The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, that the long-awaited affordable housing estate for its members will soon become a reality.
He gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during the NUJ FCT Council’s Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony, themed “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society”.
Dangiwa reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and National Urban Renewal Initiatives aimed at making housing more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.
He disclosed plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to deliver affordable housing units specifically for NUJ FCT members.
“To the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, I reaffirm our previous engagements and discussions on establishing the Journalists’ Village in the FCT.
“I assure you, your dream will be realised, as I pledged during our courtesy visit and engagements.
“We shall instruct the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), through the Cooperative Housing Development initiative, to provide land for this estate,” he said.
The minister also called for stronger legal protections for journalists and improved funding structures for independent media, noting that journalists must feel safe, respected and supported.
“I speak not just as a minister but as a citizen who believes in the power of ideas and the responsibility of those who amplify them,” he stated.
Dangiwa urged journalists to continue scrutinising the ministry’s programmes and policies to ensure transparency and public awareness.
“Nigerians need to understand the rationale behind our initiatives—and who better to tell that story than you—the journalists, editors, photographers, producers, and publishers who serve as the public’s eyes and ears,” he added.
He commended President Tinubu for his commitment to democratic principles, including press freedom, noting that under his administration, Nigeria is witnessing a renewed dedication to openness, dialogue and media inclusion.
“This is not mere lip service; it is policy. It is practice. It is embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Highlighting the evolving nature of journalism in today’s digital world, Dangiwa acknowledged the growing risks facing journalists, despite increased opportunities.
“Digital innovation allows real-time storytelling and enhances audience reach. Yet, it has brought new dangers. Misinformation spreads rapidly, and online harassment is a real threat. Many journalists, particularly women, face daily risks just doing their jobs. That is why events like this are vital,” he stressed.
Dangiwa pointed out that press freedom remains under pressure globally but is indispensable for any thriving democracy.
“We know that in many democracies, journalists are facing intimidation, censorship, and financial challenges.
“In this digital era, where content can be manipulated or fabricated, journalism has become even more complex. But let me say this: your work is essential.
“Democracy is not only about voting; it is about access to accurate, timely and reliable information. That is the core role of the press—being free, fair, and fearless,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, identified the development of the NUJ Journalists’ Village as a priority for her administration.
Describing it as a long-anticipated initiative, she said her executive council was collaborating with the Ministry of Housing and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to bring the project to life.
“Our aim is simple: to provide decent, affordable homes for journalists and their families in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory,” Ike said.
Other key projects outlined by her include the modernisation of the NUJ Congress Hall, acquisition of a union coastal bus, completion of the NUJ Pentagon Hall, and establishment of a journalists’ welfare scheme.
“These initiatives are not luxuries; they are essential investments in the future of journalism and the well-being of those who sustain it.
“I call on government stakeholders, media proprietors, partners and friends of the union to join us in making these aspirations a reality,” she appealed.
