The Federal Government has announced the ongoing construction of 10,112 housing units across 14 active construction sites nationwide as part of its Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
Speaking at the 6th Africa Housing Awards and Industry End-of-Year Dinner in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, revealed that the project includes 12 Renewed Hope Estates, each comprising 250 housing units, spread across 12 states, with two states from each geopolitical zone.
Dangiwa disclosed that larger urban housing developments are underway in the Federal Capital Territory with 3,112 units, Kano and Lagos states with 2,000 units each. Additional projects are planned for Enugu, Borno, Rivers, and Nasarawa States.
While commending the event organizers, Housing Africa Group and Festus Adebayo, the minister highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of stakeholders in the housing sector, which he described as a driver of economic growth.
The housing programme has generated over 252,800 jobs for Nigerians, directly and indirectly, according to Dangiwa. With an estimated 25 jobs created per housing unit, the initiative has provided opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers alike.
“In just over a year, the ministry has adopted creative funding strategies, reformed land administration, and promoted building materials manufacturing and social housing. These efforts aim to create significant impacts in housing and urban development,” he said.
The Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Shehu Osidi, highlighted the bank’s strategic efforts to support affordable housing. Through partnerships and innovative financing models, the FMBN has provided a ₦100 billion off-takers’ guarantee for Renewed Hope projects.
Osidi announced new products, including Rent Assistance, Non-Interest Mortgages, and Diaspora NHF Mortgages, aimed at easing homeownership for Nigerians.
Former Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Musa Sada, emphasized the need for innovation in housing design and construction during the event. He urged stakeholders to focus on affordable housing solutions and explore new construction techniques that streamline the process of producing homes.
“For the government, stronger policies and regulations are necessary to enable the housing sector to thrive,” Sada said.
Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Festus Adebayo, called for restraint in ongoing demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory, stressing the need to create an enabling environment for affordable housing.
He noted that the rising cost of cement, now at ₦9,500, poses a significant challenge to housing affordability. “The government must introduce incentives like tax exemptions for developers investing in low-cost housing to support workers and the less privileged,” Adebayo urged.
The event served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss housing challenges and explore sustainable solutions for the sector’s growth.
