Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has officially launched a ministerial committee tasked with the technical assessment, completion planning, and disposal strategy for a 753-unit housing estate recently reclaimed by the federal government.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, Dangiwa revealed that the estate was recovered and handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He praised the EFCC for its crucial role in recovering the asset, noting that it has created a valuable opportunity to turn a once-mismanaged public project into a model of public service and national development.
“In line with the vision of the president and the housing reform drive of our ministry, this committee has been constituted to ensure that the recovered property is quickly transformed into liveable, secure, and affordable homes for the benefit of Nigerians,” Dangiwa stated.
He emphasized that the committee’s assignment goes beyond routine government work, describing it as a mission to deliver “value, hope, and homes.” Dangiwa explained that he deliberately approved the formation of the high-level committee, selecting members from strategic departments within the ministry to ensure the project benefits from top-tier technical expertise, integrity, and urgency.
The committee will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, and supported by directors and special advisers. Dangiwa expressed confidence in the team’s capability to implement the initiative effectively and with the necessary seriousness.
Outlined among the committee’s responsibilities are conducting structural and integrity tests on the buildings, determining the current status and number of housing units, and carrying out proper surveying and valuation of work already completed. They are also to evaluate the cost of finishing infrastructure including roads, water, power, security, and public amenities.
Additionally, the team will be responsible for developing standardized architectural and finishing guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. A core component of their work will also involve crafting a transparent and inclusive strategy for the allocation and disposal of the housing units. This strategy will prioritize affordability, equity, special government needs, and public accessibility through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal.
The minister also charged the committee with designing a strong public engagement and communication strategy to build public trust, as well as coordinating efforts with stakeholders like the EFCC, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and various utility providers.
Dangiwa directed the committee to submit a preliminary report within four weeks, stressing that the eyes of Nigerians are on them. He made it clear that the public expects to see real outcomes—homes delivered and distributed fairly, and government functioning with transparency and purpose.
“This recovered estate must serve as a reference point of what is possible when public institutions work in synergy for the people,” he said. He urged the committee to approach the assignment with urgency, creativity, and a strong results-oriented mindset.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Dr. Shuaib Belgore pledged that the team would carry out its responsibilities with transparency and commitment. He added that their work could serve as a model for turning reclaimed public assets into valuable infrastructure that directly improves the lives of Nigerians.
What you should know
The federal government has formed a high-level committee to complete and allocate a recovered 753-unit housing estate.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the initiative aims to deliver affordable homes while setting a national example of converting recovered assets into impactful public projects.
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