The federal government is set to announce state-by-state home ownership and housing development campaigns as part of its Renewed Hope Housing initiative.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known at the 19th Africa International Housing Show in Abuja.
He said the campaign aims to address housing needs across Nigeria, regardless of income level, by providing a variety of housing options and facilitating access to home ownership.
Dangiwa said the 36-day campaign by the federation and the FCT would ensure access to housing for all Nigerians.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that a conference themed “Reimagining Housing through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy” was hosted by AISH Chief Executive Officer Festus Adebayo in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said the biggest gaps in housing supply are at the local level, where many state governments lack the technical capacity, planning systems and financial means to take decisive action.
He said the program will be implemented in collaboration with state governments, private sector investors and international development partners.
“I am pleased to announce our plans to launch a state-based homeownership and housing development campaign, a high-impact advocacy effort in partnership with state governments, the private sector and development partners,” he said.
“The goal is to bridge the gap between national housing policy and state-level enforcement while providing the public with the knowledge and tools to access affordable housing opportunities.
“As part of this effort, we will bring in a housing reform advocate as a special advisor to the governor and convene a state housing roundtable to review existing housing development plans.
“We also provide technical advice and practical support to create viable roadmaps, build viable projects and enable funding.”
Dangiwa said the campaign would also ensure alignment with federal government programs, thereby allowing states to access funding and technical assistance from the agency.
The schemes include the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Corporation, Family Homes Fund, Treasury Real Estate Investment Fund, Shelter African Development Bank and others.
“I therefore call on development partners, DFIs, donor agencies and private sector leaders to support this effort.
“Let’s turn the knowledge shared at conferences like this into concrete action in our communities.”
Mr Dangiwa said plans had been finalized to establish an expert-led National Housing Policy Coordination and Monitoring Committee to underline the government’s renewed political will for housing provision.
This is to assess and report on the implementation of the National Housing Policy and related housing sector programs, he said.
“Housing is not a privilege. It is a right, not just a roof over your head, but the foundation of health, dignity, productivity and national stability.
“When we invest in housing, we are investing in people, jobs, cities and the future,” he said.
Mr Dangiwa said the ministry recognized that government alone cannot mobilize the necessary funds to address housing needs.
That’s why the government is leveraging public-private partnerships with reputable developers to deliver regenerated cities targeted at middle- to high-income earners, he said.
He said that over seventy billion naira of private capital had so far been attracted to the government.
The Minister commended the organizers of the African International Housing Show led by Mr. Festus Adebayo for their consistency and passion for housing development.
In his welcome address, Mr. Festus Adebayo, Founder and CEO of Africa International Housing Show, said the show is a celebration of progress, ideas and strong partnerships.
Mr Adebayo said the exhibition brought together a wide range of stakeholders and was inspired by dynamic exhibits, bold dialogue and breakthrough innovations to move the housing sector forward.
“From high-level conference sessions to exciting product showcases and investment matches, this is where business and impact meet.
“Let’s build Africa’s future together,” he said.
(South)
