The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a strategic partnership with Shelter Afrique, a pan-African housing development finance institution, to construct 5,000 housing units across the country.
This collaboration was unveiled by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, during a ministerial press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday.
Dangiwa emphasized the importance of this partnership, marking it as the first direct collaboration between the Ministry and a multilateral institution like Shelter Afrique. “We are set to sign a Housing Development Partnership with Shelter Afrique,” he stated, highlighting that the institution will provide advisory services and financing to competent developers as part of the Renewed Hope Programme.
Nigeria holds a stake in Shelter Afrique, being the second-largest shareholder after Kenya, with over $29 million in share subscriptions. The minister stated the timeliness and necessity of this partnership in addressing Nigeria’s substantial housing deficit.
During the event, Dangiwa acknowledged the presence of Shelter Afrique’s Managing Director, Mr. Thierno Habib Hann, who traveled from Kenya to participate.
This initiative is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing across Nigeria. Dangiwa outlined the progress made under this agenda, including 6,612 housing units in 13 locations nationwide, with construction ongoing at all sites. The completion of these homes is expected within three months.
The minister also highlighted the job creation potential of these projects, noting that the 6,612 housing units are expected to provide employment for over 165,000 skilled and unskilled workers. “At an average of 25 jobs per house, these units are providing jobs for thousands of Nigerians, further contributing to economic growth,” he said.
Looking forward, Dangiwa revealed plans for additional housing projects in key states including Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Nasarawa, and Rivers under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
He announced the upcoming groundbreaking for 2,000 housing units in Lagos and 1,500 units in Kano scheduled for next month.
To sustain the momentum of these ambitious projects, Dangiwa called for increased budgetary allocations, requesting a minimum of N500 billion per annum for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme. He expressed gratitude for the National Assembly’s positive reception of this request.
Concluding his address, Dangiwa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the housing sector and expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.
“We are committed to doing all within our powers to make a difference and justify the confidence that His Excellency reposes in us,” he affirmed.
