Buhari inaugurates 76 units of national housing programme in Kano

Determined to bridge the wide gap of housing deficit in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned 76 units of low-cost housing scheme under the National Housing Programme (NHP) at Gama-Gwari quarters near Jaba-Fanisau in Kano.

The Kano shelter, completed and handed over by the contractor comprises 4 units of one-bedroom, 48 units of two bedrooms, and 24 units of three-bedroom bungalows.

Represented by the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi rtd., President Buhari noted that the Kano pilot project was part of a similar capital infrastructure being executed across 34 states of the federation to meet acute shelter need in the country.

The President stressed that beyond the provision for the inhabitants, the NHP has added value to economic development, offered employment opportunities and reduced poverty.

“The micro, small and medium-size businesses who drive our economy were the ones who won the contracts to build these houses. Not only did their successful bids offer an opportunity for these companies and their employees, they have unleashed a value chain of economic activities that improved the conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

“In the process, Nigerians at the bottom of the pyramid such as artisans, builders, skilled and unskilled workers and food vendors were not left out of this economic value chain. These are some of the people our country remains committed to moving towards prosperity and away from poverty,” he said.

Buhari, who acknowledged the near impossibility of the government to provide shelter for every Nigerian in need was optimistic the impact of economic policies and investment in infrastructure such as the National Housing Programme would have reached a significant percentage of Nigerians.

The President also revealed that federal government has approved allocation from the NHP to members of the Super Eagles in fulfillment of the country’s promise of winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations.

Although, the president believed the promise is better late than never, he said the 22 members of the national team can now secure their allocation in their state of choice.

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), disclosed that the new housing units would be offered to members of the general public in a non-discriminatory manner through a portal accessible at https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng/.

Fashola declared that government will ensure allocation does not enter any artificial obstacle and made it clear that allocation will be made based on those who apply and pay on a first come first served formula.

“While we welcome those who can afford to pay outright, it is not a condition for eligibility. We have offered flexible payment options like mortgages and rent to own which we encourage applicants to pursue,” he said.