Tag: Ahmed Dangiwa

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, and the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Kene Nzekwe, have reiterated the key roles played by  quantity surveyors in the construction sector.

They agreed that the profession promotes transparency, accountability and efficiency in the sector as the nation  intensifies fiscal and governance reforms.

Speaking at the NIQS conference over the weekend,  with  the theme  “   Rebuilding Nigeria: Enhancing National Development through Fiscal Reforms, infrastructure planning and the new governance imperative”.

  Nzekwe said the theme of the meeting was timely, coming at a period when Nigeria faces economic turbulence, infrastructure deficits and governance challenges.

He said, “The country stands at a critical juncture, seeking to diversify its economy, improve infrastructure and enhance governance.

“Project delivery can promote transparency, accountability and value for money in public spending.

“Our skills can help deliver quality infrastructure, stimulate economic growth and improve living standards.”

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Commending recent government reforms, Nzekwe added, “I would like to use this occasion to commend the government of the day for directing Nigeria towards a cleaner tax system expected to  generate more funds for infrastructure development.

He stated that quantity surveyors are “custodians of efficiency who ensure that all types of construction projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest standards of quality.”

“Nigerians expect stronger transparency and better value for public funds. Your Institute sits right at the centre of these expectations,” he said.

According to him, the NIQS is adopting new reforms to strengthen service delivery in the construction sector, noting that the industry requires knowledge-driven professionals equipped with high-level capability and efficiency.

Also addressing participants, Dangiwa said, “Together, we can strengthen a construction industry built on transparency, a housing system anchored in affordability and accountability, and an infrastructure landscape that meets global standards and Nigeria’s aspirations.”

He added that the ongoing fiscal reforms and growing infrastructure demands have placed quantity surveyors at the centre of national development.

 “We are navigating a period of economic transition where fiscal reforms are accelerating. Infrastructure needs are also rising,” he said.

Dangiwa noted that public expectations for accountability are increasing.

According to him, the NIQS is adopting new reforms to strengthen service delivery in the construction sector, noting that the industry requires knowledge-driven professionals equipped with high-level capability and efficiency.

Also addressing participants, Dangiwa said, “Together, we can strengthen a construction industry built on transparency, a housing system anchored in affordability and accountability, and an infrastructure landscape that meets global standards and Nigeria’s aspirations.”

He added that the ongoing fiscal reforms and growing infrastructure demands have placed quantity surveyors at the centre of national development.

 “We are navigating a period of economic transition where fiscal reforms are accelerating. Infrastructure needs are also rising,” he said.

Dangiwa noted that public expectations for accountability are increasing.

Nigerians expect stronger transparency and better value for public funds. Your Institute sits right at the centre of these expectations,” he said.

According to him, “You give structure to budgets, credibility to contracts and confidence to project delivery.”

In response, the Government under has strengthened fiscal and governance reforms aimed at tightening public expenditure, boosting non-oil revenue, curbing leakages and attracting investment into critical infrastructure.

Recall that Quantity Surveyors are responsible for cost estimation, contract management, procurement oversight and value engineering and have increasingly become central to these reforms.

By Peculiar Balogun

Minister of Housing & Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa has said that rapid urbanisation, rising incomes, and technological innovation are rewriting the script of our cities and communities.

He said the real estate sector sits at the heart of this transformation as an engine of growth, a vehicle for investment, and a foundation for sustainable development.

In his keynote address at  the 24th Annual Conference of  African Real Estate Society  (AFRES), Dangiwa, who spoke on  “Africa’s Real Estate Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities” said across Africa, real estate is more than brick and mortar as the sector creates jobs, economic transformation, inclusiveness, and sustainability.

“In Nigeria, real estate and construction contribute over nine per cent of GDP, employ millions directly and indirectly, and have the potential to drive even greater growth if we unlock the sector’s full potential. Yet, while the opportunities are immense, so too are the challenges,” Dangowa said.

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He lamented that across Africa, we face a persistent housing deficit, inadequate infrastructure, fragmented land governance systems, and limited access to affordable finance.

These issues, according to him if left unaddressed, will not only  constrain our markets but  also represent untapped opportunities  waiting for bold vision, innovative partnerships, and strategic investments.

Dangiwa encouraged investments in the sector noting that investment potential in the sector is  worth over $56 billion and growing at double-digit rates annually.

He asked for all hands to be on deck to tap into the continent’s property market projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030 if  enabling environment is created.

Chairman, Nigerian chapter, African Real Estate Society   (AfRES),  Adediran Adetunji  in his speech said African real estate market is influenced by population growth, rapid urbanization, an expanding middle class, tourism, demand-supply trends, and other key factors.

He said the theme “Shaping the Future of African Real Estate Markets: Exploring Opportunities,”  encapsulates the current reality in African Real Estate market.

These elements he said not only create a resilient market but are also powerful investment triggers in cities  such as Lagos, Abuja, Johannesburg, and Nairobi which is exemplified  through ongoing development and increasing foreign direct investment.

According to him Africa’s real estate market is no longer emerging it is evolving. It has become one of the most profitable and attractive investment destinations globally. Yet, despite impressive gains, many opportunities remain untapped. “With strategic exploration, the sector has the potential to become the bedrock of wealth creation and sustainable economic development across the continent”.

“Looking ahead, we expect the market to become even more dynamic, profitable, and robust. Urbanization trends suggest that housing and infrastructure demand will continue to rise. Nigeria’s housing deficit estimated at over 28 million units represents a massive investment opportunity”, he added.

