Established in 1973 during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) stands as one of Nigeria’s enduring legacies, initially created to provide shelter to all citizens. Its inception, formalized by military decree and later ratified by an act of the National Assembly, aimed not only to address housing needs but also to foster peace, unity, and national development.
General Gowon, speaking during the Golden Jubilee anniversary in 2023, emphasized the continued importance of FHA’s mission and urged for increased funding, expansion of operations, and innovation to address the housing needs of ordinary Nigerians. He commended both past and present FHA leadership for recognizing the agency’s significance and achievements, underscoring the unity and development fostered by its initiatives.
Acknowledging the efforts of the current FHA management, former Head of State General Gowon emphasized the ongoing priority of providing shelter amid rapid population growth. He urged the current administration to uphold the legacies of the agency’s founding fathers, emphasizing its role in promoting peace, unity, and national development.
Former Minister of Works, Housing, and Power, Raji Babatunde Fashola, praised FHA’s adoption of digitization in land management and called for increased funding, private sector participation, and legislative reforms to support its endeavors. He highlighted the importance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in facilitating policies to enhance FHA’s effectiveness.
The leadership of FHA under Senator Gbenga Ashafa was commended for achievements such as the completion of Zuba Estates and ongoing projects like Bwari Estates. However, there were calls for further government support to ensure FHA’s continued success.
The National Assembly, represented by Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, pledged legislative support for FHA, emphasizing the need for funding and enabling laws to bolster its activities. The establishment of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development was seen as a positive step toward enhancing FHA’s capacity to provide housing for all Nigerians.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to housing for all Nigerians was evident in the allocation of substantial funds to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. However, it was emphasized that the ministry should work in harmony with FHA to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure efficient use of resources.
Senator Gbenga Ashafa expressed optimism that the allocated budget would help address Nigeria’s housing deficit gradually. He underscored the importance of collaboration between FHA and private developers to achieve the administration’s housing objectives.
The creation of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development was intended to facilitate policy formulation rather than decision-making for FHA and related agencies. Efforts to outsource FHA activities or alter its established procedures were cautioned against, as they could compromise the agency’s effectiveness.
In conclusion, the FHA remains committed to its mandate of providing housing for all Nigerians and bridging the housing deficit as outlined in the SDGs. Any attempt to deviate from this mission risks undermining the agency’s contributions to national development.
Abubakar Yusuf, writing from Abuja, can be contacted at yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
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