Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory have called on the FCT Administration to establish a dedicated housing scheme for educators, saying the high cost of accommodation in Abuja is putting increasing pressure on their welfare and morale.

The appeal was made by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), FCT Chapter, during the joint national celebration of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day in Abuja.

The FCT chairman of ASUSS, Julius Ogundiran, said the housing challenge had become a major concern for teachers despite the prompt payment of salaries by the FCT Administration.

He said some teachers were being forced to travel long distances from neighbouring states to their workplaces because they could not afford accommodation within the Federal Capital Territory. Others, he said, had resorted to sleeping in school classrooms.

“Most of our colleagues, even in Garki here, are coming from Suleja or Abaji, and some are even sleeping in classrooms because they can’t afford houses in town,” Ogundiran said.

He urged the FCT Administration to either construct dedicated housing estates for teachers or make subsidised land available to them across the six area councils.

According to Ogundiran, providing housing support would improve teachers’ welfare and help them perform their responsibilities more effectively.

He said teachers were not politicians and did not have alternative sources of revenue, stressing that government intervention was necessary to address the accommodation burden.

“If they can provide housing estates for teachers, we will be more motivated and well-equipped to perform our duties,” he said.

High accommodation costs affect teachers

Ogundiran acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the FCT Administration in the education sector and specifically noted that teachers’ salaries were being paid promptly.

However, he said the shortage and high cost of housing remained a significant impediment to teacher welfare.

The union’s position was that housing support should form part of wider measures to improve the working conditions of teachers in the territory.

The appeal comes as housing affordability remains a major challenge for workers in Abuja, where accommodation costs have continued to place pressure on household incomes.

For teachers living outside the FCT, the cost of commuting also adds to the financial burden associated with working in the capital.

Ogundiran linked better teacher welfare with improved educational outcomes, arguing that teachers who have adequate living conditions would be better positioned to carry out their responsibilities.

“If the government stands with the teachers, the teachers will be strong. If the teachers are strong, education will be strong. If education is strong, the nation will be strong,” he said.

He also referred to the common expression that the reward of teachers is in heaven, saying teachers should be able to enjoy better conditions during their working years.

Teacher raises concerns over welfare

Also speaking at the event, Grace Philip, a teacher at Junior Secondary School, Tungan Maje, expressed concern over what she described as the marginalisation of teachers.

“In everything they are doing in this country, teachers always come last,” she said.

Philip also raised concerns over delays in the promotion of FCT teachers and called on the authorities to pay greater attention to the challenges facing educators working at the grassroots.

The concerns raised by the teachers extend beyond accommodation to other aspects of employment and professional welfare.

FG reaffirms commitment to teachers

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, professional development and funding for education.

Bagudu, who was represented by an official of the ministry, Mrs Kikelomo Ogundele, described investment in teachers as an important investment in Nigeria’s future.

He said no structural or policy reform in the education sector could succeed without well-trained, motivated and adequately supported teachers.

According to him, teachers play a central role in developing human capital and preparing young Nigerians to contribute to the country’s development.

“They do far more than transmit knowledge; they shape characters, nurture talents, inspire ambition, and prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to society,” Bagudu said.

The chairman of the occasion, Oluwaseun Falaye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, also called on leaders in educational institutions and workplaces to promote ethical conduct, transparency and accountability.

Falaye, who was represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Samaila Abdul, said teachers’ contribution to nation-building went beyond classroom instruction.

He said effective leadership required integrity, accountability, fairness, responsibility and discipline.

The event therefore highlighted housing and broader welfare concerns affecting teachers, with ASUSS urging the FCT Administration to consider dedicated housing estates or subsidised land as part of efforts to improve teachers’ living and working conditions.

The post Housing Crisis: FCT Teachers Seek Government Intervention on Accommodation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Rising house rents in the Federal Capital Territory are putting increasing pressure on household incomes, with some residents now spending a substantial portion of their annual earnings on accommodation and cutting back on food, education, transportation and other essential expenses.

A News Agency of Nigeria study cited by The Whistler found that the rising cost of accommodation has forced many Abuja households to reduce their standard of living as rent increases continue to outpace incomes.

The report comes as the National Bureau of Statistics recorded a sharp increase in rent inflation, with the rate rising to 33.8 per cent in July 2026 from 14.79 per cent in June.

Residents interviewed across different parts of the FCT described significant increases in annual rents, with some saying the increases had affected their businesses, savings and ability to meet other household obligations.

Abuja residents face steep rent increases

Olusegun Daniels, a businessman living in Karu, said the annual rent for his two-bedroom bungalow increased from N1.5 million to N3.5 million.

He said the more than 100 per cent increase had affected his business, which was already experiencing weak turnover.

Daniels also said the rent for his business premises had risen from N300,000 to N450,000, adding to the financial pressure on his household and business.

Another resident, Emeka Okafor, who lives in Wuse, said the rent for his one-bedroom apartment increased from N1 million to N1.8 million before rising further to N2 million.

Although the higher rent had become difficult to afford, Okafor said he had continued living in the area because of its proximity to his business.

He said the combination of weak business activity and rising rents had left him and others struggling to keep up with their financial obligations.

