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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…….Asks FG to disclose how many National Housing Programme homes are completed, occupied, vacant or abandoned nationwide

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called for a comprehensive audit of the abandoned National Housing Programme (NHP) estate in Kubwa-Karsana, Abuja, while asking the Federal Government to disclose the current status of NHP estates across the country.

The call followed the inspection of the Kubwa-Karsana project by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, as part of the government’s assessment of abandoned federal housing assets.

HDAN welcomed the move but said the exercise should go beyond inspecting and rehabilitating abandoned buildings to establish why publicly funded housing projects were left unfinished in the first place.

“Nigerians deserve to know what happened to these projects, how much public money has already been committed and what it will now cost to complete them,” the organisation said.

HDAN said the Kubwa-Karsana estate should become a test case for how Nigeria identifies, audits, recovers and completes abandoned public housing projects.

According to the organisation, government should disclose when the project commenced, its original scope, number of units proposed, contractors engaged, funds appropriated and released, percentage completion and reasons construction stopped.

It also recommended an independent structural and financial assessment before additional public funds are committed.

HDAN ASKS: WHERE ARE THE OTHER NHP HOUSES?

HDAN said the investigation should not stop at Kubwa-Karsana, calling for a state-by-state audit of the National Housing Programme.

“Nigerians deserve to know how many houses were proposed under the NHP, how many were started, how many were completed, how many were allocated and fully paid for, and most importantly, how many Nigerian families are actually living in them today,” HDAN said.

The organisation also wants government to disclose the number of completed houses that remain vacant, units that are illegally occupied and projects that remain abandoned, uncompleted or deteriorating.

According to HDAN, the performance of a public housing programme should not be measured merely by the number of houses announced, constructed, commissioned or allocated.

“The real test of housing delivery is how many families have actually moved into decent and affordable homes,” it said.

HDAN therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to publish an estate-by-estate status report showing the number of units started, completed, sold, allocated, fully paid for, legitimately occupied, vacant, illegally occupied and abandoned.

It also wants the government to explain why any completed NHP houses remain unoccupied despite the country’s substantial demand for affordable housing.

Where the problems involve pricing, infrastructure, mortgage access, allocation, documentation, roads, electricity or water, HDAN said they should be identified and addressed.

“Nigeria cannot be facing a serious housing affordability challenge while publicly funded houses remain abandoned, unfinished or empty,” the organisation stated.

CREATE NATIONAL REGISTER OF ABANDONED HOUSING

HDAN also called for the establishment of a National Register of Abandoned and Uncompleted Public Housing Projects.

The proposed register would identify abandoned federal housing developments, their locations, number of units, percentage completion, amount already invested, present condition, reasons for abandonment and estimated cost of completion.

Projects could then be classified for completion, rehabilitation, restructuring, private-sector partnership or redevelopment.

HDAN said government should adopt a policy of recovering viable existing housing investments while continuing to construct new homes where necessary.

“An abandoned estate represents more than unfinished buildings. It represents land that is not producing housing, public capital that is not generating value and homes that Nigerian families cannot occupy,” it said.

DON’T JUST COMPLETE THEM — MAKE THEM AFFORDABLE

HDAN cautioned that recovering abandoned estates would achieve little if the completed houses are eventually priced beyond the reach of intended beneficiaries.

It advocated affordable mortgages, rent-to-own and other structured payment arrangements, particularly for low- and middle-income households.

Allocation should also be transparent and supported by safeguards preventing speculative acquisition of subsidised public housing.

HDAN further proposed a digital monitoring system for government housing projects, with clear construction and delivery milestones to identify delayed projects before they become abandoned.

The organisation said the Federal Government’s nationwide assessment provides an opportunity to answer a fundamental question:

“Where are the houses delivered under the National Housing Programme, what condition are they in, and how many Nigerian families are actually living in them?”

HDAN said the government should ultimately publish clear figures showing how many NHP houses were started, how many were completed, how many are occupied, how many remain vacant and how many have been abandoned or left unfinished.

It added that the Kubwa-Karsana project could be transformed from a symbol of stranded public investment into a model for recovering unfinished housing assets across Nigeria.

