The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit with the handover of 116 completed housing units under the National Housing Programme to the Benue State Government, describing the project as a major step towards expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening collaboration with state governments.
The housing estate, located in Makurdi, was officially handed over on Wednesday after being acquired by the Benue State Government to improve access to decent accommodation for residents, particularly civil servants.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, said the National Housing Programme remains one of the Federal Government’s flagship initiatives aimed at reducing the country’s housing deficit, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Represented by the Director of Public Buildings and Housing Development, QS Pemi Samuel Temitope, the minister said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of making affordable housing accessible to more Nigerians.
He described the handover as another milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the living standards of citizens through strategic partnerships with state governments.
“Housing remains one of the most fundamental needs of every society. Beyond providing shelter, it promotes human dignity, family stability, public health, security and stronger communities,” Darma said.
The minister commended Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for acquiring the estate, describing the decision as a strategic investment that would improve housing availability and enhance the welfare of residents.
According to him, the National Housing Programme is being implemented across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap through the delivery of affordable homes.
He noted that beyond providing housing, the programme is also creating employment opportunities, stimulating local economies and encouraging the use of locally sourced building materials.
“Today’s ceremony is more than the transfer of physical structures. It is a demonstration of purposeful leadership, effective intergovernmental collaboration and our shared commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians,” he added.
Receiving the housing estate on behalf of Governor Alia, the Acting Head of Service of Benue State, Dr. Eunice Ogbeniyi, expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the partnership.
She said the acquisition reflects the Benue State Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants and residents, assuring that the houses would be allocated and utilised for their intended purpose.
Ogbeniyi added that the state government remains committed to collaborating with the Federal Government on initiatives capable of improving the quality of life of the people.
The minister also praised the Benue State Government for its investments in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare and education, noting that the acquisition of the housing estate complements the administration’s broader development agenda.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with state governments, private investors and other stakeholders to accelerate housing delivery across the country.
According to him, sustained collaboration remains essential to achieving sustainable urban development, increasing homeownership and reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit.
Darma expressed confidence that the completed estate would stand as a lasting symbol of productive partnership between the Federal Government and Benue State while contributing significantly to the state’s socio-economic development.
