FG Hands Over 116 Housing Units to Benue Government to Boost Affordable Housing

By Mu'azu Hassan 

 The Federal Government has handed over 116 completed housing units under the National Housing Programme to the Benue State Government as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria's housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing across the country.

The handover ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Government House in Makurdi, was described by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, as another milestone in the Federal Government's drive to provide decent housing under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Represented by the Director of Public Buildings and Housing Development, Pemi Samuel Temitope, the minister commended the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia for its commitment to improving the welfare of residents through investments in infrastructure and social development.

Darma said housing remains one of society's most basic needs, noting that beyond providing shelter, it promotes human dignity, family stability, public health, security, and stronger communities.

He described the Benue State Government's acquisition of the estate as a strategic move that would increase access to quality and affordable housing for residents.

"Today's ceremony is not merely the transfer of physical structures but a reflection of purposeful leadership, effective intergovernmental collaboration, and our shared commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians," the minister said.

According to him, the National Housing Programme is a key Federal Government intervention designed to address the country's housing deficit and is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that the programme not only provides affordable homes but also creates jobs, stimulates local economies, and encourages the use of locally sourced building materials.

Receiving the housing units on behalf of Governor Alia, the Acting Head of Service of Benue State, Eunice Ogbeniyi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for partnering with the state to improve housing delivery.

She said Governor Alia had demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants and residents through the acquisition of the housing estate, assuring that the houses would be used for their intended purpose.

Darma also praised the Benue State Government's investments in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and education, describing the acquisition of the estate as evidence of the administration's commitment to improving the socio-economic well-being of the people.

He reaffirmed the ministry's readiness to continue working with state governments and other stakeholders, stressing that partnerships are essential to achieving sustainable urban development and ensuring that government interventions have a direct impact on citizens.

The minister expressed confidence in the Benue State Government's ability to manage and maintain the estate, saying the project would support the state's development goals while serving as a lasting symbol of cooperation between the Federal and State Governments in delivering affordable housing to Nigerians.