Abuja: The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has officially inaugurated the Ministerial Committee on Technical Assessment, Completion Planning, and Disposal Strategy for the recently recovered 753-unit Housing Estate. This estate, which had been handed over to the ministry by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marks a significant intervention by the EFCC, creating an opportunity for the Federal Government to transform a previous emblem of inefficiency into a model of public service.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Dangiwa emphasized the mission of the committee to transform the recovered property into liveable, secure, and affordable homes for Nigerians. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the President’s vision and the housing reform drive of the ministry. The committee, comprising management staff and strategic officers from key departments, has been tasked with delivering value, hope, and homes to the public.
Dangiwa named the Permanent Secretary of the ministry as the committee chair, supported by directors and special advisers. The committee members were chosen for their capacity to implement the initiative with the required seriousness and efficiency. Their terms of reference include conducting structural and integrity tests, evaluating the current status and value of the housing units, and assessing the costs involved in completing necessary infrastructure like roads, power, water, and security.
The committee is also responsible for proposing a transparent strategy for the disposal and allocation of the housing units, focusing on government needs, affordability, and public access through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal. Additionally, they will design a communication and public engagement plan to build public confidence and ensure coordination with stakeholders such as EFCC and utility providers.
Dangiwa urged the committee to submit a preliminary report within four weeks, emphasizing the public’s expectation for transparency and results. He encouraged a team-oriented approach, free from bureaucracy, and focused on delivering a completed housing estate as a testament to effective public institutional collaboration.
Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the committee chair and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, responded by pledging to execute the assignment with transparency and diligence. He noted that the successful completion of this project would serve as a model for converting recovered public assets into infrastructure that benefits the populace directly.