The Katsina State government says that the provision of affordable housing remains part of its priority programmes to improve the lives of its citizens.

Governor Dikko Radda said this when he visited the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the governor, Katsina state is ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to open the cities in the state.

A statement Tuesday, by Ibrahim Kayla Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, quoted Radda as saying that that “Urban renewal is one of the major priority of our administration.

“We want to expand our city, we are in the process of developing Katsina master plan which has expired in the last 30 years.

“So, urban renewal is one of the major focus of our administration and affordable housing to serve the people.

“So, we are thinking collaboration with the Housing and Urban Development Ministry to tap from your experiences to help us in achieving our goal of renewing our cities and towns in the state,’’ Radda said.

On his part, the Minister said that the ministry outlined a series of housing reform initiatives in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda’’ for housing and urban Development in the country.

He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would address the housing deficit facing the country.

Commending the governor for his achievements within a short time, Dangiwa solicited the support of the indigenes of Katsina to ensure the Radda-led administration transforms the state.

‘His tireless efforts in improving security, education, agriculture, infrastructural development, and the welfare of our citizens is a testament to his vision for a prosperous Katsina.

‘As a fellow son of Katsina state, I am immensely proud of the momentum of achievements that he has recorded in such a short time and I pray to the Almighty to continue to grant him the wisdom, understanding, and good health to transform our state.

“As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I approach my work with the full understanding of the huge responsibility that accompanies it.

“Since independence, Nigeria has struggled to provide decent housing for its citizens.

“Despite numerous plans, initiatives, projects, and institutions introduced over the past 60 years, progress has been limited.

“With rapid population growth, these unsuccessful or suboptimal efforts have led to the accumulation of a significant housing shortage,’’ the minister said.

He, however, expressed concern that the housing sector had not met the needs of Nigerians for decent shelter.

Dangiwa said, the housing sector remains far from where it should be in terms of meeting the needs of millions of Nigerians for decent shelter while contributing as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and poverty eradication.

“This is the challenge that President Bola Tinubu has put on my shoulders.

“With the grace of Allah, I am committed to putting in the hard work necessary to break the jinx of failure and achieve historic success.

“As part of our efforts to achieve this, we have outlined a series of housing reform initiatives in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for Housing and Urban Development of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We plan to embark on a Stakeholder Engagement Drive with State Governors nationwide towards achieving it.

“As my dear visionary, progressive, and reform-minded Governor, I would like you to consider the rapid implementation of the initiatives.

“This includes championing the adoption and passage of mortgage foreclosure laws by the Katsina State House of Assembly.

“This legislative action is key to creating an enabling environment for private sector investment in housing, stimulating economic growth, and providing our citizens with access to affordable housing.

“We will work with your team to provide all the necessary support and facilitation with relevant institutions to make that happen.

“Only four states have adopted this important law, and I would like Katsina to be the next,’’ Dangiwa said.

The minister encouraged the Katsina State Government to deepen collaboration with key housing agencies, including the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, and the Family Homes Funds, to increase access to affordable housing for Katsina indigenes.

“As a Ministry, we will provide all the necessary support to make this collaboration a success.

“Together, we can work towards increasing the stock of affordable housing in Katsina State, ensuring that our people have access to quality homes that are well within their reach,’’ the Minister added.

He further encouraged the building of new cities in Katsina State by leveraging Public Private Partnerships with local and international players and innovative housing finance mechanisms to improve the housing landscape in Katsina.

According to him, these cities will not only address “our growing urbanization challenges but also serve as beacons of progress and modernity.

“They will be designed with sustainability, inclusivity, and economic viability at their core, reflecting the best practices in urban planning,” he stated.