The Federal Housing Authority has disclosed that it has acquired prime land in 28 states across Nigeria as part of a broader strategy to expand its housing footprint and improve access to affordable homes nationwide.
According to The Punch the disclosure was made on Wednesday by the Executive Director of Estate Services, FHA, Ezekiel Etuk, who represented the Managing Director of the authority at the groundbreaking ceremony of the FHA Green City Estate in Abuja.
According to Etuk, the agency has already begun implementing housing projects in several states after receiving land allocations from state governments.
He said, “In readiness to have presence in all the regions of the country, we have visited 28 states where each of the governors has given us prime lands.
“We have also commenced the process of construction in some of the states, having procured the contracts. We have carried out a ground-breaking ceremony in Akwa Ibom State, the same in Abia State, we’ve done so in Kaduna, we’ve done so in Abeokuta, and today we are doing another one here in Abuja.”
Etuk also highlighted ongoing reforms within the authority aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and protecting property records through technology-driven solutions.
He stated, “Our management is also building a new federal housing authority where our allottees’ properties are secured. This is very important; our services are faster and seamless.
“To achieve this, we initiated the digitalisation of the authority’s property files, which are now secured in the Galaxy backbone. We are working for the full automation of all aspects of the authority’s operations. Our test laboratory has become operational, where we carry out geological and integrity tests.”
The FHA executive noted that the authority had successfully completed and inaugurated several projects inherited from previous administrations over the last 26 months.
“As part of the notable milestones that we have left in the past 26 months of our administration, we have commissioned a hundred units of houses in the FHA Estate at Ibadan, the FHA Expressview Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, the FHA Complex, Lugbe, Abuja, and the FHA Shopping Mall in Gwarinpa, Abuja. These were all projects that we inherited from our predecessors that were termed to be irredeemable and unachievable,” he said.
He further revealed that construction is progressing on a 336-unit housing estate in Bwari, Abuja, which is expected to be delivered before the end of the year.
“We are currently working on the FHA Estate Bwari, Abuja, which comprises 336 units with the target date of commissioning before the end of this year. As we put the seal of the Federal Housing Authority on this project today, we promise the good people of FCT and Nigeria, indeed, that we will be bringing the expertise and the professionalism that FHA has been known for over the years,” Etuk said.
Appreciating the support received for the project, he said, “I extend my appreciation to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, relevant regulatory agencies, and the host community for the support and cooperation that have made this project possible.
“We look forward to maintaining a cordial relationship as construction progresses. To prospective homeowners and investors, I assure you that the Federal Housing Authority will continue to uphold the highest standard of quality assurance, transparency, and accountability throughout the execution of this project. We are committed to ensuring that the estate is delivered according to specification and within the agreed timeline.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, described the project as evidence of the opportunities within the country’s housing sector and the impact of the Federal Government’s housing policies.
He said, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is not merely the launch of another housing development. It is a strong affirmation of the enormous potential within Nigeria’s housing sector and the possibilities created by the Renew Hope Housing Initiative of President Bola Tinubu, and it demonstrates that through effective collaboration between government and the private sector, we can unlock opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and deliver affordable, quality housing to our population.”
Adeoye reaffirmed REDAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote housing development and improve financing options for home seekers.
“As the umbrella body of organized private real estate developers in Nigeria, REDAN remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promote housing delivery, facilitate access to affordable finance, and create an enabling environment for developers to thrive,” he said.
He also praised the Federal Government and FHA for efforts to strengthen the real estate sector.
“We commend the Federal Government and the Federal Housing Authority for their continued efforts to strengthen the housing sector and stimulate economic development. And I believe that projects such as FHA Green City Estate will not only provide decent shelter for thousands of Nigerians, but will also generate employment opportunities, stimulate ancillary industries, and contribute to national economic growth,” he said.
Calling for sustained collaboration among industry stakeholders, Adeoye added, “As stakeholders in the built environment, we must continue to work together to promote innovation, to promote sustainability and inclusive housing solutions that will ensure that every Nigerian has access to decent and affordable homes.”
Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs in the Office of the SGF, Warren Augusta, said the housing project aligns with efforts to address Nigeria’s longstanding housing deficit.
“I bring you a good news message from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency Senator George Akume. In his message he says that Nigeria, as we all know, has been having decades of housing deficit, and this is a laudable project that is keen on the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, President Bola Tinubu, about addressing the housing deficits in Nigeria in particular and the FCT in general,” Augusta said.
She added that the SGF was optimistic that the development would contribute significantly to reducing the housing shortage in the Federal Capital Territory.
“He is of the greatest belief that this project today and this grand breaking ceremony will contribute abundantly to the housing deficit being experienced in the Federal Capital Territory and also he expresses the belief and also congratulates the MD of Green Home Pastures and the workforce and its workforce for the good work that is being done around the FCT and its environs and believes that this project is laudable and will improve the housing situation in the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.
Augusta also conveyed the SGF’s assurance of continued support for the developers behind the project.
“Also, he asks me to tell the MD Green Pastures Home that the office is always there to provide them the necessary assistance that they may require from time to time,” she added.
