The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a major housing initiative aimed at reducing the country’s housing deficit. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government plans to build 77,400 social housing units across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. In addition, three new Renewed Hope Cities will be developed in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.
This was made known by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, in a recent statement. He said the ministry is committed to providing affordable homes for Nigerians and is open to working with international partners to make it a reality.
“Our main duty is to provide mass housing for Nigerians,” Ata said. “We welcome collaboration with Ms Allen Le and Partners International Investment Consulting Joint Company to achieve this.”
According to the minister, the housing initiative will be implemented in two parts. First, 3,000 housing units will be constructed each in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. These will form the core of the Renewed Hope Cities. Secondly, the ministry will build 250 housing units in each of Nigeria’s 36 states, under the Renewed Hope Estates plan.
He also announced that, in addition to the cities and estates, 100 social housing units will be constructed in each of the 774 local government areas across the country. This brings the total to 77,400 housing units aimed at tackling the country’s housing problems.
Ata stressed the importance of clarity in any proposed partnership. He advised potential partners to submit detailed proposals to the ministry, clearly outlining how they intend to contribute to the initiative.
“We want to see exactly how you intend to work with us,” he told the delegation from the investment company. “Send us a formal proposal stating your preferred area of collaboration.”
The minister revealed that 30 per cent of the 77,400 housing units will be allocated to non-income Nigerians—people who do not earn enough to afford housing. He praised President Bola Tinubu for insisting on this percentage, even when some advisers recommended reducing it to 20 per cent.
“This shows the president’s commitment to supporting the poor and vulnerable,” Ata added.
The visiting investment group, led by Allen Ke Nam of SV-NED Incorporated, showed interest in contributing to the affordable housing project. Nam asked for land from the government to start their development and said their involvement would benefit Nigeria’s economy.
He explained that their construction method would create jobs and help many Nigerians learn new skills. “The collaboration will lead to job creation and skill acquisition as new construction methods will be introduced,” Nam said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Shuaib Belgore, was also present at the meeting. He welcomed the planned collaboration and assured the investors of the Ministry’s full support. Belgore said the Ministry is eager to work with international partners who share the government’s vision for affordable housing.
The housing shortage in Nigeria is a major issue, with millions of citizens living in poor conditions or without proper shelter. Experts have said that Nigeria needs at least 17 million housing units to meet the current demand. Government efforts like this one under the Renewed Hope Agenda are seen as important steps toward addressing the gap.
If successfully carried out, this large-scale housing project will not only provide shelter but also support economic development across the country. By engaging both local and foreign investors and creating job opportunities through construction and housing management, the project may bring significant benefits to Nigerians.
