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The Federal Government has set an ambitious target of creating over two million jobs throughout Nigeria via its Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, which is focused on tackling the nation’s housing shortfall and generating economic opportunities for its citizens.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, during a collaborative session with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Dangiwa elaborated that the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme serves as a flagship initiative that aims to offer affordable housing to low-income earners, vulnerable groups, the unemployed, and Internally Displaced Persons.
He mentioned, “100 housing units will be built in each of the 774 local government areas across the nation.” He broke down the expected job creation, stating, “25 individuals per job, 27 jobs per location, in 77,400 locations.”
He noted that the funding for this initiative will be sourced from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
More detailed information will be provided to lawmakers once the National Social Housing Programme documents receive approval from President Bola Tinubu.
“Following the initiation of the project, we plan to submit a bill to the National Assembly to ensure sustainability through the establishment of a national social housing fund,” Dangiwa remarked.
In his briefing, the Minister detailed the current status of ongoing projects, indicating that the Ministry had continued several housing initiatives from the previous year and the 2022 supplementary budget.
These efforts have been carried out through the first and second quarters of the year, awaiting final review and release of the 2025 budget by the Budget Office of the Federation.
He assured lawmakers that numerous Renewed Hope Cities and Estates were approaching completion stages. “Once funds are released, the projects will be finalized and ready for inauguration within two months,” he stated.
He highlighted a recent inspection of the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, which he visited alongside developers and financiers, mentioning that the project was close to completion and originally planned for inauguration by the end of August.
Nevertheless, the construction of access roads undertaken by the Federal Capital Territory Minister may lead to minor delays. He also pointed out progress in other Renewed Hope City projects in Kano and Lagos states, both of which are “preparing for imminent inauguration.”
Regarding housing subscriptions and project financing, the Minister revealed that subscriptions have already begun at all project sites, with developers starting to recover their investments.
Dangiwa further communicated that the Ministry had reached out to the Accountant-General of the Federation to prioritize housing in future fund disbursements. “Housing must be regarded as a priority sector,” Dangiwa stressed.
In response, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, emphasized the committee’s support and readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to achieve the desired outcomes.
He stated, “The committee is fully supportive of the Ministry,” assuring that the lawmakers would “work collaboratively to ensure their efforts yield visible and meaningful results for the country.”
He also committed to addressing any challenges within the sector, promising, “All concerns will be dealt with.”
