By Joy Odor
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, has pledged support for the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) proposed ‘FCT NUJ Journalists’ Village’ in Abuja.
The NUJ FCT leadership, led by its Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, met with Minister Dangiwa on Friday to discuss the project.
Dangiwa assured the NUJ that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will support the development of the Journalists’ Village through a cooperative housing scheme.
The Minister emphasized that the NUJ needs to secure a titled plot of land and design the houses before the FMBN can provide support.
According to him, the FMBN will help build affordable homes for journalists, with a payment plan of up to 30 years at a 6% interest rate.
He noted that the initiative is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme, aimed at tackling Nigeria’s housing shortage, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life.
The programme has already led to the construction of over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT, with more than 150 slum upgrade projects completed.
Renewed Hope Cities*: Large developments with at least 1,000 homes in key cities across all regions and the FCT.
Renewed Hope Estates*: 250 homes per state capital, aimed at middle-income earners.
Renewed Hope Social Housing*: 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local councils, for low-income families, informal workers, and people with disabilities.
NUJ’s Request
– *Affordable Housing Scheme*: NUJ seeks support for the Journalists’ Village project to provide affordable homes for media professionals.
– *Infrastructure Support*: NUJ requests help complete the NUJ Pentagon building and building a modern hall for over 2,000 journalists.
– *Partnership in Urban Renewal*: NUJ wants to play a bigger role in urban renewal projects as both reporters and community members.
– *Access to Housing Finance*: NUJ seeks inclusion in housing finance schemes, such as the FMBN, and training to help journalists understand housing policies and finance.
