Housing Minister Backs ‘Journalists’ Village’ In Abuja
— Pledges Mortgage Support for NUJ Members
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has thrown his weight behind the proposed NUJ FCT Journalists’ Village—a housing project designed by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (FCT Council) to provide affordable homes for journalists in Abuja.
Speaking during a visit by NUJ FCT Chair, Ms Grace Ike, and her team, Dangiwa described journalists as essential partners in nation-building. He pledged full backing through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), provided the union secures a titled plot of land and a suitable housing design.
“Journalists are critical to democracy. You tell the people the truth, and we value that. Once you get the land and layout, we’ll help make your village a reality—with mortgage plans payable over 30 years,” the Minister said.
He linked the initiative to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which targets:
1,000-home cities in key urban areas,
250-home estates in state capitals,
And 100-unit social housing projects in all 774 LGAs.
So far, the ministry has kicked off over 10,000 housing units in 14 states and the FCT, completed 150 slum upgrade projects, and created over 250,000 jobs. Nigerians can now apply for homes online via renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng.
Dangiwa also revealed plans to unlock $300 billion worth of unused land through reforms and is partnering with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to fund 5,000 more affordable homes.
In her remarks, Grace Ike applauded the Minister’s reforms, including slum upgrades, the Diaspora Mortgage Scheme, and housing support for people with disabilities. She urged the ministry to:
Support the Journalists’ Village,
Complete the NUJ Pentagon building,
Build a modern event hall for journalists,
And expand journalists’ access to housing finance and training.
“Journalists deserve dignity, security, and a stake in national progress,” Ike said, assuring the Minister of NUJ’s continued partnership.
She also recognised the efforts of TV Housing Show CEO, Bar Festus Adebayo, for championing affordable housing for journalists.
