Professionals in the built environment, especially mapping experts, have been drawn to the Federal Government’s proposed new housing scheme, which is anticipated to create 34,500 housing units and 240,000 jobs, according to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.
“We are excited about the potential of this project to address Nigeria’s housing shortage and create jobs,” Dangiwa said. “We are grateful for the support of the state governments in providing land for the project, and we look forward to working with mapping experts and other professionals to make this project a success.”
The surveyors are reportedly competing for survey jobs at the proposed sites, with some of them already reaching out to ministry officials to inquire about how to provide their services to the scheme.
“We are eager to contribute to this important project,” said a spokesperson for the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors. “We have the expertise and experience to deliver high-quality surveying services, and we are committed to helping the government make this project a success.”
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has written to all state governors requesting land for the project at no cost to the state governments. Most of the governments have reportedly agreed to participate in the scheme and have allocated land to the ministry.
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“We are grateful for the support of the state governments in this important project,” Dangiwa said. “Their willingness to donate land is a testament to their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing shortage.”
About 50 hectares are expected from each of the 36 state governments, totaling 1,800 hectares, which will be divided into plots at the various sites. About 27,000 plots are expected from the states in the proposed 34,500-housing scheme, while the rest may be located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“We are planning to build a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom affordable bungalows; multi-level flats to cater to low-medium income earners; and terrace and detached bungalows and duplexes for the high-income earners in select state capitals including Lagos, Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” Dangiwa said.
Sources indicate that the federal government intends to announce tenders for some of the professional jobs and contracts in locations where state governments have given their approval. Phase 1 is expected to generate 240,000 jobs for professionals, contractors, and artisans.
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“We are committed to ensuring that this project benefits Nigerians from all walks of life,” Dangiwa said. “We will be working with the private sector to create jobs and boost the economy.”
The housing project is expected to begin early next year, after the mapping experts have submitted the finished layouts to the government.
“We are confident that this project will be a success,” Dangiwa said. “We have the support of the state governments, the private sector, and the Nigerian people.”
Source: Punch Newspaper