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National Housing Project, fruit of our change agenda–Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari says the National Housing Project (NHP) in which 6,000 housing units are being constructed in 45 sites across the country is an example of the fulfilment of his change agenda.
The president stated this on Friday in Ilorin at the commissioning of Phase One of the NHP in Kwara.
The phase consists of 76 housing units, roads, infrastructure, water provision and electricity connection. The housing units located on Asa Road consist of 48 units of two-bedroom bungalow, 20 units of a three-bedroom bungalow and four units each of one-bedroom and three-bedroom.
In a remark before inaugurating the project, the president, who was represented by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, recalled that NHP was conceived as part of his development agenda of addressing housing need in the country.
“When our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), sought your mandate to form the government in 2015, one of the things we promised was changed.
“This housing project is an example of the fulfilment of that promise of change.
“Our desire and commitment towards improving the human condition and our message of change, have another facet beyond job creation.
“It responds to those who have long aspired to own a home, and that dream has come true with this project,” he said
The president added: “With the support of the Kwara State Government which provided the land, this place which was once unused land amounting to no more than idle capital, has come alive and will now provide shelter for ordinary Nigerians.
“This is also a good example of some of the developmental possibilities that inter-governmental collaboration can produce and I am optimistic that with the provision of more land, the Federal Government certainly can do more.”
The president said that the construction of the housing project had helped in many ways in improving the human condition.
According to him, Micro, Small and Medium size businesses which drive the economy won the contracts to build the houses.
“Not only did their successful bids offer an opportunity for these companies and their employees, but through them we have unleashed a value chain of economic activities that improved the conditions of the ordinary Nigerians.
“They engaged suppliers who benefit from sub-contracts for the supply of building materials from sand to cement, roofing and plumbing materials to doors and electrical fitting.
“In the process, the ordinary Nigerians at the bottom of the pyramid such as artisans, builders, skilled and unskilled workers and food vendors were not left out of this economic value chain,” he said.
The president said the housing project also provided the opportunity to remember the victorious Super Eagles whom the country made a promise of providing houses for after winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations.
Buhari said he had approved allocation of houses to the 22 members of the Super Eagles in the National Housing Estate located in their state of choice.
The president reiterated the commitment of his government to improve the quality of lives of the citizens and provide employment and prosperity.
He expressed his commitment toward tackling poverty by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed.
” We certainly cannot meet every one of those Nigerians in person, but our economic policies and investment in infrastructures such as this National Housing Programme and others will reach and positively impact many of them,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said the Federal Government initiated the housing programme to construct acceptable and affordable houses for Nigerians nationwide.
According to the minister, the first phase of the programme commenced in 2016 in 35 states and the FCT and is being implemented by his ministry.
“For the benefit of Nigerians, on this initiative, over 1,200 building contractors have been engaged under phases I, lI and lll of the programme since inception in 2016 and over 14,500 and 50,140 direct and indirect jobs have been created.
” During this period, the ministry had been undertaking the construction of over 6,000 housing units in 45 sites, out of which 2,465 units have been completed in 35 states and FCT,” he said.
Fashola thanked the president for approving the initiative and the governors for their support in its successful implementation.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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