By Yinka Kolawole
The Federal government has sealed    partnership agreements with ten  private real estate developers and investors under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, to deliver 16 housing projects in five states across the country and the federal capital territory (FCT). The beneficiary states are Adamawa, Niger, Osun, Ogun and Ondo.

Minister of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Hassan Muhammed  Lawal, at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the developers, noted that no nation can single handedly provide shelter for all her citizens, hence the introduction of the PPP scheme, aimed at facilitating easy access to affordable housing for all Nigerians.

Lawal revealed that the ministry has sealed 80 pacts by way of partnership agreements, MoU and  Development Lease Agreements (DLAs)  since the introduction of  PPP programme.

The Minister further stated that the agreement is a demonstration of the Federal government=s commitment to the PPP arrangement for the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria, through a purposeful collaboration between the public and private sectors.

AThis administration is  particularly concerned about the ever increasing  gap between the demand and supply of housing and the rising cost of building materials which has placed an added burden on Nigerians as they strive to be home owners.

AThe government has taken steps in the area of reforms by creating an enabling environment for operators in the housing sector and also improving their performance.

AAs part of our commitment to the provision of affordable housing to the people, government  will continue to make land available  for housing development, while encouraging the states and  local governments to ensure  and guarantee easy access  to land  for the development  of housing units,@ he stated.

Lawal assured the developers/investors of government=s commitment to the PPP scheme, noting that the collaboration will help advance the course of improved access to affordable and decent housing by Nigerians.
He urged  all concerned to demonstrate real professionalism and high standards in the  delivery of affordable houses to the Nigerian populace, noting that by so doing  the development agenda of facilitating improved living conditions will be achieved.

The real estate developers/investors involved in the deal are Orinior Enginering Co. Ltd., with locations at Abere and Ede in Osun state; Phetek Nig. Ltd., Staklin Invest Ltd and Hamrook Holdings Ltd., all based in Osun state.

Others are Newton Turnkey Projects Ltd. and Chagason International Ltd., both in Yola, Adamawa State; Nigeria Air Force Foundation Ltd. in Kuje, Abuja; Medaville Building Construction Ltd. in Akure, Ondo State; BNTI Ltd. in Minna, Niger state and Safe Forte Property Development Ltd. in Abeokuta, Ogun state.