HDAN is a leading civil society and research-driven housing advocacy organisation promoting affordable, accessible and sustainable housing in Nigeria and across Africa. Its advocacy covers housing affordability, finance, land administration, real estate regulation, consumer protection, housing data and sustainable housing delivery.

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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, formally presented the documents to BVNL through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), which holds the Federal Government’s interest in the venture.

The properties are located at No. 445 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, and No. 1 University Road, Yaba, Lagos.

Darma said the transfer fulfils the Federal Government’s equity commitment under its Joint Venture Agreement with May & Baker Nigeria Plc, which led to the creation of BVNL as a special-purpose vehicle for vaccine manufacturing.

Under the partnership, the Federal Government holds a 49 per cent stake in BVNL, while May & Baker owns 51 per cent. The government’s contribution to the venture includes the two Lagos properties.

The minister said the project was not only an economic initiative but also a matter of national security, particularly in light of the vulnerabilities exposed by recent global health crises.

He said dependence on foreign supply chains for critical vaccines leaves countries exposed during emergencies, making domestic production important for Nigeria’s health security.

Darma urged the BVNL board and management, led by Professor Oyewale Tomori, to convert the completion of the property transfer into tangible progress on vaccine manufacturing.

“The expectations of the Nigerian people are high, and time is of the essence,” the minister said.

Property titles to unlock investment

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, described the transfer as an important administrative milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards local vaccine production and greater health sovereignty.

Belgore said securing legal ownership of the properties would strengthen BVNL’s ability to attract capital investment, international partnerships, technology transfer and infrastructure financing.

He also acknowledged the roles played by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President in completing the title documentation process.

The project forms part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported vaccines while developing domestic capacity that could eventually serve Nigeria and other West African countries.

BVNL was established through the public-private partnership between the Federal Government and May & Baker to revive vaccine manufacturing in the country.

Tomori, the company’s Executive Officer, welcomed the transfer, describing the government’s contribution of the properties as a significant step in the development of the venture.

He reaffirmed BVNL’s commitment to advancing local vaccine production and contributing to efforts to reduce preventable deaths among children.

The Federal Government’s challenge now is to move the project beyond the transfer of assets and towards financing, infrastructure development, technology acquisition and actual vaccine production.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could strengthen Nigeria’s vaccine supply chain, improve preparedness for future health emergencies and position the country as a potential vaccine manufacturing hub in West Africa.

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The Federal Government has commenced construction of a 250-unit housing estate in Gwagwalada, Abuja, as part of efforts to make homeownership more accessible to federal civil servants.

The estate, comprising two-bedroom bungalows, is being developed through a partnership between the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, said the project was designed to improve workers’ welfare by providing them with affordable and secure homes.

Darma said the government considers housing an important part of civil service welfare, noting that access to decent accommodation can help workers maintain productivity and efficiency.

He explained that the Gwagwalada project was part of a broader housing programme being implemented across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Under the programme, 122 rent-to-own housing units are expected to be delivered before the end of August, while additional projects are scheduled for commissioning in September, October and December.

The planned developments include 252 housing units in Lagos, 300 units in Abuja and 2,800 units in Karsana, Abuja. Other locations will receive projects comprising 2,000 and 1,500 units, while another 2,129 units are scheduled for delivery in December.

The minister said the projects demonstrate the administration’s commitment to translating its housing policies into completed developments before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure in May 2027.

He urged contractors, consultants and supervising teams to maintain construction standards and meet agreed delivery timelines, stressing that the government was entering a phase of “action, action and action.”

Civil Servants Need Homes, Not Drawings

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the Gwagwalada estate as an important step towards addressing the housing needs of federal workers.

Walson-Jack said homeownership would provide civil servants and their families with greater stability and peace of mind, describing the opportunity as a lasting reward for their years of service.

She, however, stressed that the success of the programme would depend on timely completion of the projects.

According to her, civil servants need completed houses and keys rather than drawings and groundbreaking ceremonies.

“We look forward to the commissioning of these homes and to witnessing their allocation to eligible and deserving civil servants,” she said.

305 Housing Units Already Provided

The OHCSF disclosed that 305 housing units had already been provided to civil servants through the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme.

