The Nigerian government is launching a comprehensive state-by-state homeownership and development program to address the country’s housing needs, strengthen sub-national planning systems, and enhance public-private sector collaboration.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa announced the initiative at the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja.
He emphasised that the campaign aims to meet housing demands across Nigeria irrespective of income levels by providing a variety of housing options and facilitating homeownership access.
“This is not just a policy, it is a high-impact outreach campaign,” Dangiwa said.
“Our goal is to connect federal housing policies to state-level action, empowering Nigerians with the tools and knowledge to access affordable housing opportunities, ”he said.
Housing reform
To bolster local implementation, the federal government plans to assign housing reform experts as special advisers to state governors.
These advisers will organise State Housing Roundtables, offer technical assistance, and collaborate with institutions like the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and Shelter Afrique Development Bank to unlock housing finance.
Dangiwa pointed out that significant challenges in housing delivery occur at the state level, where planning systems and financial frameworks are often inadequate.
“Many state governments lack the technical capacity and tools to act decisively,” he noted.
The campaign will provide advisory services, implementation roadmaps, and financing solutions to ensure local alignment with national priorities.
This coordinated approach aims to catalyse a robust investment ecosystem, as evidenced by over ₦70 billion in private capital drawn through Public-Private Partnerships aimed at developing Renewed Hope Cities for mid-to-high income earners.
Reinforcing the government’s commitment, Dangiwa announced plans to establish an Experts-led National Housing Policy Coordination and Monitoring Committee to evaluate and report on housing policy implementation across the nation.
According to the Minister, the major barriers to housing delivery lie at the sub-national level, where many state governments lack the necessary technical capacity, planning systems, and financial tools.
He reiterated the collaborative nature of the program, emphasising the involvement of state governments, private sector investors, and international development partners.
“I am pleased to announce our plan to launch a State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign, a high-impact outreach initiative in collaboration with state governments, the private sector, and development partners,” said Dangiwa.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between national housing policy and state-level execution while empowering citizens with the knowledge and tools to access affordable housing opportunities. As part of this initiative, we aim to embed housing reform champions as Special Advisers to State Governors, convene State Housing Roundtables to review existing housing development plans. We will also provide technical advisory, develop actionable roadmaps, and offer hands-on support to structure viable projects and unlock financing.”
Dangiwa stated the campaign would ensure alignment with federal programs, enabling states to access funding and technical support.
He called upon development partners, donor agencies, and private sector leaders to support this initiative.
“Let us take the knowledge we share in conferences like this and transform it into concrete action in our communities,” he urged.
He highlighted the urgency of addressing housing inequalities, stating, “Housing is not a privilege. It is a right; it is not just a roof; it is the bedrock of health, dignity, productivity, and national stability.”
He further emphasised that investing in housing means investing in people, jobs, cities, and the future.
Recognising that the government cannot alone mobilise the necessary funding, Dangiwa noted the importance of leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) with reputable developers to deliver Renewed Hope Cities targeted at mid-and-high income earners.
He revealed that over ₦70 billion in private sector capital has already been attracted.
The Minister commended the organisers of the Africa International Housing Show, led by Mr. Festus Adebayo, for their dedication to housing development.
In his address, Adebayo stated that the show represents a celebration of progress, ideas, and powerful partnerships in the housing sector, bringing together various stakeholders for dynamic discussions and innovative solutions.
Adebayo added that there is the need to build Africa’s future together.
Lateefah Ibrahim