A recent survey among lawmakers and housing sector stakeholders has ranked the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, as one of the most admired ministers in the current administration, with many describing his leadership style as “inclusive, accessible, and reform-driven.”
The survey highlighted strong approval for Dangiwa’s ability to foster collaboration across government and private sector lines, as well as his commitment to driving housing reforms that directly impact citizens.
Many stakeholders in the housing and construction industry who responded to the poll expressed surprise at his openness. “As a new member engaging with the Ministry, you would expect to be sidelined, but Minister Dangiwa has shown us that housing is everybody’s business. He listens, he engages, and he makes us feel like equal partners.” When I saw him at AIHS, he was so nice relating with every stakeholder, the stakeholder noted.
Another stakeholder appealed for intervention, urging that Mr. President consider the introduction of subsidies under the Renewed Hope Housing scheme, stressing that the prevailing prices place the homes beyond the affordability of the average Nigerian
Stakeholders and policy experts echoed similar sentiments. One stakeholder remarked, “I have interacted with different housing ministers, but Dangiwa is different. He consults widely before major policy decisions and treats every partner, whether in government or the private sector, with respect.”
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has launched far-reaching reforms, including affordable housing schemes, urban renewal projects, and stronger regulatory frameworks for developers. Stakeholders also credited him with decentralizing housing initiatives, empowering state-level agencies, and improving collaboration with cooperatives and private developers.
Despite widespread praise, a few respondents expressed reservations, calling for bolder interventions to fast-track mass housing delivery. “We respect Minister Dangiwa, but we would like to see him adopt even more aggressive measures in tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit,” an expert said.
Nevertheless, many stakeholders view his impartiality and professional depth as his greatest strengths. “His leadership is not about party politics; it’s about results. Everyone feels represented, and the focus remains on solving Nigeria’s housing crisis,” a respondent explained.
Others pointed to his intellectual and professional background as an architect, crediting it for his “methodical approach to policy-making, urban planning, and housing delivery.”
The survey concludes that Dangiwa has succeeded in uniting a diverse sector by blending reformist zeal with fairness, accessibility, and people-centered governance. As one respondent summed it up: “Love is not a word often used in politics or policy, but in the housing sector, it best describes how many feel about Minister Dangiwa’s leadership.”
