…Social housing scheme to reach all 774 LGAs
Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding affordable housing and sustainable urban development, with the federal government unveiling plans to deliver 20,000 housing units annually as part of efforts to tackle the country’s housing deficit.
The renewed commitment was announced on Friday in Abuja during a meeting between the minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, and a German delegation led by the head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr Karin Jansen.
Speaking during the meeting, Darma said about 15,000 housing units are currently at various stages of construction across the country, adding that the Federal Government is leveraging strategic partnerships to accelerate the delivery of decent and affordable homes under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the ministry is finalising a nationwide Social Housing Scheme that will provide affordable homes in all 774 local government areas, targeting low-income Nigerians, teachers, primary healthcare workers, persons with disabilities, young families and Nigerians in the diaspora.
The minister also disclosed that the federal government plans to commence the regeneration of at least three major urban slums before the end of the year as part of a comprehensive programme aimed at creating safer, more resilient and economically vibrant cities.
According to him, the administration is focused not only on increasing housing supply but also on building well-planned communities with modern infrastructure and improved access to essential services.
“We need to partner with GIZ to actualise our mandate. We are committed to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, and we believe this partnership will strengthen our capacity to provide affordable housing, promote sustainable urban development and improve the quality of life of Nigerians,” Darma said.
Responding, Dr. Jansen described the engagement as a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation following the recent Germany-Nigeria Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation.
She said Germany remains committed to supporting Nigeria in the areas of sustainable urban development, integrated planning, resilient infrastructure, climate-smart cities and energy-efficient buildings.
According to her, Germany’s expertise in urban planning and infrastructure development presents opportunities for both countries to jointly implement projects capable of improving the living conditions of millions of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said deeper collaboration with GIZ would help address Nigeria’s housing challenges while promoting inclusive, climate-resilient urban growth.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would boost technical cooperation, institutional capacity and knowledge sharing needed to fast-track the implementation of affordable housing and urban development initiatives across the country.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation through technical assistance, capacity building and innovative approaches to support Nigeria’s long-term housing and urban development goals.
