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The Director of Urban Development at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Akintola, announced that the Federal Government intends to establish 500 housing units in every state across the federation. Additionally, 1,000 units will be developed in the Renewed Hope City situated in all six geopolitical zones.
Akintola made this statement during a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Sunday Olajide, in Akure on Thursday.
He further mentioned that 100 housing units would be constructed in each of Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas, alongside economic housing units in all farm settlements nationwide.
Akintola explained that he was visiting the state with a team of construction professionals and a consulting firm to perform a housing deficit survey in Akure to assess housing shortages and promote inclusive housing development in the area.
"This initiative is part of the Federal Government's broader national program designed to gather precise and current data on housing demand and supply, housing quality, and access to essential services, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," he asserted.
Akintola expressed that the purpose of the visit was to request the state government's cooperation and support in providing relevant records or secondary data.
Akintola mentioned that the visit would facilitate the successful implementation of the survey and formally welcome the lead consultant and field team to engage with key stakeholders and foster cooperative relationships with the Ministry.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Sunday Olajide, assured the team that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is always open to productive partnerships with the state government.
He added that both physical and infrastructural progress in the state would always be embraced in line with his administration’s development policies.
The commissioner praised the Federal Government for recognizing the housing deficit facing the nation, stating that this initiative would help bridge the gap by providing affordable housing units across the country and encouraging the team to involve essential stakeholders within the state to ensure the success of their mission.
In his comments, the lead consultant, Dr. Osunsanmi Abolabo, announced that a 35-member team of housing experts, urban planners, supervisors, and enumerators had been selected to survey 5% of housing in Akure.
