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By Maduka Nweke
The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has commended the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, for what it described as a highly impactful and reform-driven tenure in Nigeria’s housing sector.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, the organization said Dangiwa demonstrated uncommon leadership, strategic clarity, and commitment to repositioning the housing sector as a key driver of national development. HDAN noted that his tenure brought renewed momentum to housing reforms at a time when Nigeria’s housing deficit required decisive and innovative intervention. According to the Network, his leadership helped strengthen institutional collaboration and improved stakeholder engagement across the sector.
The statement highlighted key achievements recorded under his stewardship to include strengthened focus on affordable housing delivery, deeper collaboration with private sector actors and development partners, and the introduction of innovative housing finance approaches aimed at expanding access to shelter for more Nigerians. HDAN further observed that the Ministry under his leadership placed increased attention on housing solutions for low-income earners and informal sector workers, a segment long underserved in national housing policy frameworks.
Speaking on the development, Dangiwa described his time in office as a privilege and a call to national service, noting that he remains deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading reforms in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector. “I wish to sincerely thank Mr. President for the confidence he reposed in me to serve as Minister of Housing and Urban Development. It has been a rare privilege to contribute to the advancement of policies and programmes aimed at expanding access to affordable housing for Nigerians,” he said.
The outgoing Minister noted that under the leadership of President Tinubu, the Ministry recorded significant strides in repositioning the housing sector as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion. He highlighted the rollout of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, the strengthening of public-private partnerships in housing delivery and ongoing reforms in land administration and housing finance as key milestones achieved during his tenure.
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Dangiwa also expressed appreciation to members of the Federal Executive Council, colleagues in government, heads of housing institutions, development partners, and staff of the Ministry for their support and collaboration throughout his time in office. “I am grateful to my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council, stakeholders across the housing value chain, and the dedicated staff of the Ministry and its agencies for their commitment and hard work.
Together, we laid strong foundations for a more structured and sustainable housing delivery system in Nigeria,” he added.
While acknowledging the directive to hand over in line with the President’s decision, he assured of a smooth and orderly transition, reaffirming his commitment to the continued success of the Ministry and the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He further extended his best wishes to the incoming leadership, expressing confidence that the Ministry will continue to build on the progress made and accelerate delivery in the sector. Dangiwa reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to national development and pledged to continue supporting efforts that advance housing, infrastructure, and economic growth in Nigeria.
HDAN noted, “Ahmed Dangiwa has served Nigeria with dedication and excellence. His leadership has helped reposition housing as a critical pillar of economic development and social stability. Stakeholders across the sector will greatly miss his contributions,” the statement read. The organization also noted that his tenure fostered a more inclusive governance approach within the sector, creating platforms for dialogue and cooperation among government institutions, private developers, financiers, and civil society stakeholders.
According to HDAN, this collaborative environment helped improve policy coordination and encouraged greater private sector participation in housing development initiatives. The Network expressed optimism that the reforms initiated during his time in office would provide a solid foundation for sustained progress in addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges, particularly the widening housing deficit in urban and peri-urban areas.
HDAN called for continuity and consolidation of key reforms, urging stakeholders to maintain momentum in critical areas such as expanding housing finance accessibility, reducing the cost of building materials, strengthening regulatory and policy frameworks, and scaling up mass housing delivery targeted at underserved populations. “Housing is not just shelter; it is economic infrastructure. The gains recorded must not only be preserved but accelerated,” the statement added.
The organization reiterated its commitment to working with government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to promote sustainable, inclusive, and scalable housing solutions in Nigeria and across Africa. It concluded that the progress achieved under Arc. Dangiwa’s leadership should serve as a benchmark for future reforms in the housing sector, particularly in advancing affordability, accessibility, and sustainability.
