In a significant show of support for Nigeria’s media community, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has endorsed the creation of a ‘Journalists’ Village’ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), pledging mortgage and infrastructural support through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
The endorsement came during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, led by its Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike. Dangiwa praised journalists for their critical role in democracy and national development, describing them as “key partners in nation-building.”
“You are not just reporters. You are the bridge between government and the people. Your work informs, educates, and holds us accountable. This administration recognizes and respects that,” Dangiwa said during the meeting held in Abuja.
He assured the delegation that journalists will not be sidelined in the Renewed Hope Housing Programme spearheaded by the Tinubu administration. According to him, the proposed Journalists’ Village would benefit from cooperative housing initiatives if the NUJ secures a titled piece of land and a development plan.
“Once you have a titled land and a plan, the Federal Mortgage Bank will step in. Our goal is to provide affordable homes repayable over a 30-year period. This is how we build dignity and stability for working professionals,” the Minister stated.
The plan for the Journalists’ Village aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aims to close Nigeria’s housing gap, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards nationwide. The programme includes:
- Renewed Hope Cities: Mega housing developments of 1,000+ units in every region and the FCT.
- Renewed Hope Estates: 250-unit schemes in each state capital, targeting middle-income earners.
- Social Housing Projects: 100-unit estates in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas for low-income families, including persons with disabilities.
Dangiwa revealed that over 10,000 housing units are already under construction across 14 states and the FCT, with over 150 slum regeneration projects completed. Infrastructure provided includes solar-powered street lighting, clean water access, internal roadworks, and improved drainage.
He further noted the introduction of a digital housing application platform that allows citizens to register, assess mortgage plans, and monitor housing allotments online. The initiative, he said, has created over 250,000 jobs and unlocked over $300 billion in dormant real estate assets through ongoing land reforms.
Additionally, he highlighted new partnerships with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to build 5,000 affordable homes, and plans to establish domestic building materials hubs to reduce construction costs.
“Our mission is clear: every hardworking Nigerian deserves a roof over their head. That includes our journalists who safeguard democracy every day,” Dangiwa affirmed.
In her remarks, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, lauded the Minister and President Tinubu for delivering on promises, citing the delivery of over 10,000 new homes and landmark reforms in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and the FMBN.
“Journalists are the conscience of the nation. We tell the stories of others but rarely get to tell our own struggles. This Village would not just be about homes—it would be about dignity, community, and national pride,” Ike said.
She called on the Ministry to support additional initiatives, including:
- Speedy development of the Journalists’ Village
- Completion of the NUJ Pentagon Building
- Construction of a modern multipurpose hall for over 2,000 journalists
- Access to mortgage facilities and training on housing finance
- Partnerships in urban renewal with media involvement
Ike also commended Mr. Festus Adebayo, CEO of TV Housing Show, for his consistent advocacy for affordable housing and for championing journalists’ welfare in the housing sector.
She concluded with a pledge of continued NUJ collaboration: “We are not here just to report progress; we are here to partner in making it happen.”
With this endorsement, stakeholders say the long-awaited dream of a Journalists’ Village in Abuja may finally be taking shape—an initiative that could set a national precedent for professional housing cooperatives.
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