Head of Service, Walson-Jack, Performs Groundbreaking Ceremony.
The Federal Government on Wednesday commenced construction of the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate, a 250-unit residential project consisting of two-bedroom bungalows in Dukpa, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory.
A statement signed by Adamu Aminu Special Assistant on Media Office of the Honourable Minister of State Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said the groundbreaking ceremony was performed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni.
It said that the project is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and is structured as a Public-Private Partnership between the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministry. According to project documentation, the estate is intended to provide residential accommodation for federal civil servants.
Officials stated that the development aligns with the housing component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The agenda outlines, among other objectives, improved access to decent and affordable housing for public workers.
The Honourable Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, who hosted the event, said the ceremony represented an institutional recognition of the contribution of civil servants to governance and service delivery.
“The occasion may be regarded as an indication that personnel within the public service are being factored into policy and project design,” Ata said. “The provision of housing constitutes one element within a broader framework of welfare interventions.”
He acknowledged the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, PhD, and noted that the Ministry’s mandate continues to produce measurable outputs in the housing sector.
Ata also recognized the role of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Muhammed Lamido Belgore, OON, NPOM, as well as management and staff of the Ministry. He further acknowledged contractors, consultants, technical teams and other stakeholders involved in the preparatory and documentation phases of the project.
Addressing implementation parameters, the Minister of State urged contractors and project managers to comply with approved standards, specifications and the agreed schedule. He said adherence to quality assurance protocols would be necessary to ensure the project meets its intended objectives within the projected timeframe.
In her remarks, Walson-Jack expressed appreciation to the Ministry for initiating the project. She stated that access to secure and affordable housing remains a relevant consideration in public service administration and that the estate could contribute to stability and productivity among federal workers.
“The civil service functions as the machinery of government,” Walson-Jack said. “Interventions that address welfare and living conditions are therefore pertinent to institutional performance.”
According to the Ministry, the Dukpa site will comprise 250 units of two-bedroom bungalows. Planning documents indicate provision for basic infrastructure, including access roads, drainage, water supply and electricity. Officials noted that subsequent phases may be considered subject to funding availability and project evaluation.
The Ministry stated that delivery timelines and occupancy procedures will be communicated to relevant stakeholders upon completion of key construction milestones. It added that monitoring mechanisms will be instituted to track progress and compliance.
The Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate is the latest in a series of housing interventions being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under existing Public-Private Partnership frameworks.
