By Omoniyi David
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has declared full support for the proposed FCT NUJ Journalists Village, a planned housing scheme initiated by the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
During a courtesy visit by the FCT NUJ leadership led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, the Minister praised the initiative and reaffirmed the important role of journalists in national development.
He assured that journalists would not be excluded from the government’s housing agenda.
Dangiwa stated that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria will support the housing project under a cooperative housing scheme but stressed the need for the NUJ to first secure a titled plot of land and present a housing design.
He noted that once the land title and design are ready, the government will assist in building affordable homes for journalists with repayment plans spread over about 30 years.
He explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme which aims to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, improve citizens’ quality of life and create jobs.
The Minister explained that the programme includes the construction of large residential developments in major cities across Nigeria and the FCT, medium-scale housing projects in state capitals for middle-income earners, and smaller housing schemes across the 774 local government areas for low-income families, informal sector workers, and persons with disabilities.
Comrade Grace Ike thanked the Minister and the President for their commitment to affordable housing, especially the inclusion of Nigerians in the diaspora in some of the mortgage opportunities.
She emphasized that housing is not just a basic need but also a matter of dignity and national development.
She stressed that journalists, as defenders of democracy and contributors to nation-building, deserve secure and affordable accommodation.
She said the proposed Journalists Village in Abuja would provide media professionals with stability, comfort, and peace of mind.