Families cut back on household needs

Evelyn Bode, a civil servant living in Kubwa, said a two-bedroom apartment that previously rented for between N600,000 and N800,000 was now going for between N1.5 million and N2 million a year, depending on the location and condition of the building.

The rising rent has forced her family to make changes to its household spending.

Bode said she had moved her children to cheaper schools and reduced spending on food as the cost of maintaining the household became increasingly difficult.

She said the pressure had reached a point where meeting basic needs had become a challenge.

Another civil servant, Livinus Anya, who lives in Nyanya, said his annual rent increased from N600,000 in February 2025 to N1.6 million in December 2025.

Anya said he previously made monthly contributions and savings to raise money for his annual rent, but the new rent was beyond what his savings could comfortably cover.

He said the pressure had also affected his ability to use his vehicle because he could no longer afford to combine fuel costs with rent, school fees and feeding expenses.

According to him, a two-bedroom apartment in a new building in the area now rents for between N2 million and N2.5 million annually.

Two-year rent demands add to pressure

Sani Musa, a teacher living in Lugbe, said the demand for two years’ rent upfront by some landlords was making it increasingly difficult for low-income earners to secure accommodation.

Musa linked the increase in rents to several factors, including the housing deficit, rural-to-urban migration and the rising cost of building materials.

He called for government intervention and regulations to address sharp increases in rent and prevent what he described as unreasonable hikes by landlords.

He also argued that any regulation introduced to address the problem would need to be properly enforced.

Workers struggle to keep pace with housing costs

Abigail Abidolu, a civil servant living in Apo Resettlement, said her one-bedroom apartment had increased from N500,000 to N1.2 million.

She said the increase in rent had come at a time when salaries had not increased substantially.

According to her, some additional income opportunities and training-related benefits previously available at her workplace had also been cancelled, further reducing her family’s financial flexibility.

The experiences of the residents interviewed reflect the broader challenge created when housing costs rise faster than household incomes.

For many workers, annual rent payments are not the only housing-related expenses. Agency fees, legal charges, service charges and other costs can increase the amount required before a tenant can move into a property.

Housing affordability remains a major challenge

The rising rents are occurring alongside broader pressures on household budgets.

Residents are also dealing with higher costs for food, transportation, healthcare, education and other necessities, leaving less disposable income for housing.

The NBS rent-inflation figure cited in the report highlights the scale of the pressure facing tenants across the country, while the individual experiences in Abuja show how the increase is affecting households at different income levels.

The continued increase in rent also raises concerns about housing affordability in the FCT, particularly for low- and middle-income workers who depend largely on fixed salaries.

As rents rise, households may be forced to move farther away from employment centres, reduce the quality or size of their accommodation, share housing with others or divert money meant for other household needs towards rent.

Calls for affordable housing and rent regulation

Residents interviewed in the study called for stronger government intervention to expand access to affordable housing and address rising rental costs.

Anya urged governments at different levels to provide low-cost housing for workers, while Musa called for measures that would regulate rent increases.

The residents also pointed to the need for more affordable housing units to reduce pressure on the existing rental market.

The housing challenge in Abuja is further complicated by population growth, demand for accommodation around employment centres and the cost of developing new housing.

As construction costs remain high and demand for housing continues, residents face the challenge of finding accommodation they can afford without sacrificing other essential household needs.

For many Abuja households, the rising cost of rent has therefore become more than a housing issue. It is increasingly affecting how families allocate their income across food, education, transport, healthcare and other basic needs.

The post Rising Abuja Rents Consume Workers’ Annual Earnings as Households Cut Spending appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has renewed its drive to expand access to affordable housing, with about 430 staff members of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority receiving housing allocations under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

The allocation is part of a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, NMDPRA, Family Homes Funds Limited, CityCode Mortgage Bank, developers and the NMDPRA Staff Cooperative Society.

Allocation letters were presented to beneficiaries at the NMDPRA Auditorium in Abuja on September 23, 2026. The housing units are located across Abuja, Kano and Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, said the Federal Government was working to reduce the amount of income Nigerian workers spend on rent.

Darma said the government wanted to ensure that workers would no longer have to spend between 40 and 60 per cent of their incomes on accommodation.

He said the high cost of housing was putting significant financial pressure on Nigerian families and that reducing the amount spent on rent would allow households to use more of their income to meet other basic needs.

The minister said the Federal Government was working with relevant stakeholders and regulators to increase the supply of affordable housing across the country.

He also said the government was addressing the housing deficit, which he put at about 16 million housing units.

FG reviews abandoned housing projects

Darma disclosed that the ministry was conducting an assessment of abandoned housing projects across the country as part of efforts to increase the nation’s housing stock.

According to the minister, about 250,000 housing units within abandoned projects could potentially be recovered and made available to Nigerians, including civil servants.

He said the government was collecting information on abandoned projects in different states and engaging state governors on the possibility of taking over or acquiring some of the projects for allocation.

The minister also identified the high cost of land, building materials and infrastructure as some of the factors making homeownership difficult for many Nigerians.

He said the government was exploring different financing options, including the National Housing Fund and mortgage facilities, with particular attention to workers in the informal sector.

Darma further disclosed plans for a social housing programme targeting communities across the 774 local government areas, with the aim of expanding access to affordable homes for low- and middle-income Nigerians.

