President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in Muttaqha Rabe Darma as the new Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following a recent cabinet reshuffle.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly before 4:00 p.m., marking Darma’s formal entry into the Federal Executive Council.

From Nomination to Confirmation

Darma’s appointment followed his nomination by President Tinubu and subsequent confirmation by the Senate after a screening exercise. His nomination was earlier communicated to lawmakers in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Before his new role, Darma served as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, bringing administrative and policy experience into the housing sector.

Part of Cabinet Reshuffle

The appointment comes in the wake of a cabinet reshuffle that saw the exit of former Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, alongside other changes aimed at improving governance and policy delivery.

The restructuring also affected the finance ministry, as the presidency seeks to strengthen coordination and accelerate reforms under the administration’s agenda.

Focus on Housing and Urban Development

As Housing Minister, Darma is expected to lead efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, expand urban development initiatives, and improve access to affordable housing.

His appointment is seen as part of broader efforts by the federal government to reposition key sectors and enhance service delivery.

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Mixed reactions have continued to trail the exit of former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, following the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu.

Dangiwa, who served under the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” described his tenure as both a privilege and a national duty, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to contribute to housing sector reforms.

In a statement issued after his departure from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the former minister said his time in office focused on expanding access to affordable housing and strengthening institutional frameworks within the sector.

He highlighted key initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, promotion of public-private partnerships, and reforms in land administration and housing finance, noting that these efforts were aimed at repositioning the housing sector as a catalyst for economic growth and social inclusion.

Dangiwa also commended the support of cabinet members, development partners, and staff of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, stating that their collaboration helped establish a more structured foundation for housing delivery.

While pledging a seamless transition to his successor, he expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would be consolidated to accelerate nationwide housing development.

However, stakeholders across the housing sector have offered varied assessments of his performance.

Policy analysts acknowledged that Dangiwa’s tenure was marked by strong reform-driven initiatives but noted that implementation challenges limited measurable impact.

A Lagos-based urban development expert, Tunde Alabi, said while the housing programmes were ambitious and well-designed, execution lagged behind expectations due to financing constraints and structural bottlenecks.

Similarly, development economist Dr. Amina Yusuf observed that although efforts were made to reposition housing as an economic driver, persistent issues such as land titling complexities and weak mortgage systems hindered large-scale progress.

Industry players also weighed in, with some private developers commending improved engagement with investors and efforts to standardise processes. However, they pointed to ongoing challenges, including high construction costs, inflationary pressures, and regulatory delays.

Public opinion has remained divided, with some Nigerians citing visible housing projects in parts of the country, while others criticised affordability concerns, arguing that many units remain out of reach for low- and middle-income earners.

Dangiwa’s exit comes at a time when pressure is mounting on the Federal Government to deliver scalable and affordable housing solutions, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres.

Analysts say the incoming minister will be expected to move beyond policy frameworks and focus on tangible delivery, improved housing finance access, and resolution of long-standing land administration challenges.

They added that Dangiwa’s tenure may ultimately be remembered for laying critical policy groundwork, while leaving the task of large-scale execution to the next phase of leadership.

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The Federal Government says its urban renewal programme has delivered critical infrastructure to over 150 communities across Nigeria in the past two years, as part of efforts to improve living conditions in underserved areas.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, disclosed this during a meeting with the Society for Water and Sanitation in Abuja.

According to the minister, the interventions span key sectors including road construction, drainage systems, electricity, solar street lighting, water supply, sanitation facilities, and community-based micro-stores.

He explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to upgrade slums and promote sustainable urban development, particularly in densely populated areas lacking basic amenities.

Dangiwa noted that the ministry is also exploring collaboration with NEWSAN to strengthen nationwide advocacy on water, sanitation, and hygiene, stressing that both organisations share aligned development priorities.

He added that the government’s urban renewal drive is designed to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation.

Despite the progress, the minister acknowledged that limited funding remains a major constraint, hindering the expansion of the programme to more communities nationwide.

He further revealed that a significant portion of constituency projects facilitated through the ministry by lawmakers is focused on water and sanitation, which he described as critical to improving public health and quality of life.

According to him, over 60 percent of these interventions target water and sanitation needs due to their immediate impact on communities.

Dangiwa credited the ministry’s Special Projects Unit, alongside departments such as Urban and Regional Development and Engineering Services, for driving the implementation of these projects.

