A heated debate unfolded in Abuja as senators fiercely questioned the effectiveness of the Renewed Hope Housing (RHH) project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The clash occurred during the budget defense of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, which was presented by Minister of State Yusuf Abdullahi Gwarzo.
The session, presided over by Senate Committee Chairman Senator Aminu Tambuwal, quickly turned contentious as legislators scrutinized the RHH scheme’s transparency, feasibility, and impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Tensions flared when the minister admitted he was still unclear about the distinction between the RHH project and the National Housing Program. Despite this, he reported that the ministry had generated over ₦6 billion in revenue and had utilized funds from the ₦100 billion 2023 supplementary budget to settle contractor payments, complete housing units, and improve infrastructure.
The minister stated that over 7,500 housing units were under construction, with 3,000 already completed. However, his claims faced skepticism, particularly from Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi, who accused the ministry of failing to account for ₦20 billion in the 2024 budget and questioned the geographical reach of the housing projects.
Ningi expressed disbelief at the ministry’s assertions, declaring, “I’ve been a senator for over a year, and I’ve never seen or heard of these projects in my constituency. Are these housing units a reality or just figures on paper?” He also criticized the ministry’s lack of transparency, insisting on clarity regarding project locations and the allocation of funds.
Countering Ningi’s claims, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim of Ondo South defended the RHH project, asserting that it was on track and well-known nationwide. Ibrahim argued that the program’s implementation across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was underway, but building houses required time for land acquisition, surveys, and construction.
The confrontation underscored deeper political and regional tensions. Senator Seriake Dickson from Bayelsa called for a focus on rural housing programs, emphasizing the absence of the RHH initiative in his state and the needs of rural communities. He urged the federal government to prioritize housing solutions that cater to underserved populations.
The minister’s explanation was further complicated by his admission that he had only been in office for two months and was absent for a month due to health issues. This prompted calls for the substantive minister, Ahmed Kangiwa, who was accompanying President Tinubu in Dubai, to present the 2025 budget instead.
Chairman Tambuwal adjourned the session, directing the minister to return with detailed reports on the ministry’s housing initiatives. “This committee will not tolerate half-baked presentations,” Tambuwal warned, underscoring the need for comprehensive and transparent accountability.
The heated exchange highlights the growing concerns among lawmakers over the impact and implementation of key government initiatives. The Renewed Hope Housing project, intended to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, now faces increased scrutiny as senators demand answers about its execution and accessibility to ordinary citizens.
