Nigeria’s Government Seeks Partnerships to Tackle Housing Shortage
The Federal Government of Nigeria is poised to collaborate with credible investors to address the country’s pressing housing shortage, emphasizing its willingness to make land available nationwide for large-scale housing initiatives.
This announcement came from Housing and Urban Development Minister Muttaka Dalma, who made the statement on Tuesday through Badamasi Haiba, the Ministry’s Director-General for Press and Public Relations. The minister’s remarks followed a meeting with a Chinese delegation led by Engineer-in-Chief Luis Chima, who expressed interest in partnering with the federal government to deliver affordable housing on a large scale.
Dalma praised the delegation’s interest, noting that their proposal aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “New Hope” agenda aimed at expanding access to affordable and sustainable housing through public-private partnerships. He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to genuine investor participation, which includes facilitating land access and providing institutional support for effective project execution.
During the presentation, Chima highlighted Nigeria’s significant housing demand and economic potential as the driving factors behind their interest. Referring to the estimated housing deficit of approximately 17 million units, he asserted the necessity for large-scale intervention. Chima indicated that the proposed project would complement the Federal Government’s Renewable Housing Program by delivering affordable, durable housing solutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“Our goal extends beyond merely constructing houses; we aim to develop sustainable communities using modern industrialized construction techniques,” he explained. Chima is confident that this initiative will be instrumental in bridging the housing gap while supporting the government’s vision of affordable housing for all.
The company intends to introduce advanced prefabricated construction technology utilizing an engineering, procurement, construction, and financing model. This approach integrates project design, financing, construction, and delivery within a cohesive framework, enabling the proposed construction of 10,000 homes to be completed within 30 months. This strategy is designed to lower construction costs, enhance quality, shorten timelines, and strengthen risk management via international funding.
Chima assured the ministry of the company’s dedication to establishing a long-term partnership with the federal government, adding that the initiative will contribute to reducing housing shortages, generating employment, promoting technology transfer, and supporting sustainable urban development.
In response to the presentation, the Minister directed the formation of a committee comprising relevant directors to undertake a comprehensive review of the proposed plans, which will inform the department’s next steps. Dr. Shuaib Belgoa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, echoed the commitment to advance the ‘Renewed Hope Housing Agenda’ and cultivate strategic partnerships that accelerate the delivery of affordable, high-quality, and sustainable housing across Nigeria.
With an estimated housing deficit of about 17 million units, the Federal Government is pushing forward with the Renewed Hope Housing Program. This initiative aims to broaden access to affordable housing through a three-tier model: Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates, and Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates, relying on public-private partnerships to expedite delivery.
The ministry has shared that construction of over 10,000 homes is underway under this program across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Significant projects include the renovation of 3,112 units at Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, and a 2,000-unit Hope City in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. Additionally, work is ongoing in Kano, alongside the establishment of 250-unit Renewed Hope Estates in various states, all aimed at alleviating the housing shortage and enhancing access to affordable housing.
