In a significant development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed that its 250-Housing Unit Renewed Hope Estate project in Akwa Ibom State will create jobs for over 6,500 people in various trades across the state.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this announcement during the ground-breaking ceremony of the 250 housing units in Ukpenekim, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Dangiwa, the value chain effect of construction work is substantial, and it is expected to create a positive economic impact in the state. “Statistics show that the construction of one housing unit creates an average of 25 direct and indirect jobs. So, for these 250 housing units in Akwa Ibom, we hope to create jobs for over 6,500 people in various trades, from professionals like architects, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers to masons, plumbers, tilers, electricians, and laborers,” the minister explained.
The minister further noted that the ministry has seen unskilled workers at construction sites earning as much as ₦35,000 per week, which amounts to about ₦140,000 per month. This is in addition to the economic activities, including those selling food, supplying blocks, and providing building materials.
Appreciating the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, for granting the request for the land, which he noted saved over 30% of the cost, the minister charged developers to build according to specifications. He warned that the ministry would not tolerate any substandard job and would explore all necessary legal means, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure that the developers deliver as per the contract.
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, stated that the 250 units are part of the nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates of the Ministry, which President Bola Tinubu officially launched earlier this year in Abuja. He added that the ministry plans to deliver over 20,000 housing units in phase 1 of the project, which will create jobs and boost economic development.
Governor Umo Eno, who was represented by the Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for considering Akwa Ibom as the first beneficiary of the Renewed Hope Estate project.
