The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are exploring partnership opportunities to provide affordable housing in the Niger Delta region.
This followed a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in Abuja, where both leaders discussed areas of mutual collaboration.
Highlighting NDDC’s mandate, Dr. Ogbuku explained that the Commission focuses on infrastructure development, human capital development, environmental management, and social welfare for citizens of the region.
In his remarks, Minister Dangiwa described NDDC as a critical intervention agency that has served the country for nearly 25 years, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.
He commended the Commission’s ongoing reforms to complete abandoned projects, improve transparency, and strengthen governance, noting that they reflect the results-oriented, accountable, and people-focused service expected under the present administration.
The Minister noted that both institutions share a common goal of improving living standards through housing, infrastructure, and sustainable community development.
He revealed that under the first phase of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, the Ministry is currently constructing three housing estates of 250 units each in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; Warri, Delta State; and Bende, Abia State, all within the Niger Delta region.
According to him, the Ministry is implementing the first phase of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme with 17 active construction sites delivering over 10,000 housing units nationwide.
He also disclosed that Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been identified as one of the next sites for a Renewed Hope City, modeled after similar projects in Abuja, Kano, and Lagos.
Dangiwa further outlined potential areas of collaboration with NDDC, including co-developing affordable, climate-resilient housing prototypes suited to Niger Delta terrains; aligning NDDC community infrastructure projects with the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme; joint training and certification of Niger Delta youths in construction-related trades under the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme; and supporting land administration and spatial planning for organized and resilient community development.
He assured the NDDC boss of the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Commission in delivering affordable and decent housing to the people of the Niger Delta.
In his response, Dr. Ogbuku said the visit was aimed at strengthening inter-agency partnerships to advance the federal government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.
He emphasized that collaborations among government agencies would accelerate project delivery and reduce costs.
Dr. Ogbuku also highlighted the importance of effective mortgage systems in promoting transparency and making home ownership more accessible, commending the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for its efforts in that regard.
The Executive Director, Business Development and Portfolio Management, FMBN, Mrs. Chinyere Chinedu Anosike, commended the NDDC Managing Director for his leadership and pledged the bank’s readiness to collaborate on housing projects in the region.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, represented by Mr. Funsho Alabi, reiterated the alignment between NDDC’s mandate and that of the Ministry in delivering affordable housing and promoting sustainable urban development.
He said the Ministry is keen to explore areas of mutual cooperation with the NDDC, especially in mass and social housing, urban regeneration, and sustainable settlement planning in the Niger Delta.
Rel/Adamu Yusuf