More than 40,000 federal workers have also benefited from housing loans through the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.

Walson-Jack encouraged eligible civil servants to take advantage of the government’s ₦10 billion annual housing loan scheme being implemented through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

She also called for additional partnerships to expand housing opportunities for federal workers across the country.

The Head of Service urged state governments to consider adopting similar housing initiatives for their employees.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Atta, Permanent Secretary of the ministry Dr. Shuaib Mohammed Lamido-Belgore, senior government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

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The Federal Government has commenced construction of 250 housing units for federal civil servants in Dukpa, Gwagwalada, Abuja, as part of efforts to expand access to affordable accommodation for government workers.

The foundation for the estate was laid on August 19, 2026, by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

The project is being implemented through a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Estate to Include Two- and Three-Bedroom Homes

The planned estate will comprise 250 two- and three-bedroom bungalows.

Housing Minister Muttaqha Rabe Darma said the project is intended to provide affordable accommodation for civil servants while recognising their contribution to national development.

The project forms part of wider federal efforts to increase housing supply and improve access to decent accommodation for workers.

Housing Programme Reaches 600 Units for Civil Servants

The new estate will complement 350 housing units already provided under the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme.

With the addition of the 250 Gwagwalada units, the number of homes provided to federal civil servants under the initiatives will rise to 600 units.

The development comes as the Federal Government continues to expand its broader housing programme across the country.

The Housing Ministry has previously outlined plans for Renewed Hope Estates consisting of 250 units in selected states, alongside larger Renewed Hope Cities in major urban centres.

Head of Service Calls for Transparency

Walson-Jack called on state governors to consider replicating the housing initiative across the country.

She also stressed the importance of quality construction, affordability, transparency, accessibility and timely completion in housing projects.

Those factors will be particularly important as the government attempts to move beyond housing announcements and deliver completed homes to beneficiaries.

Government Lines Up More Housing Projects

Darma disclosed that the Housing Ministry has several projects scheduled for delivery between August and December across Lagos, Abuja and other locations.

He said the planned projects form part of the government’s effort to shift from policy announcements towards completed housing developments that can improve living conditions.

The minister also directed contractors, consultants and other stakeholders involved in the Gwagwalada project to maintain high construction standards and ensure the buildings can withstand long-term use.

Gwagwalada’s Housing Development Comes With Land Issues

The project is being developed in Dukpa, an area that has previously been involved in federal land and housing initiatives.

The Federal Government had allocated residential and service plots in the area under the Dukpa Site and Services Scheme in 1992.

Those allocations were subsequently revoked after the land was required for the National Housing Programme, with the government citing overriding public purpose.

The ministry has announced a verification exercise for affected allottees ahead of possible relocation to another site within Gwagwalada. The exercise is scheduled to begin on September 7, 2026.

The Bigger Question Is Affordability

The construction of another 250 housing units is positive for Abuja’s housing supply, but the bigger issue is whether the homes will be affordable to the civil servants they are intended to serve.

Housing affordability remains a major challenge for Nigerian workers as rents, land prices and construction costs continue to rise.

A housing programme for civil servants therefore needs to consider not only the cost of constructing the units but also the financing structure, eligibility requirements, payment terms and eventual cost to beneficiaries.

If workers cannot realistically afford the completed homes, increasing the number of units will have limited impact on the affordability problem.

Quality and Delivery Will Matter

The government has also placed emphasis on timely completion and construction quality.

That is important given previous concerns around delays in federal housing projects.

In Katsina, for example, a recent physical inspection by the Housing Minister found that only about 130 of 250 units described in briefing documents as completed were actually ready, highlighting the importance of independent verification and project monitoring.

For the Gwagwalada project, successful delivery will therefore depend not simply on breaking ground, but on completing the homes to the required standard and making them accessible to eligible civil servants.

The 250-unit estate represents another addition to Abuja’s housing stock. Its real impact, however, will ultimately be measured by how many workers can afford to own or occupy the homes and how quickly they are delivered.

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The Federal Government has started work on a 250-unit housing estate for civil servants in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The project forms part of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme. It aims to give federal workers better access to affordable homeownership.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, attended the event.

Also present was the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Atta, also attended.

