I’ll return N300bn to federation account –Housing Minister

From left: Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Tijjani-Gwarzo; Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Abdulmiminu Jibrin and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa-Dangiwa, during an oversight visit of the Committee to the Ministry in Abuja on Thursday

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa,has pledged to return over N300 billion to the federation account by selling the Renewed Hope houses, contingent on the National Assembly approving a N500 billion allocation in the 2024 budget.

In an interview in Abuja during a Senate oversight visit to the ministry, Dangiwa assured, “If we receive N500 billion for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we will be able to return at least N300 billion to the government within two years through the sale of these houses, even with a modest subsidy. This initiative will not only create jobs but also foster business growth and help reduce poverty.”

He emphasised that building collapses can be prevented by adhering to proper building regulations and employing qualified consultants. “Building collapses often result from inadequate design. It is crucial to have a properly approved building plan and to use high-quality materials. Many collapses occur at the state level, not within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where we have jurisdiction,” Dangiwa explained.

He further highlighted the importance of ensuring that contractors are properly qualified and that construction sites are adequately supervised to prevent substandard practices. “To avoid building collapses, we must enforce stringent regulations, ensure that planning authorities properly oversee construction, and that only qualified contractors are employed,” he added.

Senator Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Habitat, supported increased funding for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in the 2024 Budget. “Providing more funds to this sector is essential as it plays a critical role in wealth distribution and economic progress,” he stated.

Tambuwal also reiterated the Senate’s commitment to oversight, noting, “According to the Constitution and Senate rules, all committees are tasked with monitoring the allocation and use of funds. Our visit to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is part of our oversight function to ensure funds are properly utilized and projects are effectively implemented.”

The oversight visit underscores the Senate’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending.