The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has pledged to address concerns about the number of destitute people in the country within the next few months.
The minister also pledged to champion land administration and institutional reforms to foster the delivery of housing and the creation of jobs.
Dangiwa, speaking at a press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, emphasised the significance of housing data in ensuring that all Nigerians have access to decent, quality, and affordable housing and nurturing livable communities.
As part of his priorities, he promised to collect accurate data on the national housing shortage, stating that he does not concur with the current estimates.
The minister said, “I don’t agree with the current data on housing deficit, because honestly, even my predecessors have opposed the figure mentioned around.
“But the problem is that no one has made efforts to come out with the correct figure and that is what they should have done.
“So my priority is that and I mentioned it even during my screening; that I will engage the services of data consultants who would go round the country and get the needed data.
“I am also aware that The National Population Commission will conduct a census on housing and the number of persons in need of homes. We have started conversations on that even before our inauguration.
“I have met with the chairman of the NPC and discussions are ongoing and I promise to make sure the relevant data on housing is made available soon.
“It is a task we have been given and we will make sure it is delivered.”
