FG partners Shelter Afrique on 5,000 housing units

The Federal Government has entered into a partnership with Shelter Afrique, a pan-African housing development finance institution, to construct 5,000 housing units across the country.

This was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed  Dangiwa, during a ministerial press briefing on the achievements of the ministry in the past year.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Dangiwa emphasised that this initiative marks the first time the Ministry is engaging in such a direct and practical partnership with a multilateral institution.

“We are set to sign a Housing Development Partnership with the Shelter Afrique Development,” he stated.

“Under the Partnership, the Pan-African housing institution will support the Renewed Hope Programme with advisory services and financing of competent developers,” he added.

Dangiwa also underscored Nigeria’s significant stake in Shelter Afrique, noting that the country is the second-largest shareholder in the institution, following Kenya.

“Nigeria holds over $29m in share subscription in ShafDB. This partnership is not just timely but necessary as we work towards bridging the massive housing deficit that our nation faces.”

The minister lauded the commitment of Shelter Afrique’s leadership, particularly acknowledging the presence of the Managing Director, Mr Thierno Hann, who travelled from Kenya to attend the event.

“I want to especially thank the Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Thierno Habib Hann, for coming from Kenya to be a part of today’s event. His presence underscores the importance of this partnership,” he said.

This initiative is a component of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which seeks to increase the stock of affordable housing in Nigeria.

Dangiwa outlined the progress made under this agenda, including the groundbreaking of 6,612 housing units across 13 locations nationwide.

“Construction is ongoing at all these project sites,” Dangiwa said, adding that the homes are expected to be completed within three months.

The minister also highlighted the job creation potential of these projects, stating that the 6,612 housing units are expected to employ over 165,000 skilled and unskilled Nigerians.

“At an average of 25 jobs per house, these units are providing jobs for thousands of Nigerians, further contributing to economic growth,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dangiwa announced plans for additional housing projects in Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Borno, Nasarawa, and Rivers under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

“We plan to do groundbreaking for 2,000 housing units Renewed Hope Cities in Lagos and 1,500 housing units in Kano next month,” he revealed.

As the ministry continues to implement these ambitious housing projects, Dangiwa called for increased budgetary allocations to sustain the momentum.

“We made a solemn request for the budgetary allocation of a minimum of N500bn per annum for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme,” he said, noting that this request was well-received by the National Assembly.

Dangiwa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to making a difference in the housing sector and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.

“We are committed to doing all within our powers to make a difference and justify the confidence that His Excellency reposes in us,” he affirmed.