FG implement strategy to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit

The federal government says it is implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable homes.

Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development, stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating the FHA Express View Estate 1 and FHA Complex in Lugbe, Abuja.

He was represented at the event by Shuaib Belgore, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.

“This event is not just about cutting a ribbon. It is about showing Nigerians that progress is possible. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real, and through institutions like the FHA, we are bringing that vision to life,” Dangiwa said.

He explained that the Ministry is driving the agenda through policies, partnerships, and strengthened institutions, with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) as a key delivery tool.

According to him, ongoing projects include the Renewed Hope Cities scheme, which will deliver more than 3,000 houses in major cities, and the Renewed Hope Estates across 13 states.

He added that a social housing initiative is also underway to provide 77,400 houses — 100 in every local government area of the country.

The minister called for stronger collaboration between FHA, FMBN, developers, mortgage institutions, cooperatives, pension funds, and the private sector to accelerate housing delivery.

Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, also stressed the need for more funding in the sector.

“One of the fundamental problems of the housing sector in Nigeria is that we have a situation where the houses are chasing the money. We need to change the dynamics to a situation where the money will be chasing the houses,” Jibrin said.

He added that while houses are sometimes available, many Nigerians lack the purchasing power, making it necessary to strengthen the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to address mortgage challenges.