The Federal Government has announced that its 250-Housing Unit Renewed Hope Estate in Akwa Ibom State will contribute significantly to job creation, expecting to employ over 6,500 people across various trades in the state.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed this during the ground-breaking ceremony held in Ukpenekim, Uruan Local Government Area.
Dangiwa emphasized the economic impact of the construction sector, noting that each housing unit typically generates about 25 direct and indirect jobs. The project is set to benefit professionals such as architects, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers, as well as artisans including masons, plumbers, tilers, electricians, and laborers.
“We have observed unskilled workers earning up to N35,000 weekly, translating to around N140,000 monthly, alongside economic activities like food vending, block supply, and building materials provision,” Dangiwa remarked, highlighting the extensive value chain of construction activities.
The minister commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for facilitating the land acquisition, which significantly reduced project costs. He urged developers to adhere strictly to construction standards, warning of stringent enforcement measures, including legal actions through bodies like the EFCC, against substandard work.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Dangiwa underscored the ministry’s commitment to completing all initiated projects, announcing plans for another 2,000 housing units across eight South-South states in the subsequent phase.
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Gwarzo, noted that the 250 units in Akwa Ibom are part of the nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative launched by President Bola Tinubu earlier this year. The initiative aims to deliver over 20,000 housing units in its first phase, fostering job creation and enhancing economic development nationwide.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, Head of Service Elder Effiong Essien expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for selecting Akwa Ibom as the primary beneficiary of the Renewed Hope Estate initiative, underscoring its potential to transform the state’s housing landscape and stimulate economic growth.