The Federal Government has strengthened its collaboration with Shelter Afrique, a pan-African housing development finance institution, to build and develop 5,000 housing units across the country.
The initiative, announced by Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa, aims to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit gap.
The partnership marks the first direct collaboration between the Ministry and a multilateral institution on a project of this scale, according to the Champion.
Shelter Afrique will provide advisory services and financing for competent developers under the Renewed Hope Programme.
Nigeria holds a significant stake in Shelter Afrique, with over $29m in share subscription, making it the second-largest shareholder after Kenya.
The initiative is part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to increase affordable housing stock in Nigeria.
Groundbreaking has begun on 6,612 housing units across 13 locations, with construction expected to be completed within three months.
The projects are expected to employ over 165,000 skilled and unskilled Nigerians, contributing to economic growth.
Additional housing projects are planned in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Nasarawa, and Rivers under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
The Ministry has requested a minimum of N500bn per annum for the programme, which was well-received by the National Assembly.
“We are set to sign a Housing Development Partnership with the Shelter Afrique Development.
“Under the Partnership, the Pan-African housing institution will support the Renewed Hope Programme with advisory services and financing of competent developers.
“Nigeria holds over $29m in share subscription in ShafDB. This partnership is not just timely but necessary as we work towards bridging the massive housing deficit that our nation faces.
“I want to especially thank the Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Thierno Habib Hann, for coming from Kenya to be a part of today’s event. His presence underscores the importance of this partnership,” he said.
He further highlighted, “At an average of 25 jobs per house, these units are providing jobs for thousands of Nigerians, further contributing to economic growth,” he said.
Also giving Nigerians hope, Dangiwa announced plans for additional housing projects in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Nasarawa, and Rivers under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
“We plan to do groundbreaking for 2,000 housing units Renewed Hope Cities in Lagos and 1,500 housing units in Kano next month,” he stated.
He said the ministry will continue to implement the ambitious housing projects, calling for increased budgetary allocations to sustain the momentum.
“We made a solemn request for the budgetary allocation of a minimum of N500bn per annum for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme,” he said, noting that the request was well-received by the National Assembly.
“We are committed to doing all within our powers to make a difference and justify the confidence that His Excellency reposes in us,” he noted.
