Nigerian Government to Build 10,000 Housing Units for Medical Professionals

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has unveiled plans to construct 10,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Medic Cities initiative.

Housing Minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, shared this vision during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

This project aims to address the housing needs of the nation’s medical professionals.

Dangiwa praised the dedication and sacrifices of medical workers, who continue to save lives despite challenging conditions.

He emphasized that their well-being, including access to decent, affordable housing, is a key priority of the Renewed Hope Agenda led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Ministry’s mandate.

“Housing is a vital need that affects productivity, stability, and quality of life. We acknowledge the difficulties healthcare workers face in finding suitable accommodation, especially in high-demand urban areas. To solve these challenges, collaboration between the government and professional bodies like NARD is essential,” Dangiwa stated.

He reaffirmed the goal of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme to improve access to affordable housing for all Nigerians, sharing that 10,112 housing units are currently under construction across 14 locations. These include 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja, 2,000 units in Lagos State, and 2,000 units in Kano State.

Additionally, Dangiwa highlighted that 12 Renewed Hope Estates with 250 units each are under development in 12 states, with plans to extend the project to the remaining 18 states.

 “Your members can take advantage of these housing projects to own their homes,” he encouraged.

Regarding ownership options, the Minister outlined several plans, including up to 30-year National Housing Fund (NHF) mortgage loans, a Rent-to-Own scheme, installment payments, and outright purchase.

He also mentioned that an online portal, renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng, has been set up to facilitate applications.

Dangiwa reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to policies and programs that enhance the living standards of Nigerians, stating, “Your visit today strengthens our resolve to create housing solutions for our national heroes, those who dedicate their lives to saving others.”

Earlier, the President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, thanked the Minister for aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and for making NARD a beneficiary of the housing project.

He emphasized the critical role resident doctors play in the nation’s healthcare system and requested the Minister’s support in helping the association integrate into the housing program, which could help address the ongoing issue of Nigerian doctors leaving the country.

Dr. Osundara also proposed an initial 1,000 housing units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of Phase 1 of the project, which could serve as a model for other members across the states.

He noted that building housing units on hospital premises would be ideal, as resident doctors need to be close to their workplaces for prompt emergency response.

Also speaking, a REDAN representative and NARD member, Dr. Suleiman Abubakar Sadiq, explained that the Renewed Hope Medic Cities initiative will involve a partnership between the Ministries of Housing and Health, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and Public-Private Partnerships.

He shared that construction of the housing units will begin between January and February 2025 and will ultimately deliver 10,000 housing units nationwide.

Dr. Sadiq expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve healthcare workers’ welfare by providing them with safe and affordable housing, thereby boosting morale and productivity in the sector.