LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government on Friday revealed that its Renewed Hope Estate project in Akwa Ibom State, featuring 250 housing units, would generate employment for more than 6,500 individuals across various professions throughout the state.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known in Uyo during the ground-breaking ceremony of the 250 housing units in Ukpenekim, Uruan Local Government Area of the state.
The minister highlighted that the construction project will have a significant positive economic impact on the state through its various effects on the local economy.
“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 labourers.
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“We have seen unskilled workers at sites earning as much as N35,000 per week, at an average of N5,000 per day. This amounts to about N140,000 per month. This is in addition to the economic activities, including those selling food, supplying blocks, and providing building materials.
“The value chain effect of construction work on this site is significant and creates a positive economic impact,” Dangiwa said.
In expressing gratitude to Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno for approving the land request, which he noted reduced costs by over 30%, the minister urged developers to adhere strictly to project specifications.
He cautioned that the ministry would take a firm stance against any substandard work, emphasizing its commitment to enforce project standards through all legal avenues, including involving the EFCC if necessary.
Regarding the Renewed Agenda, the minister highlighted the ministry’s zero-tolerance approach towards unfinished projects.
He further announced plans for the second phase of the program, which will involve the construction of 2,000 housing units across eight states in the South.
During his speech, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, stated that the 250 units are included in the Ministry’s nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative, which President Bola Tinubu launched earlier this year in Abuja.
Gwarzo highlighted that the program aims to deliver more than 20,000 housing units in its first phase, projecting substantial job creation and economic development benefits.
“With this housing programme, we plan to unlock the massive potential of housing development to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development,” the minister noted.
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Eno, represented by Head of Service Elder Effiong Essien, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for selecting Akwa Ibom as the first beneficiary of the government’s Renewed Hope Estate initiative.