He also assured stakeholders of the ministry’s commitment to adopting data-driven approaches, including documenting project outcomes before and after execution to better demonstrate impact and accountability.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said efforts are ongoing to address sanitation challenges despite financial limitations. He revealed that the ministry is considering the construction of safe public toilets in markets and other public spaces.

Earlier, NEWSAN National Coordinator, Benson Attah, said the organisation collaborates with over 300 civil society and community-based groups to expand access to clean water and sanitation across Nigeria.

While commending the government’s efforts in housing, Attah urged increased focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene, noting that progress remains uneven across states.

He recalled Nigeria’s 2018 declaration of a national emergency on water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as ongoing policies aimed at eliminating open defecation.

According to him, only a few states have achieved open defecation-free status, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration between federal and state governments.

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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to affordable housing with the handover of 24 housing units to the University of Ilesa in Osun State.

The houses, constructed under the National Housing Programme (NHP), are aimed at improving staff welfare and boosting productivity within the institution.

Boosting staff welfare and productivity

Speaking at the university, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, described the project as a strategic intervention to support key national institutions.

Represented by Pemi Samuel Temitope, Director of Public Buildings and Housing Development, the minister stressed that access to decent housing remains a top priority for the government.

He noted that quality accommodation is essential for stability, efficiency, and overall national development, especially within the education sector.

Support for academic institutions

Dangiwa emphasised the critical role of universities in driving innovation and human capital development, adding that such institutions must be supported with adequate infrastructure.

According to him, the housing units will provide a conducive living environment for staff, ultimately enhancing productivity and contributing to academic excellence.

He also commended the university’s management for its collaboration with the ministry, describing it as a model of effective partnership between government and public institutions.

University reacts to development

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu described the handover as a major milestone in the institution’s growth.

He noted that the development would support plans to establish a Faculty of Technology and expand academic programmes.

The Vice Chancellor revealed that the institution had faced significant accommodation challenges, particularly in meeting accreditation requirements for courses such as Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Science.

He added that the university previously converted classrooms into temporary hostels due to limited housing facilities.

Infrastructure for future growth

Asaolu disclosed that the university has been shortlisted by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for high-impact intervention projects.

He said the newly acquired housing units would provide the critical infrastructure needed to support expansion and improve overall institutional capacity.

Government reiterates commitment

The minister urged the university to ensure proper maintenance and effective use of the facilities to guarantee long-term sustainability.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing policies that improve living standards and expand access to affordable housing nationwide.

The development highlights ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to support education and infrastructure through targeted housing interventions.

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Nigeria’s housing crisis has taken a clearer shape as the Federal Government officially pegs the country’s housing deficit at 14.9 million units, highlighting the urgent need for large-scale delivery and policy execution.

The updated figure, backed by the National Housing Data Technical Committee, replaces earlier estimates of 17 million and reflects a more evidence-based approach to addressing the crisis.

However, experts warn that while the data provides clarity, real progress remains slow due to poor implementation and weak coordination across government levels.

Housing crisis worsens amid economic pressures

According to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, , Nigeria continues to face rising housing demand driven by population growth and urbanisation.

Despite various policies, housing delivery remains fragmented, underfunded, and heavily dependent on market forces, making affordability a major challenge for low- and middle-income earners.

Lagos highlights growing gap

In , Nigeria’s commercial hub, the situation reflects the national reality. Although over 11,000 housing units have reportedly been delivered under the current administration, the number falls far short of demand in a rapidly expanding city.

This gap has pushed many residents into informal settlements, overcrowded housing, and poorly serviced outskirts.

Key reforms and proposals

Government officials are pushing reforms such as improved land administration, digital titling systems, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to boost housing supply.

There are also plans to establish building materials hubs across regions to reduce construction costs and reliance on imports.

Former Minister of Works and Housing, , had earlier questioned previous housing deficit figures, stressing the need for accurate data to guide planning.

Challenges with implementation

Despite renewed efforts, challenges persist, including:

• High construction costs driven by inflation and currency volatility
• Limited access to affordable mortgage financing
• Poor land documentation and bureaucratic delays
• Inadequate infrastructure such as roads, power, and water

Need for large-scale housing delivery

Experts say closing a deficit of nearly 15 million units will require industrial-scale housing development, stronger financing systems, and better coordination between federal and state governments.

