The Nigerian housing sector is emerging as a major source of employment, with more than 1,900 workers engaged during the excavation phase of a housing project in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, disclosed this during an inspection of the National Housing Programme (NHP) estate and the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory.
Darma said the construction sector was contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth while creating employment opportunities for citizens.
He said more than 1,900 people were engaged during the initial excavation phase of the project, which involves the construction of 110 blocks of two-bedroom flats.
“The housing industry is really a very, very important industry to employ Nigerians. And that’s why we are promoting the industry,” he said.
According to the minister, the number of jobs would increase as construction progresses to other stages, including building works, machinery operations, labour and concrete mixing.
“Now you can begin to talk about the building work, the machinery work, the labourers, the mixing and others in the construction process,” he said.
Darma also reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to delivering more housing units across the country before the end of the year.
He expressed confidence that the ministry would surpass President Bola Tinubu’s target of delivering 100,000 housing units to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure.
“We will surpass what Mr President promised, that 100,000 units of housing will be delivered to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure,” Darma said.
“We are moved to do it and we are going to do it,” he added.
The minister said the housing programme formed part of broader efforts to expand access to affordable housing while stimulating employment through construction activities.
Darma also disclosed that the 250-unit Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, was expected to be completed within six months.
He said the ministry would closely monitor contractors to ensure compliance with agreed project timelines.
“Yes, it’s still possible. That’s why I asked the engineer on site to give me the work plan for each contractor,” he said.
According to him, contractors would submit their individual work plans early the following week, enabling the ministry to track progress against agreed milestones.
Darma assured Nigerians that the ministry would continue to monitor the project and make every effort to deliver the estate within the six-month timeframe.
