Nigeria’s federal government has unveiled an ambitious housing initiative aimed at addressing homelessness while generating over two million jobs nationwide, in a sweeping effort to stimulate the local economy and support vulnerable communities.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed the plan during a briefing with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat at the National Assembly in Abuja.
At the heart of the initiative is the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, which seeks to construct 100 housing units in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, amounting to over 77,000 new homes across the country. The programme targets low-income earners, unemployed citizens, vulnerable populations, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“This programme is not just about housing, it’s a vehicle for job creation and economic revival,” said Dangiwa. “With 25 workers per job site, we anticipate more than 2 million employment opportunities to be generated.”
The initiative will be financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, pending the approval of its framework by President Bola Tinubu. Once launched, Dangiwa noted, a bill will be presented to the National Assembly to establish a National Social Housing Fund, ensuring the programme’s long-term sustainability.
Dangiwa reported that several housing projects under the Renewed Hope initiative, sspanning from Abuja’s Karsana district to key sites in Kano and Lagos—are nearing completion. “We’ve made remarkable progress,” he said, adding that many developments could be ready for commissioning within two months, once final funds are released.
He also confirmed that house subscription has begun, with developers already recouping investments at various sites.
Classify the sector
To secure continued momentum, the Housing Ministry has appealed to the Accountant General of the Federation to classify the sector as a priority for fund disbursement.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, reaffirmed parliamentary support.
“We are fully committed to backing the Ministry. Our collaboration will ensure this initiative delivers real impact to Nigerians,” he stated.
This landmark housing effort is seen as a cornerstone of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, combining infrastructure development with job creation to address Nigeria’s housing crisis and economic challenges simultaneously.
Lateefah Ibrahim