Minister Seeks Increased Private Sector Investments in Housing Sector

Charles Ogba

Last updated Dec 1, 2023

As part of efforts to encourage increased private sector participation in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has performed the ground-breaking ceremony for a 480-housing unit project in the Kukwaba area of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the “Renewed Hope” Agenda for Housing and Urban Development requires the participation of the private sector to bridge the housing deficit in the country, as the quantum of funding required to fix the housing shortage is beyond what the government alone can provide.

The project by CityGate Homes covers phases II and III of the company’s Kukwaba housing project. It comprises 480 housing units of 6-bedroom semi-detached duplexes and 4-bedroom blocks of flats.

Arc. Dangiwa described the ground-breaking ceremony as a significant contribution to the ministry’s ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis in the country.

“The initiative taken by Citygate Homes aligns perfectly with the government’s vision for sustainable urban development.

“This project embodies the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, showcasing how partnerships can drive impactful change and contribute to the growth and development of our nation,” he remarked.

While commending City Gate Homes for their dedicated investment in this endeavour, the minister observed that the demand for housing has surged. And in a rapidly growing city like Abuja, it is a collective responsibility to respond to the need.

“This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community,” he noted.

The minister reminded them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to cater to the welfare of Nigerians.

While assuring City Gate Homes of the government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for private-sector investment to thrive, he urged them to embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability in their housing and urban development drive.

According to the minister, housing projects must incorporate eco-friendly designs, embrace technological advancements, and cater to the diverse needs of society, including low- and medium-income earners.

“In this regard, I will request that the Management of City Gate Homes earmark a certain percentage of the 480 homes as affordable housing with price tags that average Nigerians can afford to buy.

“As the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, I am an advocate of affordable housing with the focus on the average Nigerian workers, who are indeed, the majority,” he appealed.

Dangiwa asked developers to borrow a leaf from the ministry, which recently designed a housing plan to create integrated communities with housing types that reflect the diverse income segments of the country, using cross-subsidies.

“This way we aim to sell high-end homes at market rates and deploy the profits towards subsidizing the units for low-and-medium-income households. This enhances inclusivity,” he added.

He further urged the management of City Gate Homes to ensure timely execution of the 480 units while upholding the highest building codes and standards, as well as operating transparently.

For his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of City Gate Homes, Michael Ejiogu, disclosed that the company has nine projects in Abuja and is committed to partnering with the government in its quest to bridge the housing gap in Nigeria. He assured that the company will work to ensure affordability for medium-income earners in the country.