By Peter Adelowo
The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with an international bank to further strengthen its commitment to leveraging on public- private sector partnership for housing and urban development.
While signing the MoU at the Renewed Hope Housing Public-Private Housing Summit in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development , Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa said the present administration remained committed to addressing housing deficits in the country.
The Minister said that out of the houses available, seventy per cent were substandard, noting that collaborative efforts would enhance quality and affordable houses for Nigerians.
In a remark, the chairman Senate committee on housing, Aminu Tanbuwal, said lawmakers would continue to support legislation that would bring succour to Nigerians in the area of housing delivery .
Earlier, the convener of the summit, Olayemi Rotimi-Sodimu, stressed the need to unlock the potential of PPPs to accelerate housing delivery and urban development to meet international best practices.
According to Rotimi-Sodimu, “the summit marks a significant milestone in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at 17-28 million units, and promoting sustainable urban development. By convening stakeholders from the housing industry, private developers, investors, financial institutions, and multilateral housing organizations, the event will unlock the potential of PPPs to accelerate housing delivery and urban development.”
Also a retired Permanent Secretary and Executive Officer Nish Affordable Housing, Dr. Yemi Adelakun explained how public private partnership and off takers in the housing sector equation lead to effective demands through leveraging technology and shared experiences globally.
While responding after the signing of the MOU, the Representative of the International Bank, Mr. Amadou Thiame appreciated all the stakeholders for ensuring the partnership between the bank and the government of Nigeria is a reality and expressed confidence that it will propel impactful and sustainable housing solutions for the Nigerian population.
According to him, “as Regional Head, Central and West Africa, I am committed to work closely with the ministry to accelerate the implementation of large scale Housing projects, provide technical advise services, enhance the capacity of local developers and financial institutions.”
The theme of the Renewed Hope Housing PPP Summit is Leveraging
PPPs for Housing and Urban Development
