by Ikem Okems
The Nigerian Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr Muttaqha Darma, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding affordable housing and driving sustainable urban development, highlighting the government’s ongoing construction of more than 10,000 housing units, reforms to modernise land administration, efforts to strengthen housing finance, and plans for a nationwide mass social housing scheme expected to deliver about 160,000 homes across the country.
Declaring open the 20th Africa International Housing Show, AIHS in Abuja on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister said housing has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda, serving not only as a basic social necessity but also as a powerful driver of job creation, industrial growth, urban development, and economic diversification.
“Housing is more than a shelter. It is a catalyst for economic growth, social stability, job creation, improved public health, and national development,” Dr. Darma said, describing the sector as a powerful driver of inclusive prosperity.
The minister revealed that the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, one of the largest housing interventions in Nigeria’s history, is currently delivering 10,112 housing units through 14 flagship projects across the country.
According to the minister, beneficiaries have already begun taking possession of homes under the government’s rent-to-own scheme, demonstrating what he described as the administration’s commitment to translating policy into tangible results.
Beyond housing construction, Dr. Darma outlined a broader reform agenda aimed at addressing structural challenges within the sector.
He said the government is implementing a National Housing Data Programme to establish Nigeria’s first integrated housing database, while also modernising land governance through the National Digital Land Information System, geospatial mapping and improved land administration processes.
The reforms, he noted, are designed to enhance transparency, reduce transaction costs, facilitate easier access to land for development and improve investor confidence.
“Each local government in this country will have 200 housing units,” he said, adding that the initiative is targeted at low-income households, informal sector workers, young families and other vulnerable groups who struggle to access decent accommodation.”
Dr. Darma also highlighted efforts to promote local production of building materials and indigenous construction technologies to reduce dependence on imports, lower housing costs, create manufacturing jobs and conserve foreign exchange.
He stressed that Nigeria’s housing strategy is increasingly linked to wider economic objectives, arguing that the sector has become “a major platform for economic diversification and inclusive growth.”
While acknowledging the scale of Africa’s housing deficit, the minister said governments alone cannot provide the required solutions.
He called for stronger partnerships involving investors, financial institutions, development agencies, professional bodies and the private sector to mobilise resources and innovative financing mechanisms for affordable housing delivery.
“Nigeria remains ready to work with sister African nations, regional institutions, multilateral organizations, and development partners to promote inclusive urban development, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities, and affordable housing for all our people,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting policies and legislation that strengthen the housing sector.
Representing the President of the Senate, Tambuwal congratulated the organisers of AIHS for building what he described as Africa’s foremost housing and construction platform over the past 20 years.
He noted that housing remains a critical pillar of national development because of its role in economic growth, employment creation and social inclusion.
“The 10th Senate remains steadfast in its commitment to providing legislative support necessary to strengthen the housing sector through responsible laws, effective oversight and stakeholder engagement,” Tambuwal said.
He pledged continued support for reforms aimed at improving land administration, expanding access to affordable housing finance, strengthening mortgage institutions and creating an enabling environment for increased private-sector participation in housing delivery.
Stakeholders urged participants to use the conference as a platform to deepen collaboration, exchange innovative ideas and develop practical solutions capable of accelerating access to affordable and sustainable housing across Africa.
The 20th Africa International Housing Show brings together policymakers, legislators, investors, developers, financial institutions, development partners and housing professionals from across the continent to explore strategies for addressing Africa’s growing housing needs and advancing sustainable urban development.
