The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has commended the outgoing Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for his uncommon leadership, describing his tenure as highly impactful and reform-driven in Nigeria's housing sector.
Leadership and Reforms
HDAN stated that Dangiwa demonstrated strategic clarity and a commitment to repositioning the sector as a key driver of national development. His tenure brought renewed housing reforms at a time when Nigeria's housing deficit required decisive and innovative intervention.
The Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, in a statement in Abuja, noted that Dangiwa's leadership helped strengthen institutional collaboration and improved stakeholder engagement across the sector. This included the introduction of innovative housing finance approaches aimed at expanding access to shelter for more Nigerians.
Key Achievements
The statement highlighted key achievements under Dangiwa's stewardship, including a strengthened focus on affordable housing delivery, deeper collaboration with private sector actors and development partners, and dedicated service to Nigeria with excellence.
The group 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.
Impact on Housing Sector
"Dangiwa has helped reposition housing as a critical pillar of economic development and social stability. Stakeholders across the sector will greatly miss his contributions," the group stated.
They stressed 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 initiatives. The group expressed optimism that the reforms initiated would provide a solid foundation for sustained progress in addressing Nigeria's housing challenges.
Call for Continuity
HDAN called for continuity and consolidation of key reforms, urging stakeholders to maintain 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 groups.
"Housing is not just shelter; it is economic infrastructure. The gains recorded must not only be preserved but accelerated, and should serve as a benchmark for future reforms in the housing sector, particularly in advancing affordability, accessibility, and sustainability," the group said.
The group reaffirmed 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.
