FG Acquires 200 Hectares In Lekki For Building Materials Hub To Boost Affordable Housing.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured 200 hectares of land within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, to establish a building materials hub aimed at reducing housing construction costs across the nation. The announcement was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, during a tour of industrial areas within the Lekki and Lagos Free Zones on Thursday, 28 August 2025.
The initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to address Nigeria’s housing deficit by promoting local production of building materials, curbing the rising costs of construction inputs, and fostering sustainable housing delivery. The hub is expected to create jobs, reduce reliance on imported materials, and bolster the local economy by minimising foreign exchange expenditure.
Mr Dangiwa highlighted the strategic importance of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, noting its robust intermodal transport infrastructure, including access to a seaport, airport, rail, and road networks, which will enhance the hub’s operational efficiency. The minister also revealed that an investor has already been secured to fund and manage the project, with the government set to regain ownership once the investor recoups their investment.
The Lekki hub is the first of six planned building materials hubs, with one to be established in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Other locations include Sagamu (Ogun), Aba (Abia), Warri/Asaba (Delta), Ajaokuta (Kogi), Kano (Kano), and Gombe (Gombe). Each hub will produce essential construction materials such as roofing sheets, ceilings, tiles, and doors, and will be equipped with critical infrastructure, including power, water, and worker accommodation.
During the tour, Mr Dangiwa inspected ongoing housing projects, industries, and building materials testing laboratories within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, which spans 16,500 hectares and is described as “Nigeria’s best-kept investment secret” by Mr Adeniyi Akinlusi, Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investments Ltd. The minister praised the zone’s management for their sustainable building efforts, which align with the government’s goal of closing the nation’s housing gap through public-private partnerships.
The Lekki Free Trade Zone’s strategic location offers incentives such as exemptions from import duties on machinery and equipment, ensuring cost-effective operations. The hub’s proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and major roads will facilitate efficient distribution of materials nationwide. Industry leaders showcased power plants and manufacturing sites during the minister’s visit, underscoring the zone’s growing economic significance.
The initiative has been hailed as a significant step towards achieving affordable housing in Nigeria. By fostering local production and leveraging the Lekki Free Trade Zone’s infrastructure, the Federal Government aims to make housing more accessible while driving economic growth and job creation.
