…Promises housing support through Federal Mortgage Bank
The federal government on Friday, June 20, 2025, gave its full support to the proposed ‘Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja, a housing scheme planned by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, who announced the government backing when he received in audience the NUJ FCT leadership, led by its Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, commended the vital role journalists play in the country and promised they won’t be left out of the government’s housing plans.
Dangiwa, who received the NUJ FCT delegation along with the Minister of State, Hon Yusuf Abdullahi Ata and top directors of the ministry, described journalists as key partners in national development.
He said; “Your voices matter. You help explain government policies to the public and hold us accountable—something we value greatly”.
The Minister specifically assured the Grace Ike-led NUJ that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme, adding however, that the first step is for the NUJ to secure a titled plot of land.
According to Dangiwa; “Once you get a titled land and a housing design in place, bring it to us. Through the FMBN, we will help build affordable homes for journalists, which can be paid for over about 30 years”.
The minister explained that the plan was part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aimed to tackle Nigeria’s housing shortage, create jobs, and improve the quality of life.
He said the programme included: “Renewed Hope Cities: Large developments with at least 1,000 homes in key cities across all regions and the FCT.
“Renewed Hope Estates: 250 homes per state capital, aimed at middle-income earners.
“Renewed Hope Social Housing: 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local councils, for low-income families, informal workers, and people with disabilities”.
Dangiwa said that over 10,000 housing units have already started across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed, adding that these include new roads, solar lights, clean water, and better drainage.
The minister said that to make things easier for the public, a new online platform where people can apply for homes, check mortgage costs, and track their applications without stress is operational and easily accessible.
He announced that the programme has created more than 250,000 jobs so far and also mentioned efforts to reform land ownership rules to unlock over $300 billion worth of unused property.
On housing investments, Dangiwa announced a partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to fund 5,000 affordable homes and the upcoming launch of local building material hubs to reduce construction costs.
He further said; “Our aim is simple. Every Nigerian should have a fair chance to own a decent home”.
Earlier in her remarks, the NUJ, FCT Council chairman, Comrade Grace Ike thanked the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment towards the building of 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the housing programme.
Ike also praised achievements such as the delivery of 10,000 homes, expansion of slum upgrades, and reforms in the housing sector, including improvements in the Federal Mortgage Bank and Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
She also highlighted the Minister’s efforts abroad and praised initiatives like the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing for people with disabilities.
Ike said; “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 appealed to the Minister to support the Journalists’ Village in Abuja, by offering affordable homes and peace of mind for media professionals as well as in the infrastructure for NUJ, including helping to complete the NUJ Pentagon building and the construction of a befitting modern hall for over 2,000 journalists.
Ike also requested for partnership in Urban Renewal, with journalists playing a bigger role as both reporters and community members and granted access to Housing Finance, as well as ensuring that journalists benefit from mortgage schemes, and training to help them understand housing policies and finance.
The NUJ FCT chairman assured the Minister of the Union’s continued support, not just to report on government activities, but to work hand-in-hand for the good of the country.
Comrade Ike also commended Mr Festus Adebayo, the CEO of TV Housing Show, for his continued advocacy for affordable housing for journalists in the federal capital territory.
