Nigeria Unveils Ambitious State-By-State Housing Campaign
In a significant move to address the housing deficit, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has unveiled a comprehensive state-by-state homeownership and housing development campaign. He made this announcement at the 19th Edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to bridge the country’s housing gap.
The campaign, which will collaborate with state governments, private developers, and development partners, aims to portentously close policy execution gaps at the sub-national level. Dangiwa explained the strategy: “We will embed Housing Reform Champions within state governments, host State Housing Roundtables, and provide strategic support to shape feasible housing projects and unlock vital financing opportunities.”
Addressing an audience of African and international leaders from various sectors, Dangiwa emphasized that affordability remains the primary obstacle to homeownership across the continent, despite ongoing housing supply efforts. “Millions of families still can’t afford decent homes, even when they’re available. Our approach is holistic. We’re fixing the structural and macroeconomic foundations to make housing truly affordable and sustainable for Nigerians,” he said.
At the heart of the government’s strategy is the three-tier Renewed Hope Housing Programme: Renewed Hope Cities, Renewed Hope Estates, and Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates. These initiatives serve as the blueprint for delivering affordable homes nationwide. To date, public-private partnerships have already mobilized over ₦70 billion to drive large-scale urban housing developments.
Dangiwa also highlighted key interventions by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), such as the Rent-to-Own Scheme and Rental Assistance Product, designed to ease housing pressure on urban workers and young families. Additionally, the upcoming MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) will expand access to long-term mortgage loans at affordable rates.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to urban renewal and slum upgrades, Dangiwa aligned the plans with the UN-Habitat Global Action Plan and the Addis Declaration on Inclusive Urban Development, pledging, “No one and no place will be left behind.”
Calling upon development finance institutions, donor agencies, and the private sector, Dangiwa urged them to collaborate with the Federal Government in translating shared knowledge from forums like AIHS into tangible results for Nigerians. Concluding his address, he stated, “Housing is a fundamental right. When we invest in housing, we invest in people, jobs, cities, and our collective future.”
This bold initiative comes as a strategic response to Nigeria’s growing housing need, with estimates suggesting a deficit of 17 million units. International stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Nigeria’s ambitious plans unfold and how they peut potential solutions for other African countries grappling with similar housing challenges.
