By Ibrahim Muhammad
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has officially launched the construction of a 55-unit housing estate located along the Ibrahim Aliyu Bypass Road in Dutse, the state capital.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Namadi revealed that the state government had approved and released a N2 billion loan to the State Housing Development Authority to support estate development.
He explained that the funding was provided to enable the authority to construct houses for sale to interested buyers under a structured framework aimed at making quality housing accessible and affordable.
The governor noted that the project forms part of broader housing initiatives being executed across various cities and local government headquarters in line with the administration’s 12-point agenda.
He further highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the programme, stating that the government has directed the Housing Authority to engage 135 youths in a special skills acquisition scheme focused on POP installation and painting as part of the project.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Land, Housing, Regional and Urban Development, Hon. Ahmed Garba Maikudi, disclosed that the state government completed 550 housing units in 2024. He added that 600 units are currently under construction in 2025, while approval has been granted for an additional 600 units scheduled for 2026.
According to the commissioner, the housing initiatives are not mere projections but properly funded and phased projects strategically designed to reduce the housing deficit in Jigawa State.
Hon. Maikudi further stated that the government plans to acquire 126 housing units from the Federal Housing Authority located along the Three-Star Hotel axis in Dutse, a move he said would boost housing stock and support ongoing urban renewal efforts.
He emphasized that beyond providing shelter, the housing projects serve as economic catalysts, creating numerous direct and indirect jobs for engineers, contractors, suppliers, transporters, and artisans, thereby stimulating economic growth and supporting local businesses across the state.
