When Dr. Shuaib Mohammed Lamido Belgore walked into the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as the new Permanent Secretary, it was more than just a routine handover of office. It marked the beginning of a fresh chapter for Nigeria’s housing sector—a chapter defined by inclusivity, strategic delivery, and a commitment to building on existing achievements.
Dr. Belgore succeeds Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, who has moved to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security after a tenure credited with several critical milestones in the housing sector. At the handover ceremony held in the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Dr. Belgore impressed upon staff his vision of collaborative leadership. “Generally, my style is that of being inclusive. I work with those I meet on the ground and want to work with you. I believe in teamwork. I expect hard work, commitment, and loyalty,” he told an attentive audience of staff.
A career civil servant with extensive experience in urban and regional development, Belgore emphasised the need to understand ongoing projects before introducing reforms. One of his first actions was to instruct the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics to brief him immediately on the Ministry’s progress with the Federal Strategic Communications and Collaboration Implementation Plan (FSCCIP) and housing sector ministerial delivery. “These are the two main things I have to achieve while carrying out the mandate of the Ministry,” he said, underlining his results-oriented approach.
But Belgore’s vision goes beyond operational briefings. He is keen to build on the Renewed Hope agenda, a flagship housing initiative aimed at delivering affordable, sustainable housing across the country. “Renewed Housing is a big deal. I intend to ensure that we succeed with it. We will carry on from where my predecessor has left it and move to greater heights,” he asserted. His commitment reflects a deep understanding that housing is not just about infrastructure, but also about improving livelihoods and communities.
Dr. Ogunbiyi, in his farewell remarks, reflected fondly on his tenure. “The incoming permanent secretary will have a smooth ride while bringing in other reforms. A better hand has come,” he said, urging staff to fully support Belgore’s leadership. Ogunbiyi’s acknowledgment of key projects—Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, the National Housing Project, and Upgrades—underscores the foundation on which Belgore must now build.
As Dr. Belgore settles into his new role, the housing sector watches with anticipation. His combination of inclusive leadership, strategic focus, and commitment to delivering on the Renewed Hope agenda positions him to make an enduring impact. For staff, stakeholders, and Nigerians awaiting better housing solutions, Belgore’s appointment promises not just continuity, but a reinvigorated drive toward meaningful progress in urban development and housing delivery.
In a sector where policy meets people’s daily lives, the Permanent Secretary’s mission is clear: to turn vision into delivery, hope into homes, and challenges into opportunities. With Belgore at the helm, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development begins a promising journey toward renewed hope.
