Nigeria’s federal government has unveiled plans for a nationwide housing campaign aimed at expanding homeownership and addressing deficits in urban development. Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa announced the State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign at the 19th Africa International Housing Show in Abuja, describing it as a critical pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing initiative. The program seeks to provide diverse housing solutions across income brackets while bridging gaps between national policy and local implementation.
Speaking at the conference, themed “Re-imagining Housing through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy,” Dangiwa emphasized collaboration with state governments, private developers, and international financiers to tackle systemic challenges. “The biggest gaps in housing delivery are at the sub-national level,” he noted, citing limited technical capacity, outdated planning systems, and financing shortfalls in many states. Under the initiative, housing reform advocates will be appointed as special advisers to governors, while state-level roundtables and technical support teams will help align regional plans with federal resources.
Key institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Family Homes Funds, and Shelter Afrique Development Bank will provide financing and expertise to states. Dangiwa called on multilateral agencies and private investors to scale involvement, urging stakeholders to turn “conference knowledge into concrete action.” The ministry also plans to establish an independent monitoring committee to evaluate progress on housing policies, reinforcing accountability.
To date, the government has attracted over ₦70 billion (approximately $47 million) in private capital for the Renewed Hope Cities project, targeting middle- and high-income earners through public-private partnerships. Dangiwa stressed that housing is a universal right tied to economic stability, stating, “When we invest in housing, we invest in people, jobs, and the future.”
The three-day housing summit, organized by development advocate Festus Adebayo, showcased innovations in construction, finance, and policy. Adebayo framed the event as a platform for “bold conversations” to drive pan-African collaboration, emphasizing exhibitions, investment forums, and knowledge-sharing. “This is where business meets impact,” he said, highlighting projects aimed at reshaping urban landscapes across the continent.
The campaign’s phased rollout across Nigeria’s 36 states and Federal Capital Territory is expected to begin in late 2024, with pilot programs focusing on low-cost housing models and mortgage accessibility. Analysts note the initiative faces challenges, including inflation in construction materials and bureaucratic delays, but see potential in its hybrid funding approach and emphasis on sub-national capacity building.