He said the housing strategy would require collaboration among federal institutions, state governments, mortgage institutions, developers and private investors.

The minister urged government agencies and other stakeholders to focus on delivering actual housing projects rather than limiting their efforts to discussions and policy announcements.

430 NMDPRA staff benefit from housing scheme

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, said the housing initiative was part of efforts to improve the welfare of the authority’s workforce.

He said providing workers with greater housing security could contribute to their wellbeing and productivity.

Umar commended the Federal Government, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, FMBN and other partners involved in the programme.

The President of the NMDPRA Staff Cooperative Society, Abdullahi Danladi Auta, described the housing allocation as a significant milestone for the authority’s workforce.

He said about 430 NMDPRA staff would benefit from housing projects in Abuja, Kano and Lagos, at a time when rising land prices, construction costs and other housing expenses were making homeownership more difficult for workers.

365 units earmarked for Abuja

The Chief Commercial Officer of Renewed Hope SPV Limited, Dare Makinde, said the first phase of the project would provide different categories of homes to NMDPRA staff.

The housing types include two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats, as well as three-bedroom terrace houses with boys’ quarters and other categories of homes.

Makinde said 365 housing units were earmarked for Abuja, while additional units would be delivered in Kano and Lagos.

He also disclosed that the second phase of the project would commence in 2027.

FMBN provides mortgage support

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FMBN, Shehu Usman Osidi, said the initiative demonstrated how government housing policy could translate into practical homeownership opportunities for Nigerian workers.

Osidi disclosed that NMDPRA employees had subscribed to 359 housing units in Karsana, Abuja, and 14 units at Janguza, Kano.

He also said 197 National Housing Fund mortgage applications valued at approximately N8.3 billion were being packaged for submission to FMBN.

CityCode Mortgage Bank is working with the beneficiaries on their mortgage applications, while FMBN will facilitate financing for eligible applicants.

Osidi explained that FMBN’s involvement in the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme goes beyond individual mortgages to include project financing and off-take support.

For the Karsana project, he said FMBN provided a N100 billion off-taker guarantee in addition to N19.9 billion in direct funding.

According to him, the financing support is designed to provide greater certainty for developers, support construction financing and help eligible Nigerian workers access completed homes through mortgage arrangements.

Osidi said FMBN would continue working with developers, primary mortgage banks, cooperative societies, employers and other financial-sector partners to increase the supply of affordable homes and improve access to mortgage finance.

He also highlighted FMBN’s Diaspora Mortgage Loan and its forthcoming Rent Assistance Product as part of the bank’s efforts to respond to changing housing needs.

The FMBN chief urged beneficiaries to work with the cooperative society, CityCode Mortgage Bank, FMBN and developers to complete their mortgage documentation and other requirements.

Government targets wider housing access

The 430-unit NMDPRA initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s wider Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which seeks to expand affordable housing supply and improve access to homeownership.

The programme also highlights the role of collaboration between government agencies, mortgage institutions, developers, employers and cooperative societies in financing and delivering housing.

For the NMDPRA beneficiaries, the current allocation provides access to housing in Abuja, Kano and Lagos, while the government continues to pursue broader measures aimed at increasing housing supply and improving access to affordable financing.

The post NMDPRA Staff Receive Housing Units in Abuja, Kano and Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

About 430 staff members of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) are set to benefit from a housing initiative under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the presentation of houses to the beneficiaries.

Darma said the initiative formed part of efforts to make home ownership more affordable for Nigerian workers and reduce the burden of rent on household incomes.

FG Targets 40–60% Rent Burden

The minister said the government was working to ensure workers no longer spend between 40 and 60 per cent of their income on rent.

“We are going to assure that in this country workers don’t spend 40 to 60 per cent of their income on rent,” Darma said.

He said reducing the amount workers spend on accommodation would ease financial pressure and allow families to meet other basic needs.

Darma also linked the high cost of housing to broader economic challenges, saying excessive housing costs could indirectly create incentives for corruption.

FG Targets 250,000 Abandoned Housing Units

The minister said the government was also reviewing abandoned housing projects nationwide as part of efforts to increase the country’s housing stock.

According to him, about 250,000 housing units in abandoned projects could potentially be recovered and made available to Nigerians, including civil servants.

“We are taking stock of them. We are taking statistics. We are moving to each and every state where we have these abandoned properties,” he said.

Darma said the Federal Government was engaging state governors on the possibility of taking over or acquiring some abandoned projects for allocation to civil servants and other Nigerians.

He also identified the rising costs of land, building materials and infrastructure as major challenges facing prospective homeowners.

Social Housing Programme to Cover 774 LGAs

The minister said the government was exploring financing options, including the National Housing Fund and mortgage facilities, particularly for workers in the informal sector.

He added that the planned social housing programme would target communities across the country, including the 774 local government areas.

The initiative is expected to involve partnerships among federal institutions, state governments, mortgage institutions, developers and private investors.

Darma urged government agencies and stakeholders to focus on delivering actual housing projects rather than limiting efforts to policy announcements.

430 NMDPRA Staff to Benefit

Speaking at the ceremony, NMDPRA Chief Executive Mallam Rabiu Abdullahi Umar said the authority was committed to improving staff welfare through initiatives that enhance productivity and wellbeing.