Senior government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders joined them at the ceremony.

250 Homes Planned for Civil Servants

The new estate will provide 250 two-bedroom bungalows. The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will deliver the project together.

Darma said the estate would address an important need among federal workers. He noted that affordable housing could improve workers’ living conditions.

Better housing could also support productivity in the public service, the minister said.

Darma asked the contractors and consultants to follow high construction standards. He also urged the teams to ensure that the homes remain strong and durable.

The minister said the Gwagwalada project forms part of a wider housing programme. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has projects across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

FG Lists More Housing Deliveries

Darma said the government plans to increase housing delivery before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure ends in May 2027.

The minister said 122 rent-to-own homes would be ready before the end of August. He also listed several projects planned for delivery between September and December.

The projects include 252 homes in Lagos and 300 homes in Abuja. Another 2,800 units are planned for Karsana in Abuja.

The government also plans to deliver 2,000 units and another 1,500 units at other locations. A further 2,129 housing units are scheduled for December.

Darma said the government wants to move beyond housing announcements. He stressed the need to complete projects and hand homes to beneficiaries.

Civil Service Housing Programme

Walson-Jack described the Gwagwalada estate as an important step in improving civil servants’ welfare.

She said homeownership could give workers and their families greater security. It could also provide a lasting benefit after years of public service.

The HOCSF urged the project team to complete the estate on schedule. She also called for quality, affordability and transparency throughout the project.

Walson-Jack stressed that civil servants need completed homes. She said the government must focus on delivering houses rather than only holding groundbreaking ceremonies.

She disclosed that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation currently has 305 housing units under the Federal Integrated Staff Housing Programme, known as FISH.

More than 40,000 civil servants have also benefited from housing loans through the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board, she said.

N10bn Annual Housing Loan Scheme

Walson-Jack also urged eligible civil servants to use the government’s housing finance options.

She referred to the approved N10 billion annual housing loan scheme provided through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

The facility could help more federal workers pursue homeownership. Access to suitable housing finance remains important for workers who cannot afford to buy homes with their savings alone.

The HOCSF also called for more partnerships to provide homes for federal workers across the country.

She encouraged state governments to consider similar housing schemes for their employees.

Why the Abuja Project Matters

The Gwagwalada estate highlights the link between housing and worker welfare. For civil servants, affordable homes can reduce the financial pressure that comes with renting or buying property in major cities.

The project also shows the importance of housing finance alongside construction. Building homes alone may not solve the affordability challenge if workers cannot access suitable payment plans or mortgage loans.

For the Federal Government, the next test will be project delivery. Completing the 250 homes, maintaining construction quality and allocating them to eligible civil servants will determine the practical impact of the scheme.

The Gwagwalada project therefore adds to the government’s wider push to increase housing supply and improve access to homeownership for Nigerians.

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The Federal Government has officially transferred 116 completed residential properties under the National Housing Programme to the Benue State Government, expanding ongoing efforts to provide accessible shelter solutions across sub-national regions. This newly transferred estate is designated to benefit local public servants and lower-income families through targeted state-managed welfare schemes. Strategically designed to alleviate financial pressures on workers, the estate will operate primarily through alternative financing models, including a structured rent-to-own initiative that removes the burden of steep upfront capital.

During the official handover ceremony at the Government House in Makurdi, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development highlighted the project as a critical milestone in reducing the country’s residential deficit under the current Renewed Hope Agenda. The National Housing Programme serves as a core framework to increase the volume of quality architectural assets nationwide while driving local economic stimulation. The construction phase actively utilized indigenous building components, creating multiple downstream employment opportunities for local tradespeople, suppliers, and building contractors.

The Benue State Government secured the estate as a direct investment into public sector welfare, naming the facility in memory of the late former Head of Service, Dr. Moses Agbogbo Odeh. State administrators confirmed that the impending allocation process will maintain strict transparency, offering beneficiaries a choice between immediate direct purchases or deferred payment tracks. Housing analysts note that this inter-governmental property transfer sets a progressive precedent, showing how collaborative asset management between federal and state entities can fast-track regional urbanization, improve standard of living baselines, and guarantee high occupancy rates for completed infrastructure.

