Dangiwa Says PPP Key To Reducing Housing Deficit In Nigeria
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa says Public Private Partnerships, PPP, will address the housing deficit in Nigeria and create jobs for the people.
He said that the PPP was part of the Ministry’s plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda giving that government alone cannot fund the entire national housing deficit.
The Minister made the remarks on Monday in Abuja when he received a high level delegation from the Centenary City Plc, led by its Vice Chairman, and one time Senate President, Anyim Prius Anyim.
The Centenary City Project is a Federal Government Legacy Project initiated to mark Nigeria’s centenary in 2014. It is designed to create a smart city, attract global investment and position Nigeria as a prime destination for business and development.
Dangiwa was glad to note that the concept of the Centenary City Project aligned with the Renewed Hope City agenda being an inclusive city with various living options and facilities such as sports, medical tourism, amongst others.
“This government has a priority of ensuring that affordable houses are provided to Nigerians, and also creating an enabling environment for public private partnership to flourish,” he said.
While disclosing that the Ministry had received some expressions of interest from potential private investors, he assured that more investors would be invited to explore opportunities at the Centenary City.
Accordingly, Dangiwa directed the department of PPP in the Ministry to engage with the team from the Centenary City for partnerships options, and introduce them to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
Earlier, Anyim emphasised that the vision of the Centenary City aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and called for collaboration with the ministry, particularly in sourcing and facilitating the participation of investors and developers to bring the project to fruition.
Anyim also urged the Ministry to help secure funding to enable cooperatives and individuals to own homes in the Centenary City.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to its core mandate of ensuring access to affordable housing for all Nigerians.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry remains committed to building, maintaining, and managing public housing assets across the country.
