The Federal Government has formally transferred 188 completed housing units to the Taraba State Government as part of efforts to expand access to affordable homes and reduce Nigeria’s housing shortage.

The houses, constructed in Jalingo under the National Housing Programme, were handed over to the state government during a ceremony at the Government House.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqa Rabe Darma, presented the housing units to Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, were also present at the ceremony.

Darma said the delivery formed part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to providing decent and affordable accommodation through the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

He described housing as an essential human need, stressing that completed government-funded housing projects must be occupied and put to productive use rather than remain vacant.

According to the minister, direct acquisition by state governments could accelerate the allocation of completed federal housing units to Nigerians.

He said the model would enable states to distribute the houses to eligible beneficiaries, including civil servants, security personnel, working families and other residents requiring decent accommodation.

The minister commended the Taraba State Government for acquiring the 188 units, noting that the decision would ensure the houses were allocated without unnecessary delays.

Beyond increasing the supply of homes, the Federal Government said its housing programme was designed to generate employment in the construction industry and facilitate the emergence of sustainable communities.

Receiving the houses on behalf of the state, Governor Kefas thanked the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the intervention.

He described the handover as an important contribution to Taraba’s efforts to improve access to affordable housing.

Kefas assured prospective beneficiaries that the state government would introduce a transparent allocation process to ensure the properties reached those who genuinely needed them.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development encouraged other state governments to consider adopting a similar acquisition model.

It explained that the approach could reduce the number of completed but unoccupied government houses while accelerating their transfer to citizens.

The 188 homes form part of the National Housing Programme implemented across the federation. The programme complements the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative, which places emphasis on affordability, quality, accessibility and increased housing delivery.

The handover marks another step in the government’s attempt to move completed housing units from public inventory into active occupation, particularly as Nigeria continues to confront a substantial housing deficit.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a formal warning to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, over statements he reportedly made regarding internal party affairs and political aspirants.

In a letter signed by APC Kano State Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Abbas, circulated last Friday, the party expressed concern that the minister’s comments could spark misunderstandings and disunity among party members.

The letter emphasized that internal party administration is the exclusive responsibility of APC leadership and its designated spokespersons.

The party cautioned that, although Hon. Ata is entitled to support any aspirant of his choice, as a Federal Executive Council member, he is expected to foster unity and refrain from remarks that could be interpreted as official party positions.

The correspondence also noted a pattern of unguarded public comments by the minister and warned that continued behavior of this kind may prompt further disciplinary action.

Copies of the letter were shared with senior party figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, former Kano Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the APC North-West Zonal Vice Chairman.

As of the time of reporting, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata had not issued a response to the party’s warning.

The post APC Warns Housing Minister Over Public Comments on Party Matters appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

He made this known while receiving a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development, led by its Director, Ambassador Ernest Essien, in Abuja.

Ata said the Ministry is ready to partner with the Centre to train and equip Nigerians with practical skills that will help bridge the country’s labour gap.

“We will continue to collaborate with your Centre to identify areas of common interest,” he said. “The Ministry will also factor your needs into our 2026 budget to ensure necessary support for this project.”

The Minister commended the Centre for its comprehensive skills acquisition programs, which he noted align with NASAP’s objectives of producing skilled artisans to strengthen the labour market.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, described the partnership as a step toward achieving the Ministry’s vision of providing mass and affordable housing and supporting infrastructure development nationwide.

Earlier, Ambassador Ernest Essien said the visit aimed to seek collaboration with the Ministry to enhance skill acquisition and job creation, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. He praised the Ministry for training Nigerians in various trades and helping them compete effectively in the job market.

“The Ministry’s housing and infrastructure goals require a skilled and reliable workforce,” he said.

“We plan to contribute by producing certified tertiary-level artisan graduates ready to support national projects.”

Essien also commended the Ministry’s plan to train, certify, and provide jobs for 10,000 construction artisans annually over the next three years.

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