FG TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BUILDING MATERIALS MANUFACTURING HUBS

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA – The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to deepen the nation’s industrial capacity with plans to establish local building materials manufacturing hubs across the country.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, during the 14th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development held recently in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Belgore said this was aimed at reducing construction costs, shortening delivery timelines, and creating employment opportunities.

He said that effective land management, urban renewal, promotion of local building materials, and public private partnerships have proven to be critical catalysts for sustainable housing delivery.

“Land, which remains the principal resource in the sector, only becomes a true asset when it is properly titled, registered, digitised, and verifiable.

“Secure land documentation enhances access to finance, stimulates investment, and unlocks wealth creation.
“Urban renewal, through the regeneration and modernisation of ageing urban centres, improves livability, optimises land use, and promotes sustainable human settlements.

“In addition, the growing demands on public resources have made Public–Private Partnerships indispensable in complementing government efforts to scale up housing and infrastructure delivery,” he said.

Belgore added that the importance of housing cannot be overemphasised, but housing as a vital sector of the economy, transcends the provision of shelter.

”It encompasses access to safe, secure, habitable, and affordable homes, and remains a critical driver of a productive and stable society.

”Sound physical planning, efficient land allocation and utilisation, and effective policy formulation and implementation are therefore fundamental to sustainable housing development.

”The real estate and construction sectors contribute significantly to economic growth through employment generation, investment mobilisation, savings, and improved labour productivity.

”Moreover, the availability of decent housing directly influences public health, social well-being, and environmental sustainability,” he said.