After Shagari, Jakande and Abacha, Tinubu Will Be Nigeria’s Housing President, Says Nya-Etok

Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok, Executive Director of Estate Services at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), has declared that housing will be President Bola Tinubu's most significant legacy, placing him alongside former leaders Shehu Shagari, Lateef Jakande, and General Sani Abacha for their contributions to mass housing in Nigeria. Nya-Etok made these remarks during a media briefing in Abuja, discussing the achievements of the Tinubu administration in its first term and the reasons why Nigerians should vote for him again.

Speaking about the housing initiatives under the Tinubu administration, Nya-Etok highlighted that the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has received a direct mandate from President Tinubu to find housing solutions for Nigerians. He mentioned that the Authority has held more than ten strategic meetings to explore new models and possibilities in housing delivery.

Nya-Etok emphasized that the FHA is currently working on a nationwide initiative called Enterprise Estate, which he believes will bring about a complete paradigm shift in housing delivery before the end of the administration.

The FHA Director linked the push for housing to the stabilization of the macro economy, stating that it serves as the foundation for all other growth. He pointed out that the stabilization of Nigeria's macroeconomics has been recognized by the World Bank and other global indices. Nya-Etok further argued that accommodation is the most significant burden on Nigerian workers, consuming a minimum of 60% of their salaries, more than fuel subsidies, and proposed that 30% of allocations to states should be dedicated to social housing.

When addressing the opposition's tendency to use hunger and hardship as campaign slogans without offering solutions, Nya-Etok cautioned against such tactics. He urged Nigerians to focus on the tangible benefits that macro-stabilization can bring, such as translating macroeconomic gains into micro-level advantages. Nya-Etok also noted that companies that had left Nigeria are now returning due to the stable macro economy, and he emphasized the importance of redirecting subsidy savings towards social housing, mass transportation, primary healthcare, education, security, and power.

Nya-Etok, who had publicly supported Peter Obi during the last election, praised President Tinubu for appointing him despite his political history, highlighting the president's large heart and commitment to excellence. He acknowledged that the reforms of the Tinubu administration have been painful but necessary, likening them to the painful Novalgin injection his late mother had to endure as a child.

Nya-Etok urged the administration to take hard decisions that have long-term positive effects, vowing that he would rather resign than fail to show a scorecard on housing delivery.