Federal Government Unveils Plan for 100,000 Social Housing Units Across Nigeria
In a major initiative aimed at addressing the pressing housing deficit in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced plans to construct 100,000 social housing units aimed at vulnerable populations throughout all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The announcement was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during his presentation at the 4th Edition of the Real Estate Future Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 29, 2025.
Dangiwa outlined the ambitious initiative, which will be implemented through a Comprehensive Nationwide Social Housing Delivery Programme designed to cater to at-risk groups. “This programme aims to provide a significant number of housing units at a crucial time when our nation faces a housing deficit exceeding 20 million units,” he stated, characterizing the situation as both a challenge and an opportunity for transformative change.
To bridge this housing gap, Dangiwa emphasized the necessity of constructing 500,000 new housing units each year over the next decade. As part of this strategy, the government is launching the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which aims to deliver 100,000 housing units in its first phase. These developments are set to become integrated communities accommodating a wide spectrum of income levels, ranging from high-end homes to affordable residences for low- and middle-income earners.
The programme seeks to improve urban planning, promote inclusive housing development, and ensure that more Nigerians gain access to decent living conditions. The Minister reiterated that effectively addressing the 20 million-unit housing deficit will demand substantial ongoing investments, with a target of half a million housing units constructed annually over the next ten years.
Given the scale of this endeavor, he urged global developers, housing finance institutions, and investors to collaborate with the Nigerian government through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Dangiwa assured potential partners of a supportive business environment, including access to land, reliable offtake guarantees, and necessary concessions to facilitate mutually beneficial arrangements.
“The housing issue in Nigeria presents not just a challenge but a substantial investment opportunity,” he said, inviting investors to partake in shaping the future of Nigerian housing while also securing significant returns on their investments.
In addition to housing construction, Dangiwa shared further government initiatives aimed at bolstering the sector, including the establishment of Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs (BMMHs) in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These hubs are expected to diminish reliance on imported materials, reduce construction costs, and stimulate industrial growth through the promotion of local manufacturing. He underscored that enhancing the building materials sector is crucial not only for making housing more affordable but also for generating employment and spurring economic development.
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