The Federal Government says it will be working more closely with state governments, private developers, and development partners to make it easier for Nigerians to own homes. The move is part of a new push to make housing more affordable and close the gap between what is promised in policy and what is actually happening on the ground.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made the announcement while speaking at the opening of the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja. He said the plan is a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on reducing the housing shortage through major reforms that include everyone.
“We’re introducing Housing Reform Champions in every state, setting up housing roundtables, and giving direct support to states to help them plan and finance proper housing projects,” the Minister explained.
He addressed a mixed audience of ministers, lawmakers, diplomats, housing experts, bankers, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond. According to Dangiwa, the biggest problem is still affordability—millions of African families cannot afford decent homes, even when housing is available.
“It’s not just about building more houses. We also need to fix the deeper issues—like poor policies and a weak economy—that make housing so expensive,” he said.
The Minister also outlined the government’s three-part plan under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme:
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Renewed Hope Cities
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Renewed Hope Estates
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Renewed Hope Social Housing Estates
These projects are designed to provide affordable housing all across Nigeria. So far, he said, over ₦70 billion has been raised through partnerships between the government and private investors to fund large housing developments.
Dangiwa also highlighted what the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is doing to help:
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A Rent-to-Own Scheme
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A Rental Assistance Package aimed at young families and city workers
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A new MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), which will offer longer-term, low-interest mortgage loans
He added that the ministry also plans to renew urban areas and upgrade slums in line with global efforts like the UN-Habitat’s Global Action Plan and the Addis Declaration on Inclusive Urban Development. The aim is to make sure that no community is left behind.
Finally, the Minister called on banks, donors, and investors to join hands with the government and turn all the ideas shared at the AIHS into real projects that improve lives.
“Housing is not a luxury—it’s a right. When we invest in housing, we’re investing in our people, in jobs, in better cities, and in a better future,” Dangiwa said.