Earlier, Afres President, Dr. Adekunle Awolaja, who spoke on the growth of the Real Estate Society said Afres has grown into a vibrant network that includes members not only from Nigeria and Ghana but also from several other African countries, as well as international partners. He urged member countries to look beyond the challenges facing adequate housing in Africa as a result of poor land governance,  inadequate infrastructure, housing deficits,  and limited access to affordable financing.

He regretted that these issues have consistently constrained the real estate market.

“Despite these challenges, Afres continues to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions, as well as employment opportunities. The organization also offers incentives and innovative approaches to address some of these pressing issues”.

President, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Victor Alonge,  said the spread of participants at the conference  signals a shared commitment to shaping the future of African real estate markets.

He observed that Africa’s enormous opportunities and resources, with huge potentials and conducive business environment makes it a business hub and choice destination for international investment in real estate. The Conference is a unique platform to focus on the dynamics, versatility and resilience of Africa’s real estate. It highlights the huge opportunities in the sector, and examines how we can leverage them, using appropriate policies, innovation, technology for investment he stated.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa has assured that ongoing action plans by the Federal Government would deliver considerable new houses and help in reducing housing deficit.

Dangiwa, who spoke as special guest at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) was targeted at increasing supply of affordable houses to low income earners.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme is aimed at reducing the housing deficit by increasing the supply of affordable housing to low income earners, currently being handled by the Federal Ministry of Housing.

He urged contractors to work towards timely completion of these projects with quality and standards as enshrined in the renewed hope housing programme.

Dangiwa, who was represented by the Federal Controller at the ministry, Engr. Edwin Gyenger, said: “Due to significant housing deficit in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, has initiated various programmes primarily aimed at addressing these deficit and also trying to sustain the development of urban areas”.

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Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said his administration has intervened in the housing sector with affordable housing scheme’s initiated under the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his government.

Eno, who was represented by the commissioner for Housing, Hon. Henry Archibong, said the housing scheme scattered across the three senatorial districts of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket, targeted low income earners and workers including those in the state aviation sector and the rural areas.

“You heard me mention the aviation village which is going to provide accommodation for the aviation workers and by the time that place is open, you will see a lot of development getting into that place and even though that place is the airport, it is still a rural community and so you will see that place open up.

“In the Base estate, the Governor has paid for 150 houses for low income civil servants and they have taken those houses, the Governor is also creating a medical corridor close to the specialist hospital and he is going to provide housing for the doctors.

“Also, recently, there has been the mass housing scheme that was developed by former Governor Akpabio in the three senatorial district, the present government is interested in doing more developments there.

“I had also suggested in our last meeting that the local government should also have housing scheme. The federal government also brought the renewed hope housing scheme to the State and we are keying into it. Also the governor has given me the mandate to source for developers, that is why am here today representing the Governor and to meet with the key stakeholders in the housing sector,” Eno said.

State Chairman of REDAN, Arc. Godwin James, made a case for serious government commitment to addressing the housing challenges through mass investment in the sector.

He explained that the choice of Uyo, for the event was borne out fact that “in the housing scheme of things, the whole South – South region and Akwa Ibom State in particular has been on the back sit for too long, not much is happening”.

“So we brought the annual general meeting (AGM) here to reposition us so we can take the centre stage, that is why we push for the AGM to be hosted here,” James explained.

Disclosing the benefits of REDAN in the housing sector, James described it as enormous, saying the organisation was working in collaboration with stakeholders and policy makers to ensure affordable housing for all

“REDAN is going to tap into the promises made by the government That is why we are here, REDAN, is an advocacy group that makes sure that everyone in the build environment across the real estate space is carried along. A lot of promises, have been made, ours is to follow up on the things the Housing commissioner has  mentioned and make sure those promises come to pass especially now that the government has a lot of things in their hands and it requires a lot of pressure and for us to remind them about their roles.

“Majority of what the commissioner said is what will help push the real estate forward. He talked about ease of getting title, bringing infrastructure to even provide people who own estate to further reduce housing cost. The commissioner also said Redan will have a place called Redan city and will make land available for that, we are expecting them to keep to their words,” James said.

Minister for Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, has reiterated the urgent need for increased budgetary allocation to deliver the Presidential mandate of providing affordable housing and reducing the housing deficit.

He made this known at the ministry’s 2025 budget defense before the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat respectively.

In his presentation, he highlighted the ministry’s priorities for 2025, emphasizing the need to complete ongoing housing projects, slum upgrading, and urban renewal programs across the nation.

Dangiwa also listed the focus areas of his ministry in the 2025 budget to include; construction of 20,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Agenda in the Federal Capital Authority (FCT).

Accordingly, the Minister urged the committee to increase budget allocations in seven key areas which he said were critical to the transformative policies and programmes of Mr. President to put the economy on the path of recovery and growth.

In a statement the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Salisu Haiba listed the seven key areas as increased funding for the completion of ongoing housing projects, enhanced allocation for slum upgrading and urban renewal programs, additional resources for the National Housing projects and improved funding for affordable housing initiatives.

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Others are enhanced allocation for housing infrastructure development, increased support for housing research, development, improved funding for housing policy and regulatory framework development.

Both committees expressed their support for the vision and commitment of the ministry to turn around the housing sector of the country and assured the Ministry of their collaboration to assist the ministry to meet its demands and obligations.

Some professionals spoken to by The Nation canvassed the need to explore research in local building materials and also the adoption of alternative building styles such as prefabricated materials, wood and form work to not only cut the cost involved in construction but also the time it takes to build a house.