The Federal Government has declared 2026 a pivotal year for delivering on its housing promises, with a sharp focus on finishing all ongoing projects under the Renewed Hope agenda. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, announced this priority during a high-level meeting in Abuja, setting the tone for what he termed a 'decisive year' for the ministry.
A Defining Year for Housing Delivery
Speaking at an expanded management meeting with heads of departments and units to review 2025 and present the 2026 work plan, Minister Dangiwa left no room for ambiguity. 'This year is our defining year,' he stated emphatically. '2026 is not just another year; it is our decisive year. This is the year Nigerians will look back on and ask what the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has delivered.' The central goal is to consolidate the administration's legacy by providing Nigerians with access to affordable and decent housing.
Building on Past Progress Despite Challenges
The minister acknowledged significant funding hurdles faced in the previous year. However, he highlighted that appreciable progress was still made on key presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables. These achievements included reforms in land administration and the advancement of Renewed Hope Cities in Karsana (Abuja), Kano, and Lagos, which are now slated for commissioning soon.
Dangiwa expressed confidence that with firmer financial commitments in 2026, even more can be accomplished. 'For achieving this despite funding constraints, we can achieve more this year when funding is made available,' he told ministry staff, urging them to step up their efforts and commitment. He assured that there are 'firm commitments to address funding gaps and clear outstanding liabilities in 2026.'
Expanding Reach and Ensuring Contractor Accountability
In a significant update on the Renewed Hope Cities programme, the minister revealed an expansion plan. Three new locations—Maiduguri, Enugu, and Port Harcourt—will come on stream, joining the existing projects in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. This will bring the total number of Renewed Hope Cities sites to six.
To ensure timely delivery, Dangiwa issued direct instructions to the Directors of Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Public Buildings. He mandated them to intensify site monitoring and ensure contractors who have been mobilised are given and adhere to clear completion timelines. 'You need to engage these contractors closely by ensuring that those mobilised return to the site and are properly monitored,' he stressed, noting that Nigerians are eagerly awaiting affordable housing.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, charged the departments to meet their 2026 targets, promising necessary support. He also noted that maximum publicity would be given to showcase the ministry's achievements as part of the administration's 2026 scorecard.
The minister concluded by calling for the full cooperation and input of all staff to help the Federal Government achieve its Hope Housing Agenda and solidify its legacy in the year ahead.
