Nigeria’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle the nation’s housing deficit and stimulate economic growth through the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme. This flagship initiative aims to construct 77,400 housing units, with 100 units in each of the 774 local government areas across the country. The program is specifically designed to cater to low-income earners, vulnerable populations, the unemployed, and internally displaced persons, ensuring access to affordable housing for those most in need. Minister Ahmed Dangiwa, during a presentation to the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, projected that this ambitious undertaking will generate over two million jobs, estimating 25 jobs per housing unit and 27 jobs per location. This employment generation is a central component of the program, designed to stimulate economic activity and provide opportunities across the nation.
The funding mechanism for this large-scale project is the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. Minister Dangiwa assured the committee that complete details regarding the funding structure would be provided after President Bola Tinubu approves the National Social Housing Programme documents. Furthermore, the Minister intends to propose a bill to the National Assembly to establish a National Social Housing Fund, ensuring the program’s long-term sustainability and providing a dedicated funding source for future housing initiatives. This legislative approach aims to solidify the program’s permanence and provide a framework for ongoing housing development in Nigeria.
Beyond the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, the Ministry is also focused on completing existing housing projects carried over from the previous year and the 2022 supplementary budget. These projects have progressed through the first two quarters of the year, awaiting the final review and release of the 2025 budget from the Budget Office of the Federation. Minister Dangiwa expressed confidence that several of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates projects are nearing completion, specifically mentioning those in Karsana (Abuja), Kano, and Lagos States. He anticipates that these projects will be ready for inauguration within two months of the release of the allocated funds.
The Karsana project, in particular, was highlighted as being close to completion, with the Minister having recently conducted an inspection tour alongside developers and financiers. While the project was initially slated for inauguration by the end of August, potential delays might arise due to ongoing construction of access roads being handled by the Federal Capital Territory Minister. Despite this potential setback, the overall progress on these projects indicates a significant stride towards achieving the Ministry’s housing goals. The Minister’s emphasis on the Kano and Lagos projects further underscores the nationwide scope of the initiative.
The financial viability of the projects was also addressed. Minister Dangiwa informed the committee that house subscriptions are currently being accepted across all project sites, and developers have begun to recoup their investments. This positive development indicates a strong demand for the housing units and reinforces the program’s financial soundness. To further prioritize the housing sector, the Ministry has formally requested the Accountant-General of the Federation to prioritize the allocation of funds to housing projects in future disbursements, emphasizing the importance of housing as a critical sector deserving focused financial support.
The House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat, chaired by Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, expressed strong support for the Ministry’s initiatives. Kofa affirmed the committee’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry to achieve tangible results and ensure the program’s success. He emphasized the committee’s open-door policy towards the Ministry, pledging to work harmoniously to maximize the impact of their efforts on the nation. Furthermore, Kofa assured the Minister that the committee would address any challenges encountered in the housing sector, reinforcing their commitment to facilitating the program’s smooth implementation and overcoming potential obstacles. This collaborative spirit between the legislative and executive branches bodes well for the program’s success and the fulfillment of its ambitious goals.