He said access to housing would provide greater security and stability for beneficiaries while strengthening their commitment to their responsibilities.

The NMDPRA chief commended the Federal Government, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and other partners involved in the programme.

The President of the NMDPRA Staff Cooperative Society, Abdullahi Danladi Auta, described the housing allocation as a significant milestone.

Auta said about 430 NMDPRA workers would benefit from the initiative, with projects located in Abuja, Kano and Lagos.

365 Housing Units Earmarked for Abuja

The Chief Commercial Officer of Renewed Hope SPV Limited, Dare Makinde, said the first phase would provide different categories of housing units to NMDPRA staff.

The houses include two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats, as well as three-bedroom terraces with boys’ quarters and other categories across the project locations.

Makinde said 365 housing units were earmarked for Abuja, with additional units to be delivered in Kano and Lagos.

He also disclosed that the second phase of the project would commence in the coming year.

FMBN Managing Director Shehu Usman Osidi congratulated the beneficiaries and commended the partnership between NMDPRA, the Renewed Hope Housing Programme and other stakeholders.

He said the initiative demonstrated how collaboration could expand access to affordable housing and create more opportunities for workers to become homeowners.

The post 430 NMDPRA Workers Get Housing Deal as FG Unveils Renewed Hope Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

FMBN Allocates Homes to 430 NMDPRA Workers Across Abuja, Kano, Lagos

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has allocated housing units to 430 employees of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

Allocation letters were presented to the beneficiaries on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the NMDPRA Auditorium in Abuja. The initiative covers housing units in Abuja, Kano and Lagos and brings together the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, FMBN, Family Homes Funds Limited, the NMDPRA Staff Cooperative Society, CityCode Mortgage Bank, developers and other stakeholders.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing decent and affordable housing for Nigerians.

Darma also announced plans to introduce a social housing scheme targeting the delivery of 100 housing units in each Local Government Area across the country.

He stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders in the housing sector, noting that such partnerships would allow institutions to combine their resources, expertise and capacities to expand access to affordable housing.

The minister said collaboration remained important to achieving broader housing delivery objectives and ensuring that more Nigerians could benefit from government-backed housing programmes.

FMBN processes ₦8.3bn in mortgage applications

Speaking at the event, FMBN Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shehu Usman Osidi, described the allocation as an example of how government housing policies could translate into homeownership opportunities for workers.

Osidi disclosed that NMDPRA employees had subscribed to 359 housing units at Karsana in Abuja and 14 units at Janguza in Kano.

He also revealed that 197 National Housing Fund mortgage applications valued at approximately ₦8.3 billion were being packaged for submission to FMBN.

CityCode Mortgage Bank is working with the beneficiaries on the mortgage applications, while FMBN will facilitate financing for applicants who meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

The FMBN chief executive explained that the bank’s involvement in the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme goes beyond individual mortgage financing.

According to him, FMBN also provides project-level financing and off-take support to help create greater certainty for developers and support the construction and eventual purchase of completed housing units.

For the Karsana project, FMBN provided a ₦100 billion off-taker guarantee in addition to ₦19.9 billion in direct funding.

Osidi said the financing and guarantee were designed to support developers, facilitate construction financing and enable eligible Nigerian workers to access completed homes through mortgage arrangements.

“FMBN is proud to be part of the journey that gave birth to this event today, and we remain committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme in Karsana and across the country,” Osidi said.

FMBN targets wider housing finance partnerships

Osidi said FMBN would continue working with developers, primary mortgage banks, cooperative societies, employers and other financial-sector partners to expand the supply of affordable housing and improve access to mortgage finance.

He also highlighted the bank’s recently launched Diaspora Mortgage Loan and its forthcoming Rent Assistance Product as part of efforts to respond to changing housing needs among Nigerians.

The FMBN chief urged the beneficiaries to work closely with the NMDPRA Staff Cooperative Society, CityCode Mortgage Bank, FMBN and the developers to complete their mortgage documentation and other requirements promptly.

He assured beneficiaries that the bank remained committed to efficient and transparent processing of their applications.

NMDPRA praises inter-agency collaboration

The Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, commended the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, FMBN and the other participating institutions for working together to provide housing opportunities for the authority’s employees.

Umar said the initiative demonstrated the importance of collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders in addressing workers’ welfare while contributing to wider national development objectives.

He expressed appreciation to the institutions and partners involved in the programme, describing the opportunity for NMDPRA employees to access housing as a significant milestone for the authority and its workers.

The event was attended by the Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited, Abdul Mutallab Muktar; the Managing Director of CityCode Mortgage Bank, Oluniyi Abiodun Ajao; the President of the Authority Staff Cooperative Society, Abdullahi Danladi Auta; the Chief Commercial Officer of Renewed Hope SPV Ltd., Dare Makinde; and other stakeholders.

The housing allocations form part of the Federal Government’s wider Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which combines housing construction, mortgage financing and institutional partnerships to expand access to homeownership for Nigerian workers.

The post NMDPRA Workers Access 430 Housing Units Through FMBN-Backed Scheme appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria’s housing sector is emerging as a major source of employment, with more than 1,900 workers engaged during the excavation phase of a housing project in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, disclosed this during an inspection of the National Housing Programme (NHP) estate and the Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory.

