…Minister says project reflects Tinubu’s commitment to workers’ welfare
ABUJA — The Federal Government has commenced the construction of the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate at Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Abuja, with a target of delivering 250 housing units for federal civil servants within six months
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held on Wednesday in honour of the retiring Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr Muttaqha Darma, described the project as a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, particularly civil servants.
Darma said the initiative was part of the administration’s efforts to address the country’s housing deficit and improve the living conditions of public servants
“This event is a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, especially civil servants who form the backbone of government,” he said
The minister added that providing decent and affordable accommodation for civil servants would enhance their productivity and restore dignity to public service
Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Shuaib Belgore, said the estate would comprise two- and three-bedroom bungalows designed specifically for federal civil servants
He described the project as a targeted intervention aimed at addressing the housing needs of a critical segment of the nation’s workforce
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a significant occasion for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as we commence the development of the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate at Dukpa, Gwagwalada
“It is a targeted intervention that responds to the housing needs of an important segment of our national workforce Its commencement today is a practical step towards providing an opportunity for beneficiaries to access decent accommodation,” Belgore said.
He noted that the Federal Civil Service played a central role in the functioning of government, as civil servants provide the institutional framework through which public policies are developed, implemented and sustained
According to him, the welfare of civil servants is closely linked to their effectiveness and productivity
“A decent home provides stability and security for individuals and families and contributes to a more settled and productive workforce,” he said
Belgore added that the project was significant not only as a housing initiative but also because of its potential impact on the welfare and productivity of federal workers
He charged the contractors handling the project to ensure that the government’s commitment was translated into a completed estate within the stipulated timeframe
“As we commence this project, the responsibility before us is to ensure that the promise represented by today’s groundbreaking is translated into actual results
“This requires disciplined project implementation, effective supervision, adherence to approved specifications and standards, quality workmanship and timely completion,” he said
In her remarks, Walson-Jack expressed appreciation to the minister and officials of the ministry for dedicating the project to her retirement
She described the initiative as “a dream come true”
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, permanent secretaries, senior government officials and representatives of professional bodies