Dangote Cement Plc has urged government and private sector players to deepen collaboration for the delivery of affordable and sustainable mass housing solutions across the country.
Speaking at the recently concluded Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja, National Sales Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Dolapo Alli, highlighted the need for a strategic public-private partnership (PPP) model to overcome Nigeria’s severe housing challenges.
With the country facing a housing deficit estimated in millions, Alli said the collaboration of government agencies, private developers, non-profit organisations, and host communities is crucial in addressing the problem holistically. He emphasized that sustainable partnerships can lead to the construction of budget-friendly housing units that are accessible to the average Nigerian.
“The government can adopt PPP models to initiate new housing estates while providing tax waivers and incentives to developers in the building and construction sectors. This would ease access to funding and reduce the cost of delivering affordable homes,” Alli proposed.
Alli acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent efforts through initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which targets lower- and middle-income earners. However, he stressed that more aggressive implementation and wider stakeholder engagement are necessary to tackle the depth of the housing crisis.
“There is a pressing need for broader collaboration across public and private sectors to unlock innovative financing solutions, streamline regulatory processes, and scale up delivery to meet the growing demand for decent and affordable housing,” he said.
The Dangote executive further identified several systemic challenges impeding the growth of the housing sector:
Rapid urbanization and population growth
High cost of land acquisition and building materials
Lack of adequate infrastructure in new development areas
Limited access to long-term and affordable financing
Knowledge gaps and inaccurate housing demographics
Alli called on federal, state, and local governments to develop land use policies, allocate lands for mass housing, and adopt reforms that cut red tape and reduce construction costs.
As a sponsor of the AIHS 2025, which concluded on Friday, August 1, Dangote Cement’s active participation demonstrates its commitment to advancing housing accessibility and affordability across Nigeria. The firm’s involvement in the AIHS over the years underscores its belief in the show’s potential to shape policies and drive innovation in the sector.
Themed around “Making Housing Affordable and Accessible”, this year’s AIHS brought together industry experts, policy makers, architects, developers, and financiers from across Africa and beyond to brainstorm lasting solutions for the continent’s housing sector.
Nigeria’s housing deficit continues to widen due to increased urban migration and a lack of coordinated policy response. With over 20 million Nigerians lacking decent housing, according to some estimates, industry analysts argue that the time for isolated interventions is over.
The Dangote Group’s latest advocacy aligns with global best practices, where PPPs have been successfully deployed in countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa to deliver large-scale housing projects for underserved populations.
With the combined strengths of the private sector’s capital and efficiency and the government’s regulatory and land allocation powers, Nigeria has a real opportunity to revolutionize its housing landscape. Dangote Cement Plc’s position not only calls for urgent stakeholder action but also sets a tone for future policy reforms and sector-wide collaboration.
If effectively harnessed, such partnerships could unlock affordable homeownership opportunities for millions of Nigerians, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future.