The government has also proposed State Housing Reform Offices to improve implementation at sub-national levels.

A test of political will

Analysts warn that without accountability and sustained execution, the revised housing deficit figure risks becoming just another statistic.

They stress that measurable progress, not policy announcements, will determine whether Nigeria can tackle its housing crisis and provide affordable homes for its growing population.

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Nigeria’s push to improve the welfare of its armed forces has received a boost as the Federal Government accelerates work on a 1,550-unit housing project for Nigerian Army personnel in Abuja.

The initiative, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is part of the administration’s efforts to provide modern residential facilities for military officers and their families.

A built-environment expert, Simon Nweke, described the rapid progress recorded on the project as a positive development capable of improving both national security and housing delivery.

According to him, consistent project execution of this nature could help Nigeria reduce its long-standing housing deficit.

Expert Commends Government Effort

Nweke commended the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for ensuring swift progress on the project.

He said timely completion of public infrastructure would strengthen transparency and accountability in government institutions.

“If projects like this are done every year, it will be easier to monitor the activities of federal ministries and their officials,” Nweke said.

He noted that consistent project supervision would discourage corruption and prevent unnecessary cost escalation often associated with delayed implementation.

The housing expert also urged government agencies to adopt preventive monitoring strategies, rather than responding only when projects begin to experience serious setbacks.

Such an approach, he added, would reduce waste and enhance public trust in governance.

Housing Initiative Under Renewed Hope Agenda

During a recent inspection of the project site, Minister Dangiwa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising improved accommodation for members of the armed forces.

He explained that the housing scheme forms part of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure expansion, economic development, and improved welfare for public sector workers.

According to the minister, the estate includes one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom bungalow units designed to accommodate different categories of military personnel.

The project is being constructed by Brains and Hammers Estate Development Company under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

Dangiwa said the initiative aims to restore the traditional barracks system where members of the armed forces live within organised and secure communities.

“Proper housing is essential for military personnel because it enables them to focus fully on their national responsibilities,” he explained.

Modern Infrastructure and Community Facilities

Beyond residential units, the estate is being developed as a fully integrated community with several social and infrastructural facilities.

According to the ministry, the housing development will include:

• fully tarred internal roads

• places of worship

• shopping outlets

• sports and recreational facilities

• an officers’ mess

• schools and a health clinic

• a fire service station

The government also revealed that a 6.5-kilometre dual carriage access road is being constructed to link the estate directly to the Kubwa Highway.

Officials say the road will improve transportation to the estate and stimulate economic activity around the corridor.

Dangiwa explained that the road project has already begun attracting private developers to the surrounding areas.

“With the construction of this access road, developers are already initiating projects within the corridor,” the minister said.

He added that landscaping, electricity installations, water supply infrastructure, and internal road construction are progressing simultaneously within the estate.

Completion Expected Soon

The minister disclosed that President Tinubu had earlier directed that the project be completed within two to three months, with commissioning expected before the end of March or early April.

The project is being jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Authority.

Government officials expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction and the level of compliance with project specifications.

A representative of the developers also confirmed that work is progressing according to schedule.

“By the grace of God, we expect to deliver the project by the end of March or the first week of April,” the contractor said.

He added that frequent supervision by the minister has encouraged contractors to maintain strict adherence to quality standards and timelines.

Boost for Military Welfare

The inspection exercise was attended by several senior officials, including the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and other top directors.

Observers say the development signals stronger government commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.

Analysts also believe that similar housing initiatives could help address accommodation challenges faced by security personnel across the country.

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The Federal Government has strengthened its collaboration with UN-Habitat to accelerate affordable housing delivery and promote the development of resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart cities across Nigeria.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed this during a meeting with a UN-Habitat delegation in Abuja, noting that both parties are advancing Climate Responsive Housing Initiatives aimed at expanding access to sustainable homes while addressing climate risks.

Dangiwa said Nigeria recognises the strategic value of the partnership, particularly in facilitating access to international climate finance from global funding institutions. He added that the collaboration would help mobilise resources for social housing programmes targeted at vulnerable populations, including women who are disproportionately affected by climate change and conflict-induced displacement.

