Nigeria Unveils Ambitious State-by-State Housing Campaign To Tackle Deficit.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed a bold initiative to address the nation’s housing shortage through a State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign. Announced by Housing Minister Ahmed Dangiwa at the 19th Africa International Housing Show in Abuja, the programme aims to close the gap between national housing policy and state-level implementation, ensuring affordable housing becomes a reality for millions of Nigerians.
The campaign, designed as a collaborative effort, will see the Federal Government partner with state governments, private investors, and international development partners. It promises to deliver a comprehensive support system, including access to funding, technical advisory services, and housing reform expertise. By embedding housing reform champions as special advisers to state governors and convening state housing roundtables, the initiative seeks to strengthen local housing plans and unlock financing opportunities. These efforts will be supported by key institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), Family Homes Funds, MoFI Real Estate Investment Fund, and Shelter Afrique Development Bank.
A cornerstone of the programme is its focus on affordability and inclusivity. The Federal Government plans to offer a range of ownership options, including single-digit interest rate mortgages with repayment periods of up to 30 years, Rent-to-Own schemes allowing beneficiaries to pay in flexible instalments, and outright purchase options for higher-income earners. With an estimated housing deficit of over 20 million units, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises sustainable urban development and social equity.
The campaign also integrates with broader federal efforts, such as the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which targets the delivery of 50,000 housing units nationwide. This includes 1,000-unit developments in each of the six geo-political zones and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside 500-unit estates in the remaining 30 states. These projects will be funded through a combination of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s budget, FMBN contributions, and public-private partnerships, with ₦126.5 billion already approved for housing, slum upgrades, and urban renewal in 2023 and 2024.
Minister Dangiwa emphasised that the initiative is not merely about constructing homes but about fostering integrated, sustainable communities. The Renewed Hope Cities will cater to all income brackets, featuring a mix of one- to five-bedroom homes, while the estates will focus on low- and medium-income earners with expandable designs to accommodate growing incomes. Additionally, the programme aims to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs, boosting local building material production, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
The Federal Government’s commitment to innovative financing is evident in its push for public-private partnerships. A recent Federal Executive Council approval has paved the way for private-sector collaboration, with an estimated ₦2 trillion in long-term financing expected to be mobilised for housing and infrastructure projects. This partnership will enhance the capabilities of the FMBN and the Federal Housing Authority, enabling them to deliver affordable mortgages and support large-scale housing developments.
As Nigeria grapples with a population projected to reach 262.6 million by 2030, the campaign represents a significant step towards addressing one of the country’s most pressing challenges. By aligning federal and state efforts, leveraging private-sector expertise, and prioritising affordability, the initiative holds the promise of transforming Nigeria’s housing landscape and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
