended Barr. Festus Adebayo, CEO of the TV Housing Show, for his sustained advocacy for affordable housing solutions tailored to journalists and low-income earners.
