The Federal Government has unveiled plans to create over two million jobs through its Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at bridging Nigeria’s housing gap while generating employment opportunities across all 774 local government areas.
Speaking during a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat at the National Assembly, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, said the housing scheme was designed to provide affordable accommodation for low-income earners, the unemployed, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups.
“This programme is not just about providing homes; it’s a comprehensive economic empowerment strategy,” Dangiwa explained. “We’re targeting the construction of 100 housing units in each of the 774 local government areas, which will directly and indirectly create more than two million jobs.”
He broke down the employment projection, noting that “each location will generate 27 jobs, with 25 persons engaged per job, amounting to job creation across 77,400 locations.”
Dangiwa stated that funding for the programme would be sourced from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
He added that a bill would soon be presented to the National Assembly to establish a National Social Housing Fund, ensuring the programme’s sustainability.
“Once the President approves the final housing documents, we will move swiftly into full implementation,” he said, noting that many projects inherited from previous budgets are currently underway pending the release of funds from the 2025 appropriation.
The Minister also updated the lawmakers on the progress of ongoing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, disclosing that many were at advanced stages.
“Once funds are released, we anticipate completing and inaugurating several sites within two months,” he assured.
Citing a recent inspection of the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, Dangiwa said the project was almost ready but may face slight delays due to pending access road construction by the Federal Capital Territory Minister.
He added that similar projects in Kano and Lagos were also nearing completion.
On the issue of public participation, Dangiwa revealed that house subscription has already begun, and developers are beginning to recoup their investments.
He also disclosed that the Ministry had reached out to the Accountant-General of the Federation, urging prioritization of the housing sector in subsequent disbursements.
“Housing should be seen as a critical sector for economic development, not just infrastructure,” he stressed.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, pledged the committee’s support, emphasizing the importance of legislative collaboration to deliver tangible results to Nigerians.
“Our arms are wide open to the Ministry,” Kofa stated. “We’re committed to working together to ensure these efforts bring visible and impactful benefits to citizens.”
The committee also assured the Minister of its readiness to resolve any challenges confronting the sector to ensure successful implementation of the housing agenda.