Darma said the construction industry was making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth while providing employment opportunities for citizens.

According to the minister, more than 1,900 people were employed during the initial excavation phase of the project, which involves the construction of 110 blocks of two-bedroom flats.

He described the housing industry as an important sector for employment generation and said this was one of the reasons the Federal Government was promoting increased housing construction across the country.

“The housing industry is really a very, very important industry to employ Nigerians. And that’s why we are promoting the industry,” Darma said.

The minister explained that the number of people employed on the project was expected to increase as construction moved into additional stages.

He said further work would require more personnel for building activities, machinery operations, general labour and concrete mixing, among other construction activities.

“Now you can begin to talk about the building work, the machinery work, the labourers, the mixing and others in the construction process,” he said.

FG targets more housing delivery

Darma also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering more housing units across Nigeria before the end of the year.

He said the ministry remained confident that it would exceed President Bola Tinubu’s target of delivering 100,000 housing units to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure.

“We will surpass what Mr President promised, that 100,000 units of housing will be delivered to Nigerians before the end of his first tenure,” the minister said.

“We are moved to do it and we are going to do it,” he added.

The minister said the housing programme was part of wider government efforts to increase access to affordable housing while also using construction activity to stimulate employment and economic activity.

250-unit civil service estate targeted for completion

Darma further disclosed that the 250-unit Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, was expected to be completed within six months.

He said the ministry would closely monitor contractors working on the project to ensure that they comply with agreed timelines and deliver the development within the specified period.

“Yes, it’s still possible. That’s why I asked the engineer on site to give me the work plan for each contractor,” he said.

According to the minister, each contractor was expected to submit an individual work plan early the following week.

The work plans would enable the ministry to monitor the progress of the different components of the project and measure performance against agreed milestones.

Darma said the ministry would continue to monitor the development closely and take the necessary steps to ensure that the six-month completion target was achieved.

The housing minister’s inspection comes as the Federal Government continues to use housing construction as part of its broader efforts to expand housing supply, support economic activity and create employment opportunities through the construction value chain.

The post Housing Sector Drives Job Creation as FG Targets 100,000 Homes appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Valuers Urge FG to Ease Land Access, Expand Infrastructure to Cut Housing Deficit

Estate surveyors and valuers have called on the Federal Government to make land more accessible and increase infrastructure development as part of measures to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, which they estimate at more than 21 million units.

The professionals also urged increased investment in housing, particularly for low- and middle-income earners, while stressing the importance of reliable national data for property valuation, infrastructure planning and broader economic development.

The calls were made on Thursday at the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria Valuers Assembly in Abuja, where professionals discussed challenges affecting the housing sector and the contribution of estate surveyors and valuers to national development.

The President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Bature Muhammad, said greater access to land would enable more Nigerians to develop their own homes rather than depend entirely on government-built housing.

Muhammad said the government could also adopt site-and-services schemes by opening up land, providing basic infrastructure such as roads, demarcating plots and making the serviced plots available to individuals for construction.

He added that government should continue to build housing units to complement efforts by individuals and private developers.

“The issue of housing deficit in Nigeria has been a recurring decimal. Each year, 2 million, 20 million, 30 million,” Muhammad said, while outlining the measures he believed could help address the problem.

He said increasing access to land should be one of the priorities.

“Government can equally enter into the issue of site and services scheme, where government opens up land, constructs roads and demarcates those plots, and gives it to people to construct. Another issue is for government to build more housing,” he said.

Muhammad also acknowledged the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, noting that housing construction had commenced in several states under the programme.

He said continued implementation of the scheme could contribute to reducing the housing deficit.

“We’re happy that the current administration, through its Renewed Hope housing scheme, has started that line of action, building 200, 300, 1,000 in so many states of the federation. So, if that will continue, that will go a long way in alleviating the housing deficit that we are currently facing in the country,” he said.

Professionals identify policy, economic and data challenges

Muhammad identified government policies, economic conditions and inadequate data as some of the factors affecting the housing sector.

He said better data was particularly important because property valuation and decisions on national assets require accurate and comprehensive information.

“The basic issue is government policies sometimes, and the economic factors of the country. Another issue is data. Data assemblage,” he said.

According to him, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, working with the relevant board, was exploring ways to develop reliable data that could be used for valuation and other national purposes.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to establish a consolidated national database that could support government planning, infrastructure development and valuation activities.

“It is high time for us in Nigeria to have consolidated data for everything that we need to do, which will equally assist the government in planning so many things. Even this infrastructure that we are doing, it needs data,” Muhammad said.

He also pointed to the need for government to continue opening up new areas for development and making land available to people.

Muhammad said access to land remained difficult for many Nigerians and urged government to reduce the obstacles involved in acquiring land.

He said more Nigerians would be able to construct homes if they could obtain land more easily, while government could concentrate on expanding medium- and low-income housing.

“The future is always very bright for the ordinary Nigerian. If you look at it now, in Abuja, so many areas, so many frontiers are being opened. We, the professionals, advise the government to make land available. To ease access to land for so many people to get,” he said.

He added that while government continues working to improve access to land, it should also sustain the construction of affordable housing.

