The Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) has urged the Federal Government to reserve 30 per cent of housing units delivered through its programmes for women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable Nigerians.
The association made the proposal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, in Abuja.
FAN, led by its Chairperson, Arc. Ene Agada, also proposed a partnership with the ministry to develop affordable and environmentally sustainable housing for female-headed households and other vulnerable groups.
The association said a targeted allocation would make government housing interventions more inclusive and ensure disadvantaged Nigerians benefit from public housing programmes.
FAN seeks wider housing partnership
Beyond housing allocation, the architects proposed collaboration with the ministry on resilient and accessible school infrastructure.
They also sought opportunities for women and young people to receive training in modern construction techniques, sustainable building, digital design and interior architecture.
According to FAN, the initiatives could help strengthen Nigeria’s built-environment workforce while creating employment and professional development opportunities for young Nigerians.
The association further requested government support for mentorship and internship placements for young women pursuing careers in architecture and construction.
FAN Chairperson Ene Agada said the association was prepared to contribute its professional expertise to government housing and urban-development initiatives.
She commended the minister’s efforts in housing delivery and sustainable urban development while expressing FAN’s willingness to support programmes within its professional capacity.
Minister challenges women professionals
Responding to the proposals, Darma urged female architects to combine their demand for greater participation with professional competence.
The minister said gender should not determine appointments or opportunities within the built environment.
“I encourage you to push yourselves beyond what you think you can attain,” Darma said, urging the professionals to demonstrate their capacity to take on greater responsibilities.
He added that the ministry already had female architects serving in senior positions, including directors and deputy directors.
Darma asked FAN to submit a formal proposal identifying specific initiatives that the association and ministry could implement jointly.
He also requested that the association return with a progress report at its next engagement, stressing the need to move from discussions to implementation.
“We thank you for the contributions you are making to this ministry, to the Council, and to your profession,” the minister said.
Housing reform creates opening for professionals
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, described FAN’s visit as timely, noting that the minister had recently inaugurated a committee to accelerate reforms in the housing sector.
Belgore said professional bodies could contribute expertise and ideas to the reform process as the government seeks to improve housing delivery.
FAN’s proposal comes amid continuing efforts by professional bodies to influence housing policy and promote more affordable and sustainable construction.
The association has previously advocated greater participation by women in the built environment, while its current proposals extend that focus to housing access, skills development and professional advancement.
The immediate next step will depend on FAN submitting the formal proposals requested by the ministry and whether the government adopts any of the measures during its housing-sector reform process.
The 30 per cent allocation sought by FAN therefore remains a proposal, rather than an approved Federal Government housing policy.
