The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has given full backing to a proposed ‘Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja, a housing scheme planned by the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Dangiwa pledged his support for the project during a courtesy visit by the NUJ FCT leadership led by the Chairman, Grace Ike.
The Minister who received the NUJ FCT delegation along with the Minister of State, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata and top directors of the ministry, noted the vital role journalists play in the country and promised that they will not be left out of government’s housing plans.
He further described journalists as key partners saying “your voices matter, you help explain government policies to the public and hold us accountable—something we value greatly.”
The Minister assured the NUJ that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a Cooperative Housing Scheme and noted that the first step is for the NUJ to secure a titled plot of land.
“Once you get a titled land and a housing design in place, bring it to us,” he said. “Through the FMBN, we’ll help build affordable homes for journalists, which can be paid for over about 30 years.”
Dangiwa added that this plan is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aims to tackle Nigeria’s housing shortage, create jobs, and improve the quality of life.
He said the programme includes “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 further disclosed that over 10,000 housing units have already started across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed.
The FCT NUJ Chairman, Grace Ike had earlier thanked the Minister and President Tinubu for their commitment to building 50,000 new homes in the first phase of the housing programme.
She lauded 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).
Ike also highlighted the Minister’s efforts abroad and praised initiatives like the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and housing for people with disabilities.
She 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 FCT NUJ Chairman who called on the Minister to support the proposed establishment of a Journalists’ Village in Abuja, offering affordable homes and peace of mind for media professionals also solicited assistance in completing the NUJ Pentagon building as well as building a modern hall for over 2,000 journalists, among others.
Ike assured the Minister of NUJ’s continued support, not just in reporting government actions but to work hand-in-hand for the good of the country.