“To see that there is still land and people get access to land. Because when more people get access to land, they can go and build rather than waiting for the government. So, while the people are having access to land, the government should continue to build medium- and low-income housing,” he said.

Surveyors seek massive infrastructure investment

The Acting Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Aminu Waziri, called for increased infrastructure development, particularly in satellite communities around major cities.

Waziri said the housing deficit and weaknesses in asset valuation had significant implications for the Nigerian economy.

“When you look at the housing deficit alone, that is over 21 million or thereabouts, and other components of it, but when you look at the total of the loss in terms of non-application of the proper asset valuation in our national economy, the sum is really much, but it runs up to about 30 trillion,” he said.

He said large-scale infrastructure development would make satellite communities more attractive to developers and encourage both public and private investment in housing.

“To reduce the deficit, there has to be massive infrastructural development, especially within the satellite areas of our major cities, because that’s where most of this impact is felt,” Waziri said.

He explained that better infrastructure would create conditions for housing developers to expand their activities.

“When you have a lot of infrastructural development, both public and private housing developers will come in to provide the necessary housing infrastructure, and this will help us greatly in bridging the housing deficit,” he added.

Valuers seek stronger professional training

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Education Committee of the Estate Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria and Board Member of the International Valuation Standards Council, Uche Egwuatu, called for greater investment in training and capacity building for estate surveyors and valuers.

Egwuatu said the global nature of the profession meant that Nigerian practitioners needed to broaden their knowledge and remain familiar with developments in international valuation practice.

“The world is a global village and that doesn’t exclude Estate Surveying and Valuation practice. And as Estate Surveyors and Valuers, we need to enlarge our scope in terms of our training, capacity building and being part of what is happening globally,” she said.

She said the Estate Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria was creating opportunities for professionals to participate in international valuation standard-setting processes.

According to her, the board’s membership of the international valuation body helps Nigerian practitioners remain connected to global developments in the profession.

Egwuatu also noted that international valuation standards had been incorporated into Nigeria’s Green Book, helping to align local valuation practices with international standards.

She urged individual valuers to take advantage of professional development opportunities, including events such as the Valuers Assembly, to improve their knowledge and keep pace with developments affecting the industry.

Board reviews valuation education

Egwuatu further disclosed that the board was working to improve valuation education in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

She said the board regulates estate management education in academic institutions through accreditation visits aimed at ensuring that courses and training reflect current industry requirements.

She stressed that students being prepared for careers in valuation needed to acquire knowledge that would enable them to respond to practical valuation challenges in society.

“The board has started trying to unbundle the valuation education because the board also regulates estate management education in the academic institutions through its accreditation visitations to be sure that what is being taught in the academic institutions complies with or reflects what is happening in the industry,” she said.

Egwuatu added that the goal was to ensure that future valuers were properly equipped with current knowledge and professional skills needed to address valuation problems and contribute effectively to the property sector.

The professionals’ recommendations come as Nigeria continues to face a substantial housing shortage, with improved land access, infrastructure provision, housing investment and reliable property data identified as key areas requiring attention.

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FG Moves to Complete Abandoned Housing Projects Across Nigeria

The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide review of abandoned housing projects to determine their condition, level of completion and the interventions required to restore them for use.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqa Darma, disclosed this on Wednesday during an inspection of an abandoned National Housing Programme (NHP) estate in the Kubwa-Karsana District of Abuja.

Darma expressed concern over the continued abandonment of government housing projects, stressing that public assets must be completed and made available to Nigerians.

He said the Federal Government would take decisive steps to upgrade and complete viable abandoned housing projects across the country as part of efforts to increase the supply of affordable and decent homes.

“The Federal Government would take decisive steps to upgrade and complete viable abandoned housing projects across the country, with the objective of delivering more affordable and decent homes to Nigerians,” he said.

The minister said the government could no longer allow housing projects initiated with public funds to remain abandoned for extended periods.

“We cannot continue to allow housing projects that were started with public funds to remain abandoned,” Darma said.

He described the abandoned developments as public investments that should be preserved, completed and put to productive use for the benefit of Nigerians.

“These are assets belonging to Nigerians, and our responsibility is to ensure that they are completed, functional and occupied by the people who need them,” he said.

According to Darma, the nationwide review is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to advance the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda and improve access to affordable and decent accommodation.

He explained that the assessment would help the government identify projects that remain viable and can be prioritised for completion, while existing housing infrastructure would also be rehabilitated where necessary to ensure optimal utilisation.

“Our target is clear, where projects are viable, we will upgrade them, complete them and ensure that Nigerians can benefit from them,” the minister said.

Darma said the government was determined to increase housing delivery and reduce the country’s housing deficit before the end of 2026.

He added that recovering and completing abandoned housing projects would complement the construction of new housing developments being undertaken under existing Federal Government housing programmes.

The minister noted that making use of existing investments would enable the government to deliver housing more efficiently while preventing resources already committed to abandoned projects from being wasted.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring transparency in the allocation of completed housing units.

According to him, completed units would be allocated transparently to deserving Nigerians, while the outcome of the assessment would guide the government’s decisions on the completion, rehabilitation and eventual allocation of the projects.

