From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
In continuation of the Nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme flag off, the Honorable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa had supervised the official groundbreaking of the 500-unit Renewed Hope City in Kano state.
The groundbreaking was performed by Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf in Kano on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Dangiwa explained that the Renewed Hope City in Kano would feature 100 units of 1-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 300 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 100 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
According to him, the homes are designed with affordability and future expansion in mind, allowing homeowners to enlarge their living spaces as their incomes improve.
The Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to quality standards and timely completion, urging developers, such as Cosgrove Investment Limited, Vibe Bottega Ltd, and Frasier Stone Ltd—to deliver quality work within three months as substandard job will not be tolerated.
He highlighted the various purchase options created to make home ownership accessible, including single-digit mortgage loans with up to 30-year terms, Rent-to-Own schemes, and outright purchase options.
“This project is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project, which began with a 3,112-unit project in Karsana, Abuja.
“ Phase One aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria, creating substantial economic impact and job opportunities. Construction of the 500 housing units is expected to generate over 12,500 jobs, highlighting the substantial value chain effects and positive economic impact of housing development.
“Nationwide, we currently have estates in 12 States and Cities in 3. The estates are sited in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, Abia, Nasarawa, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Sokoto, Oyo, and Osun. The cities are in Abuja, Kano, and Lagos.
“Yesterday we did the groundbreaking for the Estate in Kano. After here, we will be proceeding to Yobe and to Gombe for the groundbreaking ceremonies. In total, we are breaking ground for 1,250 housing units across four states in Northern Nigeria,” he said.
Arc. Dangiwa noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, “we are particular about giving Nigerians value for money. The funding for these projects comes from the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
“We have already awarded contracts for 3,500 housing units in those 13 states. States that have not been covered under the 2023 Supplementary Budget will be included in the 2024 Budget, and I urge all State Governments yet to provide land for these projects to do so promptly.”
He disclosed that the project was funded by the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, with additional housing units planned in the 2024 Budget.
He thanked Governor Yusuf’s provision of land at no cost for the project noting that it has significantly reduced the overall cost of the housing units.
Arc. Dangiwa extended his appreciation to President Tinubu for his vision and political will, which have been crucial in advancing the cause of quality and affordable housing in Nigeria.
In his remarks earlier, governor Yusuf commended the federal government for the initiative, which according to him, would go along way in easing the hardship of the common man.
The governor said the state government has plans to do a replica of the housing scheme in Kano.
He also highlighted his mass-oriented projects aimed at improving the socioeconomic life of the Kano people.
He urged on the contractors to ensure quality building that would last long.
