The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing crisis by calling for deeper collaboration between key industry players, including developers, financial institutions, and private investors.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made the call on Tuesday during the commissioning ceremony of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Express View Estate and the FHA Complex in Lugbe, Abuja. He emphasized that tackling the estimated 20 million housing shortfall will require a coordinated, multi-sector approach.
“To truly transform the housing sector, partnerships are essential,” Dangiwa said. “This includes the FHA, FMBN, developers, mortgage banks, cooperatives, pension fund managers, and the broader private sector. We must also mobilise funding beyond government allocations to deliver housing at scale and affordable rates.”
The minister applauded FHA’s Managing Director, Oyetunde Ojo, for his leadership in aligning the agency’s efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that housing plays a critical role not just as a basic necessity but as a pillar of social stability and community development.
“This project isn’t merely about bricks and mortar,” he stated. “It’s about dignity, stability, and national development. The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a promise it’s being implemented through initiatives like this.”
The Express View Estate, a joint venture between FHA and BAM Properties initiated in 2021, has completed its first phase, delivering 50 residential units. The full development will contribute an estimated 110 units to the national housing stock.
However, affordability remains a pressing concern. Chairman of the House Committee on Housing, Abdulmumin Jibrin, cautioned that without a robust mortgage system, many Nigerians especially low-income earners may be unable to access the new homes.
“Constructing homes is one thing. Ensuring affordability for the average Nigerian is another,” Jibrin said. “The government must prioritize funding the mortgage sector so no citizen is excluded from housing opportunities due to financial limitations.”
As the government intensifies its housing drive, the consensus is clear: meaningful progress will depend on both sustainable financing strategies and inclusive policies that ensure accessibility for all income levels.
