The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has reported significant strides in addressing Nigeria’s longstanding housing deficit, revealing that over 10,000 housing units are currently underway across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The announcement comes as Dangiwa marks his second year in office, highlighting bold reforms that are reshaping the housing sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Since assuming office on August 22, 2023, Minister Dangiwa has pursued what the Ministry calls a “historic reset” of Nigeria’s housing ecosystem.
Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry is implementing innovative, practical solutions aimed at tackling systemic challenges and delivering housing solutions at an unprecedented pace.
The housing deficit, conservatively estimated at over 17 million units, is being addressed through a three-tier model under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme: cities, estates, and social housing initiatives.
Among the flagship projects are a 3,112-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja; a 2,000-unit city in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos; and a 1,500-unit city in Kano, supplemented by a 500-unit estate.
Additionally, 250-unit estates are being developed in twelve states, including Osun, Delta, Katsina, and Nasarawa. Compared to the delivery of 3,500 units over eight years before this administration, the current pace represents a remarkable acceleration.
In tandem with housing construction, the Ministry has implemented the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme, transforming over 150 communities nationwide.
The programme incorporates rehabilitated roads, drainage systems, solar power solutions, clean water, schools, and healthcare facilities, providing a holistic approach to urban regeneration.
Financial reforms have also been central to the Ministry’s strategy.
With the support of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Housing Authority, access to single-digit mortgages, zero-down-payment rent-to-own schemes, and public-private partnerships has expanded, mobilising over N70 billion in private capital.
These initiatives are designed to make housing more accessible to low- and middle-income Nigerians while stimulating economic growth.
The Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme aims to deliver 77,400 affordable homes nationwide, ensuring at least 100 homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.
Beyond housing, the programme is projected to create over two million jobs, support local economies, and encourage development in rural and peri-urban communities.
Land reforms are a key pillar of the Ministry’s agenda.
With more than 96 per cent of Nigeria’s land currently untitled, the Nigeria Land Titling, Registration and Documentation Programme (Land4Growth) seeks to digitise land registries, streamline approvals, and unlock over $300 billion in dormant assets.
To strengthen data-driven planning, the Ministry has established the National Housing Data Centre, a centralised digital repository of housing, land, and urban development information.
This platform will provide real-time insights to guide policy, attract investment, and ensure transparency in housing delivery.
Efforts to reduce building costs have led to the launch of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, expected to cut material costs by up to 25 per cent while generating thousands of jobs.
Complementary programmes, such as the National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme, are training carpenters, plumbers, masons, and electricians to meet the growing demand for skilled labour in housing projects.
International partnerships are further bolstering the sector.
Collaborations with Shelter Afrique Development Bank, UN-Habitat, and the World Bank are providing technical and financial support for large-scale housing and urban reforms.
Reflecting on the progress, Minister Dangiwa said, “We inherited a housing sector riddled with systemic challenges.
In just two years, through the support of Mr. President and our partners, we have rolled out strategic programmes that are delivering results. We are not just building houses; we are building hope, dignity, and prosperity for millions of Nigerians. And we are only just beginning.”