Market women across Nigeria may soon find relief from housing struggles if a bold proposal championed by Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, gains traction.
Folashade has called on the Federal Government to construct 3,600 housing units specifically for market traders nationwide, addressing a long-standing challenge that has left many struggling with accommodation insecurity.
During an advocacy visit to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, in Abuja, Tinubu-Ojo made a passionate appeal for the government to take immediate steps toward affordable housing solutions for women in trade. The Iyaloja General, who is also the daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighted how crucial it is to recognize the economic contributions of market women and reward their efforts with policies that uplift their living standards.
Her proposal outlines the construction of 100 housing units in each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that thousands of hardworking market traders finally have a place to call their own. Stressing the urgent need for structured mortgage schemes, Tinubu-Ojo emphasized that housing security plays a fundamental role in economic stability. Many women in trade, she noted, find it nearly impossible to own homes due to financial barriers, making them vulnerable to unstable living conditions.
As key contributors to Nigeria’s trade and commerce, market women play a significant role in national development. However, the lack of stable housing affects their financial well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. This initiative is designed to close the gender gap in homeownership, empowering these women with affordable and accessible housing,” she stated.
Beyond offering shelter, the proposed housing initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes improving citizens’ lives through strategic interventions. Tinubu-Ojo reminded government officials that market women played a critical role in grassroots mobilization for the current administration and that their unwavering support should be reciprocated with policies that improve their standard of living.
In response, Minister Abdullahi Ata praised the Iyaloja General for her advocacy and commitment to the welfare of Nigerian market traders. He assured her that the proposal would be given serious consideration, promising to push for its inclusion in the government’s supplementary budget discussions.
“I appreciate your dedication to the cause of market women. The government remains committed to promoting equitable access to housing, and I will do my best to ensure this proposal is thoroughly reviewed. I will advocate for its consideration by the Federal Executive Council, exploring its feasibility within our housing initiatives,” Ata stated.
The proposed housing units, if approved, will be developed in phases across all states and the Federal Capital Territory. A transparent mortgage system will be introduced to ensure affordability, allowing market women to acquire homes through reasonable installment payments. Additionally, the initiative is expected to boost economic activity by creating jobs in the construction sector while also addressing the country’s ongoing housing deficit.
Stakeholders and market associations have welcomed the Iyaloja General’s initiative with optimism, commending her relentless efforts to secure better living conditions for Nigeria’s trading community. Many believe that if implemented, the project will be a game-changer, providing economic empowerment and social security for thousands of women who have long been overlooked in national housing policies.
As the conversation around affordable housing for market women gains momentum, all eyes are now on the Federal Government to take decisive action in making this vision a reality. With strong advocacy and governmental support, the dream of homeownership for Nigeria’s hardworking market women may soon become a reality.
