• Wednesday, January 29, 2025
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FG to build 10,000 houses to address health workers’ accommodation needs

FG to build 10,000 houses to address health workers’ accommodation needs

Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has unveiled plans to build 10,000 housing units nationwide to address the accommodation needs of health workers, especially medical doctors.

The ministry explained that the project is designed to provide affordable and decent housing for medical workers, addressing a critical challenge faced by healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, disclosed this on Friday in a statement signed by Salisu Haiba, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations.

Dangiwa at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), acknowledged the sacrifices and commitment of medical workers, particularly, in challenging conditions.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government which is aimed at improving the well-being of healthcare professionals.

“Housing is a fundamental need that directly impacts productivity, stability, and quality of life. We recognise the difficulties many healthcare workers face in securing suitable accommodation, particularly in high-demand urban centres where medical facilities are concentrated”, Dangiwa said.

Read also: Overcoming Nigeria’s housing challenge, and opportunity for investors

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and professional bodies to ensure the success of the project.

He revealed that 10,112 housing units were already under construction in 14 locations across the country and they include 3,112 housing units in Karsana, Abuja; 2,000 units in Lagos; and 2,000 units in Kano.

Dangiwa disclosed that 12 ongoing Renewed Hope Estates with 250 units each were being developed in 12 states, with plans to expand to the remaining 18 states.

“To make the homes accessible, the government has introduced flexible ownership options, including National Housing Fund (NHF) mortgage loans with repayment periods of up to 30 years, rent-to-own plans, instalment payments, and outright purchase options” he stated.

Tope Osundara, National President of NARD, commended the initiative, describing it as a step toward reducing the brain drain in the healthcare sector. He proposed the construction of 1,000 housing units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of the project’s first phase.

Suleiman Sadiq, a member of NARD and the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), added that the project would be achieved through a partnership involving the Ministries of Housing and Health, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), REDAN, and public-private collaborations.

He disclosed that construction is set to begin between January and February, promising a boost to healthcare workers’ morale and productivity.

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