Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has begun the second leg groundbreaking exercise of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme to construct 2,000 houses in eight states.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known in a statement signed by Mr Badamasi Haiba, Director, Information and Public Relations .
Dangiwa said the 2,000 houses would cover eight states across the six geopolitical zones in Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Osun, Oyo, Benue and Nasarawa.
Haiba said, “Last month, the first leg of the exercise include the ground-breaking for 1,500 units in five northern states which covered Renewed Hope Estates in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto, and a Renewed Hope City in Kano.
“The Oyo event today marks the completion of the second round of the ground-breaking exercise, resulting in a total of 2,000 housing units across eight states.
“Phase one of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria.
“This includes seven Renewed Hope Cities with 500-1,000 units each in the six geopolitical zones and the FCT and 250-unit Renewed Hope Estates in the remaining 30 states.”
According to him, the programme aims to create jobs, uplift lives and boost economic development, aligning with the president’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
This, he said would stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty and build a one trillion dollar economy.
Haiba said work is ongoing at various project sites in the states selected under phase one, with plans for completion within a few months.
Dangiwa added that the Oyo estate would consist of 50 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 50 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
He said the housing units were designed for affordability and future expansion, allowing owners to expand their homes as their financial situation improves.
Dangiwa tasked the contractors in Oyo State; Skyhawk Nig. Ltd, Plusvaz Nigeria Ltd, Blue Sea Investment Ltd, and Harama Global Ltd on ensuring high-quality construction.
He noted that the various purchasing options for the houses; single-digit mortgage loans, rent-to-own schemes by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and outright purchase options, have been created to ensure affordability for all Nigerians.
The minister added that, “The construction of these 250 units in every state is expected to create over 6,500 jobs across various trades, contributing to significant economic activity and impact.
“The project will also generate numerous economic activities, benefiting those involved in food sales, block supply and building materials.”
Dangiwa emphasised the importance of land for these projects, stating that, ”states not covered under the 2023 supplementary budget will be included in the 2024 budget, provided they offer land at no cost.” (NAN)
