By Nafisat Makinde
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has expressed his full support for the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) proposed ‘FCT NUJ Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja. This was announced on June 20, 2025, during a meeting with the NUJ FCT leadership, led by Chairman Ms Grace Ike.
The Minister praised the vital role journalists play in the country and promised they won’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.
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme. “Once you get a titled land and a housing design in place, bring it to us. Through the FMBN, we’ll help build affordable homes for journalists, which can be paid for over about 30 years,” Dangiwa added.
The Minister highlighted the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aims to tackle Nigeria’s housing shortage, create jobs, and improve the quality of life. The programme includes large developments with at least 1,000 homes in key cities, 250 homes per state capital for middle-income earners, and 100 homes in each local council for low-income families.
Over 10,000 housing units have been started across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed, creating over 250,000 jobs. A partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank will fund 5,000 affordable homes, and local building material hubs will be launched to reduce construction costs.
Ms Grace Ike thanked the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the housing programme. “Housing is not just shelter – it’s dignity and a base for national growth. Journalists, as defenders of democracy, must not be left out,” she said.
Ike called on the Minister to support the NUJ’s requests, including a Journalists’ Village in Abuja, infrastructure support, partnership in urban renewal, and access to housing finance. “Our aim is simple,” Dangiwa said earlier. “Every Nigerian should have a fair chance to own a decent home.”
