Minister of Housing and Urban Devet Backs ‘Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja, Promises Mortgage Support for NUJ Members— NUJ Pledges Cooperation as Housing Minister Aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
By Raymond Enoch
In a bold show of support for media professionals, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has thrown his weight behind the proposed ‘Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja—an affordable housing initiative championed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Receiving the NUJ FCT leadership, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, in Abuja, Dangiwa praised the critical role journalists play in strengthening democracy, amplifying government policies, and holding leaders accountable.
“Your voices matter,” the Minister stated. “You help explain policies to the people and ensure we stay on track. You are partners in progress.”
Dangiwa affirmed that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will support the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme—once the NUJ secures a titled plot of land and presents an architectural plan. “Bring us the land and designs. We’ll help build affordable homes with flexible payment terms—up to 30 years,” he said.
The project, he noted, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which targets inclusive development, job creation, and housing access for low and middle-income Nigerians. The programme’s initiatives include:
Renewed Hope Cities – 1,000+ housing units in major urban centers.
Renewed Hope Estates – 250-unit developments in each state capital.
Social Housing Projects – 100 homes in every local government area, especially for vulnerable groups.
So far, the Ministry has launched over 10,000 new housing units in 14 states and the FCT, alongside 150 slum upgrade projects, delivering roads, solar lighting, clean water, and proper drainage. Dangiwa also unveiled a new online portal to streamline mortgage access and home applications.
The Minister highlighted the programme’s economic impact: over 250,000 jobs created, with plans to unlock $300 billion in dormant real estate through land reform. Additionally, a deal with Shelter Afrique Development Bank will fund 5,000 affordable homes, while new local building material hubs aim to slash construction costs.
“Our goal is simple: every Nigerian deserves a decent, affordable home,” Dangiwa said.
In response, NUJ Chairperson Comrade Grace Ike lauded the Renewed Hope initiative and the Minister’s commitment to inclusive housing. She called on the Ministry to prioritize journalists in ongoing schemes and outlined several key requests:
Allocation and development of land for the proposed Journalists’ Village in Abuja.
Infrastructure support to complete the NUJ Pentagon building and construct a modern media hall.
Journalists’ inclusion in mortgage access, with training on housing finance.
Stronger NUJ participation in urban renewal and community engagement.
“Journalists are defenders of democracy and voices of the people,” Ike said. “Housing is more than shelter; it’s security, dignity, and a foundation for growth. We ask not to be left behind.”
She also praised Bar Festus Adebayo, CEO of the Housing TV Show, for championing housing rights for journalists and advocating for a sustainable path to homeownership in the capital.
The meeting ended on a high note, with the NUJ pledging continued cooperation with the Ministry in advancing housing policies and national development.
