A budget defense session for the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development turned heated as lawmakers questioned the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing scheme.
The legislators raised concerns about whether the housing program, designed to benefit ordinary Nigerians, is achieving its goal.
Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Gwarzo, admitted during the session that he was unclear about the distinction between the RHH project and the National Housing Program. “I’m yet to understand the difference between the two,” Gwarzo said.
He reported that over 7,500 housing units were under construction, with 3,000 already completed in various regions. However, this did not satisfy some lawmakers who questioned the program’s public awareness and impact.
Senator Abdul Ningi voiced doubts about the visibility and accessibility of the housing scheme, saying, “How are ordinary Nigerians benefiting from this program? The public doesn’t even seem to know about it.”
His comments led to a defensive reaction from another lawmaker, sparking a heated exchange that briefly disrupted proceedings. Order was eventually restored by the committee chairman.
The committee chairman excused Gwarzo from the session, directing him to return with a more detailed report on the impact of the housing projects.
The minister also addressed the utilization of the ₦100 billion supplementary budget for 2023, explaining that funds had been used to pay contractors and complete projects, including RHH Cities and estates, the National Housing Programme, federal secretariats, and infrastructure improvements nationwide.