The inspection of the abandoned NHP estate in Kubwa-Karsana is part of the government’s broader assessment of housing developments across the country as it seeks to recover viable public housing investments and bring them back into use.

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FG Commends NMDPRA Housing Scheme as 430 Workers Receive Home Allocations

The Federal Government has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for supporting access to affordable housing for its workers through the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Muttaqha Darma, gave the commendation during the formal presentation of allocation letters to eligible NMDPRA staff under the housing programme.

Darma described the initiative as significant against the background of Nigeria’s housing deficit and the difficulties many Nigerians face in accessing decent homes.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to expanding access to affordable housing through partnerships with institutions and other stakeholders in the housing sector.

According to the minister, Nigeria requires more than 16 million housing units to address its housing deficit and provide accommodation for Nigerians without adequate housing.

“Providing housing to Nigerians remains a major responsibility. Providing houses to 110 million unhoused Nigerians is a task, a very big one,” Darma said.

The minister said the NMDPRA initiative should not be assessed solely by the number of homes being allocated to its workers.

“I consider the NMDPRA initiative beyond the number of houses being allocated.

“Forget about the mention of 450 housing units. No, I am not looking at it from that angle. I am looking at it from delivery of housing to Nigerians,” he said.

Darma stressed that every opportunity to deliver housing to Nigerians was important, regardless of the number of people who directly benefited from a particular project.

He also highlighted the rising cost of construction and building materials, which has made homeownership increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.

430 NMDPRA workers receive allocations

The Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Malam Rabiu Umar, said about 430 members of staff in Abuja, Kano and Lagos were receiving allocation letters under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

Umar described the development as an example of how government policies and institutional partnerships could translate into tangible benefits for workers.

He said staff welfare was an important part of institutional performance, noting that workers who have greater peace of mind and confidence in their personal future are better positioned to contribute effectively to their organisations.

The NMDPRA chief executive commended the Authority Staff Cooperative Society, the Renewed Hope Access to Housing Committee and other partners involved in facilitating the initiative.

The partners include the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Family Homes Funds Limited, City Code Mortgage Bank Limited, Renewed Hope SPV, Key Shelter Limited and participating developers.

FMBN processes N8.3bn in mortgage applications

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FMBN, Mr Shehu Osidi, said NMDPRA staff had subscribed to 430 housing units in Karsana, Abuja, and Janguza, Kano.

He disclosed that 197 National Housing Fund mortgage applications valued at approximately N8.3 billion were being packaged for submission to FMBN by City Code Mortgage Bank.

Osidi said the mortgage applications formed part of the financing structure designed to help eligible workers access homes through sustainable mortgage arrangements.

FMBN has also provided a N100 billion off-take guarantee for the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, beginning with the Karsana project, alongside N19.9 billion in direct funding.

The financing and guarantee arrangements are intended to give developers greater certainty, support construction financing and enable eligible workers to access completed housing through mortgage financing.

Osidi said FMBN would continue working with developers, primary mortgage banks, cooperative societies, employers and other financial-sector partners to increase the supply of affordable homes and strengthen access to mortgage finance.

He also disclosed that FMBN would soon introduce a Rent-to-Own product for eligible civil servants.

The bank has already launched a Diaspora Mortgage Loan and has signed a memorandum of understanding for a N10 billion housing loan scheme for Federal Civil Servants.

More than 1,000 NMDPRA staff applied

The President of the Authority Staff Cooperative Society, Mr Abdullahi Auta, said more than 1,000 NMDPRA workers had applied for the housing initiative.

However, about 430 staff had so far been accommodated under the current allocation exercise.

Auta appealed for continued support to enable additional workers who are still awaiting allocation to benefit from the scheme.

Details of housing units across Abuja, Kano and Lagos

The Chief Commercial Officer of Renewed Hope SPV Ltd., Dare Makinde, said the first phase of the project in Abuja consists of 365 housing units.

The Abuja development includes two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats, as well as three-bedroom terrace duplexes with boys’ quarters.

In Kano, the project includes 14 units comprising three-bedroom and four-bedroom bungalows, fully detached houses and three-bedroom terrace duplexes with boys’ quarters.

Lagos has 56 units comprising two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments with boys’ quarters.

Makinde said a second phase of the project would be delivered next year to accommodate some applicants who could not benefit from the first phase.

He added that additional housing projects were planned for Asaba, Enugu and Ibadan.

Makinde also called on other public and private organisations to support housing schemes for their workers, particularly as rising rents continue to make homeownership and decent accommodation more difficult for many employees.

Government expands housing support for workers

The NMDPRA housing initiative forms part of a wider push by the Federal Government to expand access to housing through institutional partnerships and mortgage financing.

The government has also been implementing other housing projects targeted at workers and civil servants.

In August, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria joined the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the groundbreaking of a 250-unit Renewed Hope Civil Service Estate at Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The estate comprises two-bedroom and three-bedroom bungalows and is being developed to provide decent and affordable housing for federal civil servants.

The Federal Government also approved a N10 billion housing loan scheme for federal civil servants earlier in 2026, with the Federal Housing Loans Board and FMBN entering into an agreement to facilitate access to affordable housing loans.

For the NMDPRA programme, the combination of housing allocations, mortgage financing, cooperative participation and government-backed project support is intended to provide workers with a structured route to homeownership.

