The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into Family Homes Funds Limited, a federal government establishment tasked with constructing 500,000 affordable housing units.

The investigation follows the adoption of a motion sponsored by a member from Edo State, Esosa Iyawe, citing concerns over the project’s slow progress and allegations that the few completed houses are unaffordable and located in obscure areas.

Leading the debate, Mr. Iyawe emphasized the significance of the housing sector, noting that Nigeria’s housing deficit stands at 28 million units, with an estimated funding requirement of 21 trillion naira.

According to him, Family Homes Funds Limited was established in 2018 with a budget of 1.5 trillion naira to address the housing deficit, however, the project has faced criticism for failing to deliver affordable housing units.

“Also notes that in 2021 the World Bank estimated that Nigeria’s housing deficit stood at 15.56 million units, and in 2023, the Federal Government put the housing deficit statistics at 28 million units with an estimated funding need of 21 trillion naira;

“Concerned that some of the housing schemes initiated by the Federal Government have been mired in controversy, the consequence of which is the rapid growth of informal settlements, and slums on the edge of Nigeria’s major cities, with obvious drawbacks for economic development, health, safety and security;

“Aware that in a bid to address the housing deficit in 2018, the Federal Government established the Family Homes Fund Limited with a mandate to utilize the sum of 1.5 Trillion Naira for the construction of at least 500,000 houses for low-income earners across the country.

“Also concerned that to date, not only has Family Homes Fund Limited failed to live up to expectations, but the few houses built are in obscure locations and unaffordable to the target audience for the scheme;

“Cognizant that the undelivered project has tied up government funds, potentially leading to deterioration of the houses and further economic loss, if not addressed promptly” the motion read.

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Housing and Public Assets to investigate the project’s status and report back within four weeks.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the 2025 budget, recently signed into law by President Tinubu, as a strategic roadmap for economic resilience, social stability, and national progress.

The Minister, who stated this at the 2025 Third Edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Session Abuja, said this year’s budget places a renewed focus on investment in critical sectors that directly impact the well-being and socio-economic development of the country.

“The 2025 budget is not just a financial document; it is a bold statement of intent – a roadmap for economic resilience, social stability, and national progress. The budget has demonstrated a renewed focus on security, infrastructure, education, health, solid minerals, agriculture, and other key areas that have a direct impact on the well-being and socio-economic development of the country.

“This year, 2025, is set to be the year of consolidation – a year where all the transformative reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration begin to bear tangible fruits in the lives of Nigerians. Already, we are witnessing a gradual reduction in the prices of foodstuffs, which is bringing much-needed relief to the people,” he said.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure efficient budget implementation, transparency, and accountability in delivering the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“Let me give the assurances that the Federal government remains committed to the efficient implementation of this budget in order to maximize its full impact on the lives of our citizens. I therefore call on all Nigerians to support these efforts and join hands in building a prosperous and united Nigeria.”

The Minister commended the media for their dedicated coverage of the Press Briefing Session, acknowledging their crucial role in disseminating factual, balanced, and development-focused reports.

He emphasized that their efforts are essential in consolidating the gains of the nation’s democracy and ensuring that Nigerians are well-informed about the transformative strides being made across various sectors.

Idris said democracy only thrives on informed discourse, constructive engagement, and a shared commitment to national progress, hence the role of the media becomes invaluable in strengthening the country’s democracy by promoting public participation in governance.

The Minister therefore urged the media to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, responsibility, and professionalism in their reports.

“In an era where misinformation and sensationalism can easily distort public perception, your commitment to truth and fairness is more important than ever. We must work together to ensure that the narratives shaping public discourse reflect the realities of governance, devoid of bias or undue sensationalism,”

The Third Edition of the Ministerial Briefing Session featured the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and the Minister of State, Senator John Owan Enoh.

The Federal Government has restated its commitment in promoting accurate and timely information towards strengthening the nation’s democratic system.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris stated this in Abuja when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Yu Dunhai.

Alhaji Idris said the two bilateral agreements out of ten signed by President Bola Tinubu last year between Nigeria and China would be utilized judiciously and would not tolerate abuse of privilege by dishing out fake news and misinformation.

According to the Minister, “China and Nigeria now on the bilateral level have a very comprehensive level of relationship.

”Meaning that we have taken it to the highest level possible and this has also led to the signing of about 10 Memoranda of Understanding in Beijing and two of those MOU”s are actually related to this ministry.”

“The Nigerian Television Authority, which is the largest television network in the whole of Africa with 100 stations covering this vast territory and reaching over 200 million people. It’s a very important station and what NTA seeks to do with the relationship with China is to share not just news items but also technology and information sharing that will benefit both countries and we intend to do that. We also have the same thing with one of the largest radio networks in Africa, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.”

“These two Memoranda of Understanding have already been signed and Nigeria intends to keep its own part of these agreements.”

Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai said the visit was to further strengthen bilateral relations between his country and Nigeria most especially in the areas of media content and information to promote economy development.

“As the new Ambassador, I am very lucky because I came when Nigeria under the leadership of President Tinubu is dedicated to the Renewed Hope Agenda to make Nigeria a strong nation and China under the leadership of of President Xi Jinping, we are marching towards national rejuvenation through the way of Chinese modernization.”

Ambassador Dunhai recalled that at the last Forum on China Africa Cooperation in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Tinubu had agreed to elevate the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which aims to open a new chapter in their relationship.

He said he looked forward to the realization of the Memoranda of Understanding signed between Nigeria’s two foremost public broadcasters – the NTA and FRCN and the China Media Group, because the media plays an important role in shaping the society.

In the area of investment, the Ambassador said President Xi Jinping had pledged $50 billion for investment in Africa within the next three years in keeping with the 10 Memoranda of Understanding signed at the last Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Dignitaries from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation and officials from the Chinese embassy including the Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Dr. Mohammed Bulama. were in attendance during the visit.