AGS NEWS – The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit through a strategic public-private partnership (PPP) approach.

Speaking at the Renewed Hope Housing Public-Private Partnership Summit in Abuja, Dangiwa acknowledged that previous policies had failed due to inconsistent implementation and weak political will.

He emphasized that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the government is determined to break the cycle of inaction and deliver tangible housing solutions.

According to him, Nigeria must construct 500,000 housing units annually over the next decade to bridge the gap, requiring an estimated N5 trillion ($6.25 billion) in yearly investment.

Highlighting the dire state of housing, Dangiwa noted that over 70% of Nigeria’s 43 million housing units do not meet basic habitability standards.

He pointed out that only 3.3% of households have access to piped water, 24% to sewage systems, and 51.7% to the national power grid.

To tackle these issues, the government is implementing the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and the National Urban Renewal and Slum Upgrade Programme.

The minister stressed that PPPs are central to achieving large-scale affordable housing, with the government collaborating with developers to deliver 100,000 housing units under a PPP framework.

The first phase will include seven Renewed Hope Cities in key urban centers like Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Maiduguri, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Nasarawa.

Construction has already begun, with 6,612 units underway in the FCT, Lagos, and Kano. Additionally, a partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank will deliver 5,000 housing units in the initial phase, with a nationwide rollout planned.

The Senate Committee on Land, Housing, and Urban Development has pledged support for the initiative.

Its chairman, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, emphasized the urgent need to close the housing gap, describing affordable shelter as a catalyst for economic growth.

He called for transparent policies and legislative frameworks to encourage private-sector investment.

The summit’s convener, Dr. Olayemi Rotsimo-Shodome, lauded the engagement of key stakeholders and stressed the need for action beyond discussions, ensuring agreements translate into housing for Nigerians.