Housing Minister Muttaqha Rabe Darma says serving and retired military personnel will benefit from the National Social Housing Programme.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has pledged Federal Government support for the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Programme.
Darma made the commitment when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), Major General K.O. Ukandu, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing decent and affordable housing for military personnel, police officers and other security services.
FG Plans 774,000 Housing Units
Darma disclosed that the Federal Government plans to construct approximately 774,000 housing units nationwide under the National Social Housing Programme.
He said the initiative would target low- and medium-income earners, including serving and retired military personnel who lack personal accommodation and wish to return to their home communities after service.
“Our plan is to build over 774,000 houses all over Nigeria under what we call the Social Housing Programme. Members of the military, both serving and retired, can favourably benefit from this scheme,” Darma said.
The minister added that the government’s housing policies would consider the sacrifices of military personnel, police officers, other security workers and civil servants.
1,550 Military Housing Units Planned
Darma also said the Federal Government plans to deliver 1,550 housing units under the Renewed Hope Military Housing Project at Brains and Hammers before the end of 2026.
He said the project forms part of broader efforts to improve housing access for those serving the country.
Army Promotes Soldier First Initiative
Speaking earlier, Major General Ukandu said the visit aligned with the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” concept, which prioritises the welfare of military personnel.
He explained that the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) allows soldiers to contribute 10 per cent of the housing cost, while the Army covers the balance.
Ukandu said PHDL acquires land from state governments and other sources at affordable rates, enabling officers and soldiers to develop retirement homes through long-term mortgage arrangements.
He also requested the ministry’s continued support for the Renewed Hope Military Housing Project.
Ministry Reaffirms Collaboration
The ministry’s Director of Public Building and Housing Development, Pemi Temitope, acknowledged the existing collaboration between the ministry and the military.
He said the ministry would continue working with relevant institutions to promote quality, safe and affordable housing for Nigerians.
