By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
Housing deficit in Nigeria has continued to challenge the country as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) revealed recently that Nigeria currently has a 28 million housing gap. However, the Federal, alongside state governments and even private sectors seem more poised in bringing this problem to an end.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 3,112 housing-unit Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, said that every Nigerian deserves a house, noting that the housing unit in Karsana is part of the 20,000 units to be delivered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under a Public Private Partnership arrangement, which is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The President said that under the plan, integrated living communities that will redefine the essence of residential living for Nigerians nationwide will be built. He also emphasized that his vision is to build dynamic, integrated, and self-sustaining communities, equipped with amenities in order to enhance the quality of living of residents. The President also said that this vision includes well-connected access and internal roads, provision of reliable and uninterrupted electricity, healthcare facilities to offer accessible and quality medical services and educational institutions to provide learning environments that nurture knowledge and skills. In addition, President Tinubu added that the goal is to increase the sense of togetherness, improve the health and productivity of Nigerian citizens and reduce pressure on city centers.
In his words, “on this note, I am directing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Minister of Works to provide access roads to all Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Projects to increase accessibility and livability starting with this site in Karsana. This is because my administration believes that every Nigerian deserves to have access to shelter that is affordable and adequate.”
The President stated that beyond the moral imperative of providing decent and affordable housing for citizens, his administration also recognizes the immense potential of housing as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. While speaking on the determination of his administration to ensure that Nigeria’s housing deficit is bridged, he said that he is determined to stand up to this challenge with the boldness and urgency that it requires.
The President further expressed delight that the Renewed Hope Cities are being developed in three locations, which include Kano with 1,500 housing units, Lagos with 2,500 housing units and Abuja with 3,112 housing units under a variety of funding arrangements, adding that, the Housing Ministry’s plan to kick start a National Urban and Slum Upgrading Programme covering 26 sites, nationwide is also commendable.
The Federal Government, through the Housing Ministry is also gearing towards creating about 1.2 million jobs for Nigerian citizens through the construction of the 3,112 housing units under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who said this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project, noted that the government was prepared to take advantage of affordable housing provision to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
According to the Minister, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is a strategic initiative that seeks to address the multiple facets of development from urban planning and economic growth to social inclusion and environmental sustainability. He disclosed that N118.9 billion had been budgeted for the project.
Dangiwa said that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is designed to be a catalyst for economic growth, and the construction, as well as development of the new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and attract investments. He added that the 50,000 units the ministry plans to deliver under phase 1 of the project will create 1.25 million direct and indirect construction jobs at 25 persons per unit in 24 months. This is in addition to the value chain effects of purchase, supply of building materials, and businesses around the construction sites.
In his words, “hopefully, within 10 to 12 months, we will start giving keys to those who have subscribed when a substantial part of the estate is completed and we hope the estate will be put to use before the end of the year. This programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision of national development. It is a step towards creating smart and modern cities that can compete globally, attracting domestic and foreign investments. This will not only enhance our country’s image, but also position Nigeria as a forward-thinking nation ready to embrace the challenges of the future.”
The minister emphasized that the project was the pilot under a Public Private Partnership between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a consortium of developers comprising the Continental Civil and General Construction and Ceezali Limited signed in December 2023 to deliver a total of 100,000 houses nationwide.
Dangiwa stated that under the Partnership arrangement, the Ministry is creating an enabling environment and facilitating off-takers for the houses through FMBN, where the developers will source for land and finance the construction. He added that by encouraging the PPP arrangements, the financial burden is taken off the government while still meeting citizens’ needs for decent and quality shelter.
The housing Minister expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project would relieve the burden on existing cities and improve the general quality of life for residents, noting that housing plays a significant role in creating job opportunities for youths, facilitating entrepreneurship, and reducing poverty for many.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government announced significant strides in addressing the issue of housing deficit by providing over 3,000 housing units within the last five years, with plans to increase the number by up to 7,000 units with the growing population.
The State’s Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, while speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, stressed the urgency in expanding housing infrastructure in order to accommodate the expanding population. He pointed out the pressing challenge of housing scarcity, especially for low-income earners, which is now worsened by the inflow of individuals from other regions into the state.
Akinderu-Fatai noted that, in seeking to catalyze developments in the housing sector, the government is actively engaging investors. He revealed plans for legislation aimed at attracting private investments, including rent control laws and mortgage regulations. According to him, government is dedicated to enacting rent control laws to ensure reasonable rent increases, thereby making rental properties more appealing to investors. Additionally, the government is also reworking mortgage laws to incentivize private sector participation in affordable housing.
While acknowledging the hurdles posed by inflation and foreign exchange fluctuations, he urged collaboration between the private sector and the government, advocating for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in order to address the housing needs of low-income earners, also further reiterating the government’s openness to various forms of partnerships, urging stakeholders to contribute collectively towards bridging the housing gap in Lagos State.