The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Congress has renewed its call for stronger collaboration with government and housing finance institutions to improve access to decent and affordable housing for journalists.
The call was made at the 2025 Housing Industry End-of-Year Dinner and the 17th Africa Housing Awards held in Abuja, where key stakeholders across the housing value chain gathered to review progress and chart a path toward addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
Speaking at the event, the NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, commended the organisers for sustaining a platform that brings together policymakers, financiers, housing professionals and the media to engage on critical housing issues. She particularly praised the Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Barrister Festus Adebayo, for his sustained advocacy for affordable housing and for supporting journalism through media-driven housing conversations.
Ike urged greater collaboration to enable journalists practicing in Abuja to access affordable homes, noting that such partnerships would enhance welfare and professional stability within the media sector.
She acknowledged the presence of senior government officials at the ceremony, including the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Housing from Namibia and the Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, describing the gathering as a rare convergence of decision-makers with the capacity to translate policy commitments into tangible outcomes.
According to her, platforms such as Housing TV Show have helped amplify journalists’ voices on housing matters while shaping public understanding of affordable housing policies. She described journalists as key partners in national development, whose work strengthens transparency, accountability and social stability.
The NUJ FCT Chairman also announced the rebranding of the Union’s internal projects aimed at expanding housing advocacy, media empowerment and strategic partnerships. She said the initiative was designed to position journalists for greater participation in housing programmes and to attract collaboration from government agencies, financial institutions and private developers.
A major highlight of her address was a renewed appeal to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development to fulfil the long-standing promise of a Journalists’ Village in the FCT. The proposed housing scheme, she said, would provide journalists with stable and affordable homes, improve welfare and strengthen ethical reporting and peace-building by enhancing personal security.
Ike expressed optimism that with the support of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the project could be realised by 2026. She also called on journalists to unite behind the initiative and work closely with policymakers and financiers to ensure that commitments translate into completed housing units.
The event ended on an optimistic note, with speakers emphasising that sustained collaboration among government, the private sector and the media remains critical to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges and building a more inclusive future.