The first phase of allocations covers projects in Abuja, Kano and Lagos, while additional developments are planned for other cities.

The initiative is expected to provide further opportunities for NMDPRA workers who are yet to receive allocations as subsequent phases of the housing programme are delivered.

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AceRoyal Unveils 1,000-Home Villa Nova Estate in Abijo

AceRoyal Estates, a subsidiary of AceRoyal Group, has launched Villa Nova, a master-planned residential community featuring 1,000 villa-style bungalows in Abijo, Lagos.

The development is designed to expand access to homeownership through secure and fully titled properties, structured financing and delivery guarantees, with the broader objective of contributing to efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit. 

Villa Nova offers two-bedroom, three-bedroom and five-bedroom bungalow configurations within a fully secured and professionally managed environment.

According to AceRoyal Estates, the project was developed in response to some of the longstanding challenges facing Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly land title disputes, delays in project completion and inadequate infrastructure.

The company said the development is built around a three-way structure involving government support, banking participation and private-sector development execution.

Under the arrangement, the Lagos State Government provides backing for the land title and supporting infrastructure at the site, while Nova Bank serves as the project’s primary financial partner.

The bank is providing structured mortgage plans for qualified homebuyers. The financing arrangement also includes a full refund guarantee for eligible buyers if the developer fails to meet the scheduled delivery timelines. 

Project Built Around Title, Financing and Delivery

The Villa Nova development places three key elements at the centre of its model: verified land title, access to structured mortgage financing and accountability for delivery.

AceRoyal Estates said aligning government support, institutional financing and private development execution from the beginning is intended to address some of the concerns that prospective property buyers face when purchasing homes.

The company said the structure is also designed to improve buyer confidence in large-scale residential developments across Lagos State.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of AceRoyal Estates, Dr. Endurance Cletus Agonor, described Villa Nova as an example of the company’s approach to discipline and accountability in residential development.

Agonor said the project involved building 1,000 homes to a common standard while ensuring that land title, financing and project execution were aligned from the beginning.

He said the company intends the development to establish a standard for what homebuyers should expect from property developers in Nigeria. 

Structured Mortgages for Qualified Buyers

Mortgage financing is a major component of the Villa Nova proposition.

Through Nova Bank’s participation in the project, qualified buyers can access structured mortgage plans to finance their homes.

The arrangement is intended to reduce the need for prospective homeowners to provide the entire purchase price upfront and provide a financing structure through which eligible buyers can spread the cost of acquiring their homes.

The delivery guarantee is another component of the model.

AceRoyal Estates said eligible buyers would be protected by a full refund guarantee if the developer fails to meet agreed delivery timelines, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

The company said the combination of title security, financing and delivery accountability is intended to address three major concerns in the property market: whether the land is properly titled, whether buyers can access sustainable financing and whether purchased homes will be delivered as promised. 

Large-Scale Housing Development in Lagos

Villa Nova represents a move by AceRoyal Estates into large-scale residential development, with the project planned as a single master-planned community rather than a collection of individually developed properties.

The development comes as Lagos continues to experience strong demand for residential accommodation, particularly along emerging growth corridors where housing developments are expanding.

The broader housing challenge extends beyond simply increasing the number of units available.

For prospective homeowners, factors including financing, land documentation, infrastructure and project delivery can determine whether a property purchase ultimately results in actual homeownership.

Villa Nova has been structured around these issues, with the developer seeking to combine housing supply with financing and delivery assurances. 

BusinessDay previously reported that Nigeria’s effective housing deficit could approach 28 million units when structurally deficient and substandard housing is included alongside the official deficit figure. Lagos is among the country’s areas facing significant housing demand, with population growth, urbanisation and limited available land adding pressure to the market. 

AceRoyal Group’s Real Estate Expansion

Founded in 2016, AceRoyal Group is a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in real estate, construction, financial services and hospitality, as well as an expanding international presence.

Its real estate subsidiary, AceRoyal Estates, focuses on property development and on expanding access to property ownership through residential and other real estate projects.

The company also operates in areas including land sales, commercial developments, estate and facility management, real estate investment advisory, valuation, surveying, property documentation and regularisation.

AceRoyal Estates has previously undertaken residential projects, including Eko Paragon Residence, a 105-unit development delivered in partnership with the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation.

The company currently operates across Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, Enugu and Edo, according to information provided about its operations.

What Villa Nova Offers

The Villa Nova project offers buyers a choice of two-bedroom, three-bedroom and five-bedroom bungalow configurations.

The homes are planned within a gated and professionally managed community, while the project structure includes land-title support, mortgage financing for qualified buyers and delivery guarantees.

The development therefore combines the physical delivery of residential units with financial and documentation arrangements intended to give buyers greater certainty throughout the acquisition process.

For AceRoyal Estates, the project provides an opportunity to demonstrate whether this integrated approach can be implemented successfully across a 1,000-home development.

For Lagos, the project adds another large-scale residential development to the state’s expanding housing pipeline at a time when demand for homes continues to put pressure on available supply.

The success of the development will ultimately depend on the execution of the project, delivery of the planned homes and the ability of qualified buyers to access the financing and other arrangements attached to the development.

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