Press Release on Social Housing Scheme

The President, National Executive Council and Members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) wish to commend the Federal Government for embarking upon the construction of 300,000 social housing units across the country under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP).

The NIQS is at the fore front of advocating for this people-oriented programme. It could be recalled that during the Institute’s visit to President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR on 23rd March, 2019, the need for a Government driven Social Housing Scheme was among the Institute’s key recommendations towards ensuring that Nigerians benefit from dividends of democracy. NIQS and its members remain committed to partnering with Government in providing cost management services of developmental projects for the benefit of our teeming populace.

Accordingly, we applaud Mr. President and cabinet Ministers for having listening ears and eventually launching this enviable scheme. As emphasized during the visit under reference, low income earners in both public and private sectors can take advantage of the programme and have roofs over their heads. It is heart-warming that cement manufacturers have agreed to offer the product at discounted prices in support of the scheme.

In addition to meeting the job creation objective stated in the ESP, the scheme will stimulate economic activities such as production and supply of local building materials, engagement of professionals, training opportunities & apprenticeship, stimulation of SME businesses such as food vendors and other numerous impacts along the construction value chain, while the scheme last.

As professional construction cost managers, we are further appealing to cement manufacturers to consider a reduction in the price of cement beyond the ESP scheme to the benefit of the entire citizenry.

Our members are poised to contribute optimally towards the overall success of this laudable scheme and other building/engineering projects.

Signed
QS Dr. Aminu M. Bashir, FNIQS
Secretary General

QS Oyelami Aderonke, FNIQS
Secretary, Marketing & Corporate Affairs