Journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may soon have access to affordable homes, thanks to a fresh promise from the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa.

Speaking during the NUJ FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Dangiwa assured members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that plans are underway to establish a long-awaited housing estate exclusively for them.

Themed “Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society,” the event brought together media professionals and policymakers to discuss the state of journalism and media development in Nigeria.

Dangiwa reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the Renew Hope Housing Program and National Urban Renewal Initiatives, which aim to make housing more affordable across Nigeria.

“We are fully committed to making the NUJ Journalists’ Village in Abuja a reality,” the minister said. “We’ll direct the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) through the Cooperative Housing Development scheme to provide the land and support needed for the project.”

He also urged journalists to continue holding the ministry accountable, saying they play a vital role in helping Nigerians understand government programs and how they affect everyday life.

Beyond housing, Dangiwa called for stronger legal protections and better funding for independent media. He stressed the need to protect journalists from harassment and intimidation, especially in today’s digital age where misinformation and online threats are widespread.

“Journalists must feel safe, respected, and supported,” he said. “Your work is vital to democracy—because democracy isn’t just about elections; it’s about accurate and timely information, which the press provides.”

NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, welcomed the minister’s promise, noting that the creation of a journalists’ housing village has been a top priority for her administration.

“Our goal is simple,” she said, “to provide decent, affordable homes for journalists and their families right here in the nation’s capital.”

She also outlined other key projects, including modernising the NUJ Congress Hall, procuring a coastal bus for the union, completing the NUJ Pentagon Hall, and launching a welfare scheme to support journalists.

“These aren’t luxuries,” Ike said, “They’re essential investments in the future of journalism and the well-being of those who drive it.”

With the government’s renewed commitment and growing support from stakeholders, the long-held dream of housing for journalists in the FCT may finally be within reach.