Housing remains a basic necessity of all mankind. In fact, according to Ebie, it is second only to food in the hierarchy of man’s needs. Inadequate housing has become an intractable challenge in Nigeria.
Both state and federal governments have tried, but there is still a lot that needs to be done. A minimum of seven residential housing programmes have been launched in the last few decades in a bid to address increasing housing challenges in the country. Let’s take a look at some state governments that are making giant strides in the housing sector.
1. Lagos State
Governor: Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Housing Initiatives:
Lagos State, a beacon of advancement in Nigeria, has launched multiple housing projects under its Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and the Ministry of Housing. The state has completed several housing estates, such as the LagosHOMS project, and has expanded public-private partnerships to deliver more affordable units. Key locations for these projects include Igbogbo, Sangotedo, and Egan-Igando.
Recently, the Lagos State Governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of 704 new housing units of two-bedroom apartments in Odo Nla, Ikorodu, facilitated by the Lagos State Government and Access Bank PLC. The state has delivered more than 21 housing estates across low, medium, and premium categories, providing homes to thousands of Lagosians.
2. Benue State
Governor: Hyacinth Alia
Housing Initiatives:
Benue State is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates scheme, receiving a share of the 20,000 housing units planned across Nigeria. The state is also collaborating with the Family Homes Fund (FHF) to construct affordable homes for low-income earners.
The Benue State Government also recently began the development of 3,000 housing units to provide good shelter for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State.
3. Ogun State
Governor: Dapo Abiodun
Housing Initiatives:
Affordable housing units are a deliberate policy of Governor Abiodun’s administration.
The Ogun State Government has delivered more than 4,000 units, developing multiple affordable housing projects, including the Prince Court Estate in Kobape and housing estates in Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro. The state has engaged in PPPs to provide mortgage financing and rent-to-own schemes, making it easier for low-income and salary earners to get houses for as low as 5.5 million naira.
4. Gombe State
Governor: Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
Housing Initiatives:
Gombe State is a beneficiary of the Renewed Hope Agenda housing scheme, where the federal government is constructing housing units. The state will have 50 units of semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.
The state has also partnered with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for low-cost housing initiatives.
5. Bauchi State
Governor: Bala Mohammed
Housing Initiatives:
Bauchi State has invested in mass housing projects through the state’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The state partnered with Terraquest to deliver over 1,000 housing units. There has been massive housing investment in the Dungal community in Bauchi Local Government Area.
The Family Homes Fund has invested in over 2,500 housing units in Bauchi.
6. Anambra State
Governor: Charles Soludo
Housing Initiatives:
The Anambra State Government has launched the “Solution Estate” project, providing affordable housing for civil servants and low-income earners. The state is working with private developers to expand its housing infrastructure.
The governor recently secured over $500 million in investments in different sectors. He has also launched housing projects like the Soul City, located in the Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. The Soul City comprises a tourist center, a wonderland, and shopping malls.
7. Rivers State
Governor: Siminalayi Fubara
Housing Initiatives:
Rivers State has initiated urban renewal projects and low-cost housing schemes, particularly in Port Harcourt. The state government is collaborating with private investors to increase housing supply.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara is building 20,000 housing units for low-income workers. This is the most systematic and targeted public housing scheme in the country.
8. Kano State
Governor: Abba Kabir Yusuf
Housing Initiatives:
Kano State is investing in new residential developments under federal and state government housing schemes. The state has also committed to expanding mortgage financing options.
The state is investing over ₦10 billion in new housing units across the state. The Kano State Government provided land at no cost for 500 units of housing for the Renewed Hope City scheme of the federal government in Kano.
9. Enugu State
Governor: Peter Mbah
Housing Initiatives:
Enugu State has expanded its housing program through PPPs, constructing new estates to accommodate the growing population.
The state provided up to 60 hectares of land in Agbamere Eha-Alumona for the National Social Housing Programme (NSHP), which plans to build 300,000 affordable houses for low-income earners across the country.
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has also launched a plan to build 20,000 mass housing units with modern facilities for civil servants in the state.
10. Oyo State
Governor: Seyi Makinde
Housing Initiatives:
Oyo State is developing affordable housing estates, including the Ajoda New Town and other housing schemes targeting middle- and low-income earners.
The state is constructing over 360 housing units in Egbeda Local Government Area, Ibadan Zone, at the cost of ₦2.5 billion. The state also recently attracted a ₦35 billion investment in housing.
11. Yobe State
Governor: Mai Mala Buni
Housing Initiatives:
The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with Family Homes Funds Ltd, recently delivered 2,350 housing units in the state. The state approved ₦15.9 billion for the construction of these homes to assist civil servants and vulnerable populations. Mortgage financing is being put in place to help over 50,000 civil servants and citizens purchase these homes.
12. Sokoto State
Governor: Ahmed Aliyu
Housing Initiatives:
Sokoto is among the 13 states benefiting from 250 housing units under the Renewed Hope initiative. The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the UNDP, has also finalized plans to construct 100 housing units for IDPs in Illela Local Government Area. The state recently acquired and unveiled 136 housing units worth ₦1.8 billion to cater to low-income earners.
13. Borno State
Governor: Babagana Zulum
Housing Initiatives:
Borno State, in partnership with the Family Homes Fund, has commissioned 1,000 housing units for low-income earners in Ngamdu town, Kaga Local Government Area. Additionally, 300 semi-detached two-bedroom housing units were recently commissioned, while another 500 units were completed in partnership with the UNDP.
14. Niger State
Governor: Mohammed Umar Bago
Housing Initiatives:
Niger State is investing in a large-scale housing project aimed at building 10,000 new homes and establishing 100 farm estates to boost economic growth while addressing the need for shelter.
15. Kwara State
Governor: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Housing Initiatives:
Kwara State plans to construct 250 housing units under its smart city initiative. The governor has pledged that ongoing infrastructure projects will be completed alongside these new housing projects.
These states are all making efforts to tackle the housing deficit in Nigeria.
Ubong Usoro
