Federal Government Advances Housing Initiative with 6,112 Homes Under Construction in Northern Nigeria
The Federal Government of Nigeria is making significant strides in addressing the nation’s housing deficit through the construction of 6,112 housing units across Northern Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme. This initiative, detailed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during an interactive session in Kaduna, underscores the administration’s commitment to leveraging housing as a catalyst for job creation, economic empowerment, and social stability.
Key Projects and Progress
The Renewed Hope Housing Programme includes large-scale developments such as the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, FCT, which comprises 3,112 housing units, and a 2,000-unit project in Kano (1,500 units for Renewed Hope City and a 500-unit estate). Additionally, 250-unit estates have been completed in Benue, Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, Sokoto, and Nasarawa, totaling 1,500 units. These projects are designed with integrated infrastructure, including road networks, water systems, solar lighting, and essential amenities to ensure livability.
The program has already generated over 152,000 direct and indirect jobs, empowering local youth and artisans, with many earning up to ₦150,000 monthly, contributing to economic growth in the region.
Humanitarian and Social Housing Efforts
A key component of the initiative is the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC), which aims to build 252 homes across seven northern states—Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Benue, and Sokoto—to support families displaced by banditry, terrorism, and incidents like the December 2023 military airstrike in Tudun Biri, Kaduna. The pilot project in Tudun Biri is already underway, providing safe and decent housing to affected families.
Furthermore, the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme plans to deliver 100 affordable homes in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, totaling 77,400 units nationwide. This initiative targets low-income earners, the unemployed, vulnerable groups, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), with 80% of units sold at concessional rates and 20% allocated free to the most vulnerable. Financing options, such as single-digit mortgages and rent-to-own schemes, aim to make homeownership accessible, with payments as low as one-third of monthly income for eligible buyers.
Urban Renewal and Cost Reduction
The Ministry has completed over 150 urban renewal and slum upgrade projects across Northern Nigeria, with another 100 ongoing in locations like Tudun Wada (Sokoto), Yankaba (Kano), and Tunga (Niger). To address high construction costs, the government is establishing building material manufacturing hubs in the six geopolitical zones to boost local production and enhance affordability.
Broader Strategy and Challenges
The Renewed Hope Housing Programme operates on a three-tier strategy: Renewed Hope Cities for mid-to-high-income earners, Renewed Hope Estates for medium-density housing, and Social Housing Estates for low-income and vulnerable groups. The program, launched in February 2024 with the groundbreaking of 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja, aims to deliver 50,000 units in its first phase, with 14 active sites nationwide accounting for 10,112 units.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including a national housing deficit estimated at 28 million units, with over 75% of Nigeria’s 42 million housing units deemed substandard. Land acquisition issues and state-level implementation gaps also hinder progress, prompting the government to launch a State-by-State Homeownership and Housing Development Campaign to align federal and state efforts.
Conclusion
The construction of 6,112 homes in Northern Nigeria represents a significant step toward addressing the region’s housing needs while fostering economic and social development. With ongoing efforts to scale up financing, reduce costs, and support displaced communities, the Renewed Hope Housing Programme reflects a comprehensive approach to tackling Nigeria’s housing crisis, though sustained collaboration with states and private partners will be critical to its success.
Disclaimer: Information is based on recent reports and may be subject to updates as projects progress.