By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Governor of Kastina state, Dr. Dikko Radda, said his state is seeking collaboration with the federal ministry of housing and urban development( FMHUD) in the areas of affordable housing, urban renewal and rural renewal which are critical focuses of his administration.
Gov. Dikko made the disclosure during a courtesy to Minister of FMHUD, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday in Abuja .
He said his administration’s major priority is to expand the city of Kastina.
“ We are in the process of developing Kastina master plan for the last 30 years. We are looking at urban and rural renewal. We want to take the two at the same time “.
“We want to collaborate, and we want to learn from you. Subsequently, members of our staff will be coming to you to tap from the ministry’s experience and expertise to help us achieved our goal of renewing our cities”, he stated .
The governor also described the minister, as a professional who is deeply committed to nation-building.
While, congratulating the Ministers on their well-deserved appointments.
Responding,The minister of FMHUD, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, encouraged the Kastina state government to deepen collaboration with key housing agencies, which includes Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, and the Family Homes Funds, in order to increase access to affordable housing for Katsina indigenes.
“As a Ministry, we will provide all the necessary support to make this collaboration a success. Together, we can work towards increasing the stock of affordable housing in Katsina State, ensuring that our people have access to quality homes that are well within their reach”.
Dangiwa maintained that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, I would encourage that we collaborate towards building new cities in Katsina State by leveraging Public Private Partnerships with local and international players and innovative housing finance mechanisms to improve the housing landscape in Katsina.
“These cities will not only address our growing urbanization challenges but also serve as beacons of progress and modernity. They will be designed with sustainability, inclusivity, and economic viability at their core, reflecting the best practices in urban planning”, He noted .
The minister also assured the governor that “I plan to tirelessly work with you and all State Governors and Stakeholders to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Bold Vision for Housing and Urban Development”.
Meanwhile, He commended the governor for his progressive, reform-minded while urging him to look in to the rapid implementation of the housing initiatives.
“This includes championing the adoption and passage of mortgage foreclosure laws by the Katsina State House of Assembly. This legislative action is key to creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in housing, stimulating economic growth, and providing our citizens with access to affordable housing”
He said “We will work with your team to provide all the necessary support and facilitation with relevant institutions to make that happen. Only four states have adopted this important law, and I would like Katsina to be the next”.
