Reps approve N500bn budget for Housing Ministry
By Esther Agbo
The House of Representatives has approved an increase in the budget for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to N500 billion, aiming to address the country’s housing deficit.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Housing, Ahmed Lere, announced the decision during a recent meeting in Abuja with the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa.
Minister Dangiwa had requested a higher annual budget allocation to tackle Nigeria’s significant housing shortfall. While acknowledging the ministry’s progress over the past year, he criticised the insufficient funding received previously.
He highlighted, “In the 2023 supplementary budget, we got N100bn. In 2024, we received approval for about N80bn. This is a far cry from what is needed to make a difference.”
He stressed that N500 billion annually is necessary to support the renewed home cities and health care programme.
Dangiwa emphasised the critical role of housing in job creation, local industry stimulation, and economic improvement. He emphasised that investing in housing is financially viable, as revenues can be recovered through property sales.
He also discussed the National Social Housing Fund, designed to provide affordable housing for low-income earners and vulnerable groups, with funding sourced from budget allocations, executive orders, tax incentives, private sector contributions, and other avenues.
Additionally, Dangiwa mentioned the National Land Registration and Titling Programme, aimed at enhancing land formalisation and economic utilisation, in partnership with state governments.
He outlined challenges faced by the ministry, including the need to revise the Land Use Act, address unpaid liabilities, and ensure timely fund releases, as well as the necessity for more manpower and legal service funding.
Expressing gratitude for the House Committee’s ongoing support, Dangiwa urged continued backing for the ministry’s initiatives.
In response, Lere commended the minister’s comprehensive presentation, addressing key concerns and emphasising the need for increased funding to fulfil the current administration’s housing policy as outlined in the Renew Hope Agenda.
He added that, “I believe that together we are going to make history and put an end to that persistent challenge. We are in total support of the Land Commission, and we will play our part to see that we get that done. And I believe that I have the total support of my committee members for us to be able to increase their budgetary allocation to N500bn.
“And let me also say, by that increment, we are not doing them a favour. It is in line with the housing policy thrust of the present administration. So if we are to achieve the policy trust the way it is defined in the Renew Hope Agenda, then we will need that amount.
“If they would not need it, you all know who we are. We will say they do not need it. Perhaps they would need even more, but let’s start with N500bn.”
Lere assured full committee support for the budget increase to N500 billion, highlighting the essential role this funding plays in achieving housing policy goals.
He noted the need for the ministry to coordinate housing programs and agencies effectively, addressing challenges like the Land Use Act, regulatory issues, liabilities, and manpower shortages.
Lere expressed concern over building collapses and loss of life, urging the minister to develop a plan for regulatory compliance and enforcement in the housing sector.
