The Nigerian government is advancing plans to partner with Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited to deploy innovative technologies aimed at scaling up affordable housing delivery, in a move with implications for urban development and industrial growth across emerging economies.
At the centre of the discussions is a shared focus on sustainable construction, local manufacturing of building materials, and the adoption of modern building technologies capable of reducing costs and accelerating delivery timelines.
Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, underscored the government’s commitment to expanding homeownership among low and middle-income Nigerians.
“We want a situation where the average Nigerian worker can achieve home ownership with his salary within the period of his service. That is why we are particularly interested in innovation and technology that can make housing more affordable,” he said.
Dangiwa noted that conventional construction methods have fallen short in meeting the scale and affordability required to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, particularly for middle-income earners.
He stressed that while the government remains open to new technologies, such solutions must be tested and proven at scale.
“We can only fully agree with you if you have demonstrated this somewhere and delivered it at scale. People must be able to see and touch what has been built and understand its durability over time,” he added.
Highlighting the urgency of delivery, the minister emphasized construction speed as a critical factor.
“If you are given land to deliver one hundred houses, how many days will it take you to complete them? These are important questions because speed in construction is critical in addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria,” he stated.
Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited, described as the world’s largest manufacturer of building materials, presented its SinoBoard Fibre Cement Technology as a solution tailored to modern housing needs.
The technology enables faster construction through prefabrication and dry systems, while offering durability against moisture, fire, termites, and harsh weather conditions.
Chairman of the company, Zhang Hui, commended Nigeria’s housing reform efforts, including the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, noting that the company’s approach aligns with the government’s priorities.
“Housing development should not only be seen as a social necessity but also as a key economic driver capable of creating jobs, strengthening industries, and stimulating national development,” he remarked.
He added, “Our technology can significantly enhance the delivery of mass housing projects across Nigeria.”
The company also signaled readiness to invest in local manufacturing, technology transfer, and job creation, positioning the partnership as a catalyst for industrialisation within Nigeria’s construction sector.
In response, Dangiwa outlined the government’s plan to establish building materials manufacturing hubs nationwide to support mass housing delivery and reduce costs. He indicated that companies like Sinoma could become integral to these hubs if their technologies prove viable.
“If you are able to deliver these products effectively, your factory could become part of the materials manufacturing hubs we are promoting to support mass housing construction in the country,” he said.
The minister further highlighted the role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPP) in bridging Nigeria’s housing gap, noting that under such arrangements, the government may provide land while private developers supply technology, financing, and construction expertise.
“Under such arrangements, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) can purchase completed houses on behalf of beneficiaries and pay developers upfront while recovering the costs gradually through mortgage schemes,” he explained.