President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has reassured Nigerians on its commitment to deliver a better urban future despite the prevailing challenges within the housing sector.
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, stated this at the virtual commemoration of the 2020 World Habitat Day, WHD, celebration at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja with the theme: ”Housing for all: A better Urban Future.”
Mr Fashola acknowledged the adverse effect the Coronavirus pandemic had made on an already difficult situation, but he reeled out activities set out to improve access to affordable housing, mobility, sanitation, jobs and socio economic opportunities despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
He said the approach for implementing this was multifaceted “from house refurbishment loans to mortgages with reduced service conditions, direct housing construction, improved speed of titling and Issuance of documents with plans underway to unlock unused properties as well as accelerate advocacy for reduced rent demands”.
He also emphasized that a people-centred approach was key to addressing housing issues which would be the basis for character shape and socio-economic vibrancy of cities, as it is in all the urban centres around the world.
The Minister said the Federal Government was committed to delivering “Housing that is obtainable, healthy, inclusive and adequate, safe and affordable as this was the key to sustainable and transformation of societies and communities.”
