Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Shuaib Belgore has charged the contractors handling the Nassarawa State Renewed Hope Estate Project to redouble their efforts, saying that the Ministry is determined to deliver the project within the next six months. This was contained in a statement signed by Badamasi S. Haiba, Fsca, Director, Information and Public Relations.
It was on this note that Dr. Belgore summoned the contractors for an urgent meeting to address their concern in order to make the project move fast for timely completion.
The Permanent Secretary gave the charge and the summon, Friday, October 10th, 2025, during an inspection visit to the site of the project in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
He expressed concern over the slow pace of work by the contractors, emphasising that all obstacles to the project must be addressed
Dr. Belgore observed that while the road layout has been well constructed and the electricity and water supply projects are progressing steadily, the building construction works have suffered noticeable setbacks.
He stated that although some progress has been made, the pace of work has slowed considerably, giving an impression of near abandonment.
Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary directed the Director, Public Buildings, to invite the contractors handling the structural buildings to a meeting to have a frank conversation with them to ensure they complete the work.
“The contractors must sit up and get the job done. We can not allow this project to drag indefinitely. If they continue to delay, we will not hesitate to re-award the contracts to more serious companies,” he warned
Dr Belgore also directed the Federal Controller of Housing, Nassarawa State Field Office, to liaise with the Nassarawa State Government to expedite the reallocation of land previously affected by gully erosion. He stressed that the Ministry must receive complete documentation for the newly identified site to ensure proper project continuation.
He reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, assuring that every effort will be made to ensure the timely completion and quality delivery of the project for the benefit of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Federal Controller, Nassarawa State, Tpl. Bashiru Garba, told the Permanent Secretary that part of the delay was due to gully erosion that affected part of the land initially allocated by the Nassarawa State Government, disclosing that another site has since been provided by the State as replacement
Tpl. Garba further stated that the Nasarawa State Renewed Hope Estate comprises 250 blocks being developed by San Afar Nigeria Limited and Al Yuma Ventures and Investment Limited.
He explained that so far, about 125 blocks comprising the different categories of the housing units are currently at about 30 per cent completion.
END
