The Federal Government has unveiled a new housing programme that will deliver about 160,000 affordable homes across Nigeria. The initiative targets low-income earners and workers in the informal sector.
The programme, known as the Fiscal Mass Social Housing Scheme, will provide 200 housing units in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. Government officials say the initiative will significantly expand access to affordable housing nationwide.
The Federal Government unveiled the programme during the opening of the 20th African International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja.
Government targets one million homes
Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Mu’taqha Rabe Darma, said the programme aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the government wants to make housing a major driver of economic growth, employment and national development.
He explained that the administration is implementing one of Nigeria’s largest housing programmes. The long-term goal is to deliver one million affordable homes.
The houses will be available through outright purchase, mortgage financing and rent-to-own arrangements.
Renewed Hope projects underway
Meanwhile, Darma disclosed that construction is already progressing under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme.
The projects are located in several states and the Federal Capital Territory. Major sites include Karsana in Abuja, Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos and Kano.
In addition, the government is strengthening partnerships with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), the Family Homes Fund, the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company and private developers.
According to the minister, these partnerships will make home ownership easier for more Nigerians.
Government expands infrastructure
Beyond building houses, the Federal Government is investing in supporting infrastructure.
The projects include roads, drainage systems, water supply, sanitation facilities and street lighting.
Furthermore, Darma said the government is digitising land administration and developing a national housing database. He noted that both initiatives will improve transparency and simplify access to land.
The administration also plans to increase local production of building materials. As a result, construction costs could fall while more jobs are created.
Stakeholders urged to collaborate
The minister urged governments, investors, financial institutions, development partners and housing professionals to strengthen collaboration.
He said practical partnerships remain essential to addressing Africa’s growing housing deficit.
National Assembly backs reforms
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for housing reforms.
According to him, lawmakers will continue to support measures that improve land administration, expand mortgage financing and attract private investment into the housing sector.
FMBN identifies key challenges
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Usman Osidi, described affordable housing finance as critical to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
He said the bank has expanded its mortgage products to serve low-income earners, cooperatives and Nigerians living in the diaspora.
However, Osidi identified rising construction costs, expensive land, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to affordable financing as major barriers to home ownership.
Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that discussions at the African International Housing Show would produce practical solutions. He added that the conference would help accelerate affordable housing delivery in Nigeria and across Africa.
