Dangiwa Reaffirms FG’s Commitment to Affordable Housing, Urges Cooperative Societies to Key into Renewed Hope Programme

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing affordable and dignified housing for Nigerians, urging cooperative societies across the country to take advantage of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

Dangiwa made this known when he received the President of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Cooperative Society, Abdullahi Yusuf, and his team during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

He described the Renewed Hope Housing Programme as an ambitious, people-centred initiative designed to cater to all income levels through three core components: the Renewed Hope Cities for high-income earners (funded by Public-Private Partnerships in six locations); Renewed Hope Estates across 30 states for medium- and low-income earners; and the Renewed Hope Social Housing (currently in the planning phase) for vulnerable groups and those with zero to low income.

The Minister emphasized that the Ministry is actively collaborating with state governments to secure land for these housing projects, while developers and financial institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Family Homes Fund (FHF) will facilitate housing delivery and financing.

He noted that cooperative societies such as NHIA’s have a “unique opportunity” to be frontline beneficiaries of the government’s housing initiatives. He encouraged them to access FMBN’s single-digit interest mortgage loans, available for up to 30 years, and also take advantage of other financing options such as ethical mortgage, Rent-to-Own, and cooperative housing development loans designed for bulk housing projects.

“Acquire land, partner with developers, and profile your members properly,” Dangiwa advised. “The FMBN is ready to provide the funding and technical support required as long as cooperatives can ensure affordability and secure proper documentation.”

He also urged caution in dealing with developers and land agents, stressing the importance of due diligence to avoid fraud. “Before you acquire any land, make sure it is secured, certificated, and not under any encumbrance,” he warned.

Speaking on the Brains and Hammers Bungalow City project in Kubwa, Abuja, the Minister assured that the FMBN and developers are working to resolve any outstanding issues in a mutually beneficial manner.

Dangiwa further encouraged cooperative societies nationwide to organize themselves and participate in the housing scheme. “This is the time to mobilize your members, secure land, identify your needs and approach the FMBN or Ministry. If you are an NHF contributor, you are entitled to support from the FMBN mortgage,” he said.

In his remarks, NHIA Cooperative President, Abdullahi Yusuf, thanked the Minister for facilitating their members’ access to housing under the FMBN’s Rent-to-Own scheme. He recounted how a prior deal with a private developer failed, resulting in the loss of both land and invested funds.

Determined to avoid further setbacks, Yusuf said the cooperative decided to reach out to the Minister, expressing relief at the swift response and support they received. “Honestly, I wrote the letter reluctantly, unsure it would even reach the Minister. But when I visited FMBN, I was informed that the Minister had already written twice on the matter, and that a committee headed by an Executive Director had been constituted to address it,” he said.

He also revealed that 36 out of 100 NHIA staff screened have been allocated houses at the Brains and Hammers Bungalow City and cleared to take ownership. The cooperative has also proposed a bulk payment system deducted at source instead of monthly remittances to ease the financial burden on members.

“When I heard about the Rent-to-Own product being initiated by you, I knew this was the way to go. This time, I know I’m dealing with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria,” he added.

The courtesy visit underscored the growing role of cooperative societies in supporting the Federal Government’s drive for inclusive, affordable housing.