The minister also expressed appreciation to the European Union-funded Sustainable Integrated Development Programme for Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (SIDPIN) for delivering housing solutions and strengthening community integration in Adamawa, Kano and Borno states. He said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s priority of rebuilding livelihoods and fostering social cohesion in post-conflict areas.

According to him, the Federal Government remains mindful of its obligations under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN-Habitat and is committed to meeting those commitments while leveraging opportunities within the framework.

Dangiwa further revealed that mechanisms are underway to review the National Urban Development Policy as part of broader planning reforms designed to reposition Nigeria’s built environment and promote sustainable urbanisation.

The renewed partnership underscores Nigeria’s push to bridge its housing deficit, enhance urban resilience, and align national housing strategies with global climate and sustainability standards.

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The Federal Government is preparing to launch a massive 500,000-unit “Renewed Hope Mega City” along the Abuja–Nasarawa development corridor as part of efforts to ease pressure on the nation’s capital and expand access to affordable housing.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, disclosed this during an inspection of the proposed project site at Aso-B in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

He described the initiative as one of the most ambitious master-planned housing developments ever undertaken in Nigeria, aimed at transforming housing delivery and unlocking a new economic frontier around the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the minister, the project will span about 5,000 hectares and will be developed as a fully integrated urban district with housing, infrastructure, and commercial facilities.

Dangiwa said the mega city is a flagship component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on mass housing, improved urban living conditions, climate-resilient infrastructure, job creation, and sustainable long-term planning.

“This Mega Renewed Hope City is more than a housing project; it is a strategic urban expansion blueprint designed to deliver inclusive, resilient, and economically vibrant communities for both present and future generations,” the minister said.

Project Coordination and Implementation

He explained that the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development would coordinate the project, while the Ministry of Finance would structure funding arrangements. The Ministry of Works is expected to handle major road infrastructure to ensure connectivity across the new development corridor.

Dangiwa assured that compensation for affected communities, stakeholder consultations, and engagement with residents would take place before the full rollout of the project. He said the government was committed to transparency and social inclusion throughout the process.

President Tinubu is expected to perform the foundation-laying ceremony, marking the official commencement of what officials describe as a transformative housing and urban development initiative.

The project is also expected to stimulate economic activity, generate employment, and accelerate infrastructure growth along the Abuja–Nasarawa axis.

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The Federal Government has announced the activation of a N250 billion housing intervention fund aimed at reducing Nigeria’s long-standing housing deficit and driving economic growth under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The initiative was disclosed in Abuja at the 8th Affordable Housing Finance and Investment Summit 2025, where top government officials outlined ongoing reforms designed to expand access to affordable homes for Nigerians.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, represented by Pemi Temitope, said the fund forms part of a wider strategy to build more houses, stimulate local industries and support job creation across the construction value chain.

Dangiwa said the government’s Phase 1 programme is already targeting 50,000 new housing units, with more than 10,000 currently under construction across 15 locations nationwide.

He noted that housing is being treated “not as a cost, but as an economic engine” capable of lifting communities and boosting national productivity.

To tackle the rising cost of building materials—a major barrier to affordability—the ministry announced plans to establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs across all six geopolitical zones, a move expected to reduce dependence on imports and ease supply bottlenecks.

The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, represented by Alhaji Ali Mohammed, confirmed that the housing sector remains a priority. He said the government’s N250bn intervention programme will give developers easier access to financing and help accelerate nationwide housing delivery.

Edun added that the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board is being restructured to increase loan access for civil servants and support long-term homeownership.

Former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, said housing plays a critical role in national stability, describing “housing security” as a core element of broader economic and human security.

Convener of the summit, Dr. Yemi Adelakun, urged stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that more Nigerians benefit from what he called “Tinubu houses,” noting that successful housing programmes generate jobs and stimulate economic growth.

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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has urged state governments to adopt and implement the Urban and Regional Planning Law (Decree 88 of 1992), blaming its neglect for Nigeria’s uncoordinated urban growth.

Speaking at the NITP National Colloquium in Abuja, Dangiwa lamented that only two states  including Katsina  have operationalized the law more than 30 years after its enactment. He said the failure has fuelled informal settlements and poor city planning.

The minister praised the NITP for promoting dialogue on sustainable development and pledged the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure nationwide adoption of the law.

“Urban and regional planning is the backbone of sustainable growth, efficient infrastructure, and social well-being,” Dangiwa said.

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