Nigeria's Housing Deficit: Minister Urges Stronger Collaboration for Affordable Homes

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has called for stronger collaboration between developers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to address Nigerias housing deficit, estimated at more than 20 million units.

Speaking on Tuesday at the commissioning of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Express View Estate and FHA Complex in Lugbe, Abuja, Dangiwa stressed that closing the housing gap requires joint efforts and innovative financing models that go beyond government resources.

To truly change the story of housing in Nigeria, we need stronger partnerships between FHA, FMBN, developers, mortgage institutions, cooperatives, pension funds, and the private sector. And we need to mobilise resources not just from government, but from every available source, so that we can build at scale and reduce costs, he said.

Read Also: Tinubus housing scheme receives boost with 2,500 homes

The minister commended FHA Managing Director Oyetunde Ojo and his team for delivering on the authoritys mandate under President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that housing represents more than shelterit symbolises dignity, security, and the foundation for building stronger communities.

Related News

For me, 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, he added.

Ojo explained that the Express View Estate is a partnership project between the FHA and BAM Properties, initiated in 2021. The first phase, now completed, comprises 50 units of terraces and flats, while the full development will add about 110 units to the national housing stock.

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Housing, Abdulmumin Jibrin, however, raised concerns about affordability. He cautioned that without stronger mortgage support, many Nigerians may still struggle to access the homes.

Sometimes when you build these houses, there is also the challenge of whether the end user has the capacity to pay. The government needs to inject more funds into the mortgage market to ensure that no Nigerian, especially low- and non-income earners, is left behind, he said.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date