Affordable Housing For Journalists In FCT Will Become A Reality – Minister
In a climate where journalists often grapple with poor remuneration, insecurity, and the high cost of living, owning a home in Nigeria’s capital can feel like an impossible dream.
But for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, hope is finally on the horizon.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, has given fresh assurance that the long-envisioned journalists’ housing estate in Abuja will soon come to fruition.
Speaking during the NUJ FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister pledged his unwavering support to the union’s dream of affordable housing, declaring that “your dream will become a reality.”
Dangiwa reaffirmed the Ministry’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and the National Urban Renewal Initiatives, which aim to provide affordable homes for Nigerians across different sectors.
“To the Chairman, NUJ FCT Chapter, I want to assure you that following our earlier engagements, we remain committed to delivering the Journalists’ Village. We will direct the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, through its Cooperative Housing Development scheme, to provide the land needed to build this estate,” he stated.
While commending President Tinubu for promoting democratic ideals such as press freedom, Dangiwa also urged media professionals to continue holding the government accountable and enlightening Nigerians on developmental initiatives.
He advocated for stronger legal protections and sustainable funding models for independent media, stressing that journalists deserve to feel “safe, respected and supported” in carrying out their duties.
“In this digital era, misinformation spreads like wildfire, and online harassment – especially towards female journalists is a growing concern. Yet, your work remains essential because democracy doesn’t just rest on elections but on access to accurate and timely information,” he added.
Earlier, NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, highlighted the housing project as a key priority for her leadership. She revealed ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and the Federal Mortgage Bank to make the initiative a reality.
“Our goal is simple: to provide decent, affordable homes for journalists and their families in the heart of the nation’s capital,” Ike said.
She also unveiled other developmental plans including the modernisation of the NUJ Congress Hall, procurement of a union bus, completion of the NUJ Pentagon Hall, and the introduction of a journalists’ welfare scheme.
“These projects are not luxuries; they are necessary investments in the future of journalism and in the people who power the profession,” Ike said, calling on stakeholders, partners, and supporters to rally behind the vision.
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