The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, says the Federal Government expects the housing and construction sector to generate more employment as it accelerates the delivery of housing projects nationwide.
Darma made this known during an inspection of the National Housing Programme (NHP) estate and the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The minister described housing and construction as a major employer of labour, highlighting the number of workers already engaged in ongoing projects.
1,900 Workers Employed on NHP Project
Darma said more than 1,900 people were employed during the excavation phase of an NHP project comprising 110 blocks of two-bedroom flats.
“The housing industry is really a very, very important industry to employ Nigerians. And that’s why we are promoting the industry. Just 110 blocks of two-bedroom flats each employed 1,900 people for only excavation,” he said.
According to the minister, employment opportunities are expected to increase as the projects progress to other stages of construction.
He said machinery operators, artisans, labourers and other workers would be engaged as construction activities expand.
FG Targets More Than 100,000 Housing Units
Darma also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating housing delivery across the country.
He expressed confidence that the ministry would exceed President Bola Tinubu’s target of delivering 100,000 housing units to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure.
“We will surpass what Mr President promised, that 100,000 units of housing will be delivered to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure. We are moved to do it and we are going to do it,” Darma said.
The minister’s comments highlight the government’s emphasis on housing delivery as both a social intervention and a source of employment through construction and related activities.
