The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering affordable and dignified housing through a new wave of inclusive housing initiatives aimed at low to high-income earners.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa pledged during a courtesy visit from the leadership of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Cooperative Society in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Minister outlined the structure of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, a flagship initiative of the current administration, which he described as “ambitious and people-oriented.”
The programme comprises three tiers:Renewed Hope Cities (public-private partnerships in six locations) for high-income earners,
Renewed Hope Estates in 30 states for medium and low-income earners, and
Renewed Hope Social Housing, currently in the planning stage, targets vulnerable populations including the displaced and those with zero income.
“We are working closely with state governments to provide land, while institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Family Homes Fund will support delivery and financing,” Dangiwa explained.
Addressing the NHIA Cooperative team, the Minister encouraged active participation in the housing schemes.
He emphasised that cooperative societies have a unique opportunity to lead bulk housing projects, leveraging various loan products—including single-digit interest mortgages, Rent-to-Own schemes, ethical mortgage options, and cooperative development loans.
He urged cooperatives to secure suitable land and partner with credible developers, assuring that the FMBN would provide technical guidance and financial support, provided members are properly profiled and registered with the National Housing Fund (NHF).
“Before acquiring land, ensure it is certified and free from any legal encumbrance,” he cautioned.
He emphasised the importance of due diligence to avoid fraudulent transactions.
On the Brains and Hammers Bungalow City project in Abuja, Dangiwa assured that any outstanding concerns were being addressed collaboratively by the FMBN and developers.
“This is the time to mobilise your members, secure land, identify housing needs, and approach the Ministry or FMBN.
“If you’re an NHF contributor, you’re entitled to mortgage support,” he declared.
Earlier, NHIA Cooperative President Abdullahi Yusuf expressed appreciation to the Minister for his intervention in helping members access housing under the FMBN’s Rent-to-Own scheme.
He recounted past disappointments with a private developer that left the Cooperative without land or refunds, but noted renewed optimism through the federal-backed initiative.
“When I heard about the Rent-to-Own Product initiated by you, I knew this was the way to go.
“This time, we are dealing directly with FMBN, and that gives us confidence,” Yusuf said.
Yusuf confirmed that 36 out of 100 NHIA staff screened have already received clearance to take ownership of homes at the Brains and Hammers Bungalow City in Kubwa, Abuja.
He added that the Cooperative has proposed a bulk repayment plan to ease financial pressure on members, replacing the standard monthly deductions.
“What you have done for us, we will never forget.
“I wrote to the Ministry with little hope, but was surprised to learn the Minister had already written twice on our behalf and set up a committee to resolve our concerns,”Yusuf said.