In a significant step towards enhancing the living standards of vulnerable families, Qatar has initiated the construction of 500,000 housing units in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The commencement of the Mega Economic City project was marked by an official inauguration ceremony presided over by Qatar’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri.
Situated in the northwestern region of Nigeria, Kaduna State holds prominence as a vital trade and transportation hub enriched with a diverse cultural heritage. Its economy flourishes through agriculture, manufacturing, and retail sectors. However, the state faces persistent challenges stemming from poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.
Dr. Al-Hajri commended Governor Uba Sani for his instrumental role in facilitating the successful launch of the Qatar Sanabil Project within the state.
The endeavor encompasses not only the construction of housing units but also a comprehensive array of interventions and empowerment programs intended to benefit the less privileged across Kaduna.
Among the initiatives outlined by the envoy are scholarships for orphans and underprivileged children, distribution of equipment such as sewing machines, welding machines, and salon kits, along with the drilling of numerous boreholes across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State.
The inauguration event transpired at the Millennium City Kaduna, where Governor Sani praised both the Qatar Embassy in Nigeria and the Qatari-owned Sanabil Project for aligning with Kaduna’s business-friendly environment.
The Economic City, he asserted, holds the potential to establish Kaduna as a beacon of modern and affordable accommodation, complemented by robust security and a conducive environment for commercial activities.
Governor Sani outlined the multifaceted benefits of the Economic City, projecting it to serve as a catalyst for international trade, a platform for local entrepreneurs and traders, and an avenue to harness product value chain opportunities, thus boosting economic growth.
The scope of this ambitious undertaking transcends housing alone, encompassing the establishment of clinics, shops, poultry farms, and farmlands to support both rainy season and irrigation farming.
The housing initiative led by Qatar underscores its commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inadequate housing that many individuals and families encounter within Kaduna State.
By aligning with local authorities and initiatives, Qatar’s efforts are set to significantly impact the lives of underprivileged communities while contributing to the broader goal of social and economic upliftment.