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The Federal Government and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on affordable housing delivery, sustainable urban planning and urban renewal initiatives across Nigeria.

The renewed partnership was announced when the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, hosted a delegation from UN-Habitat led by its Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Darma commended UN-Habitat for its continued technical support to the ministry and several state governments, particularly its contributions to the review of Nigeria’s National Urban Development Policy.

He described urban renewal as a critical component of the Federal Government’s development strategy, noting that improved city planning, slum upgrading and sustainable urban development would boost economic growth, improve living standards and strengthen security.

The minister called for expanded cooperation in affordable housing delivery, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, capacity building and the implementation of the National Urban Development Policy.

According to him, closer collaboration with UN-Habitat would support the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and accelerate efforts to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Darma also urged the organisation to continue providing technical expertise, global best practices and strategic partnerships capable of transforming the country’s housing and urban development sector.

Addressing Nigeria’s outstanding financial obligations under its Memorandum of Understanding with UN-Habitat, the minister assured the delegation that the government was engaging relevant authorities to facilitate the release of the funds despite prevailing fiscal constraints.

“The organisation remains an important partner in our efforts to deliver sustainable housing and improve urban development outcomes. We are confident this partnership will continue to produce lasting benefits for Nigerians through better housing, sustainable cities and inclusive urban development,” he said.

Earlier, UN-Habitat Regional Director for Africa, Oumar Sylla, congratulated Darma on his appointment and described Nigeria as a key partner in advancing sustainable urbanisation across Africa.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s housing and urban development priorities through programmes focused on affordable housing, improved land administration, urban transformation, access to basic services and durable solutions for internally displaced persons, particularly in the North-East.

Sylla disclosed that UN-Habitat has strengthened partnerships with several state governments, including Niger, Yobe, Adamawa and Katsina, with encouraging results in urban development and housing initiatives.

He also appealed to the Federal Government to sustain its support for the agency and expedite the settlement of outstanding financial obligations to ensure the uninterrupted operations of UN-Habitat’s Country Office in Nigeria.

The UN-Habitat official further urged Nigeria to participate in the forthcoming High-Level Political Forum in New York, describing it as an opportunity to showcase the country’s urban development achievements, strengthen international partnerships and attract additional support for sustainable housing and city development programmes.

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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttagha Rabe Darma, has commenced a nationwide inspection of more than 15,000 housing units currently under construction across Nigeria as part of efforts to accelerate project delivery and expand access to affordable housing.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the Kano Renewed Hope City Project, the minister said the exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that housing projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu are completed on schedule and delivered to deserving Nigerians.

According to Darma, the nationwide assessment is designed to provide first-hand information on the status of projects, identify implementation challenges and facilitate timely intervention where necessary.

Darma Begins Verification of 15,000 Housing Units Nationwide

The minister recalled that during the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Housing Summit 2.0 held in Abuja, he announced plans to personally inspect housing projects across the country to verify the progress of over 15,000 housing units being developed under different Federal Government housing schemes.

He explained that the inspections would ensure that project reports align with realities on the ground and help eliminate delays in project delivery.

“The essence of these inspections is to ensure that projects are progressing as planned and that Nigerians begin to enjoy the benefits of these housing initiatives as quickly as possible. We are committed to removing bottlenecks and ensuring timely completion and delivery,” Darma said.

Kano Renewed Hope City to House Over 6,000 Residents

The minister disclosed that the Kano Renewed Hope City Project consists of 1,500 housing units of various categories and has the capacity to accommodate more than 6,000 residents based on an average household size of four persons.

He noted that the project will provide affordable and decent housing while promoting the development of a secure and sustainable community.

Darma expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work at the project site and urged contractors and other stakeholders to sustain their commitment to meeting delivery timelines.

Housing Projects Driving Economic Growth

The minister highlighted the economic benefits of the housing programme, stating that the projects are generating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses through the engagement of artisans, contractors, suppliers, transport operators and service providers.

“The economic impact of this project extends far beyond the housing units being constructed. It is creating jobs, supporting local businesses, attracting investments and contributing to the socio-economic development of the host communities,” he said.

He also commended the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and private sector partners, describing the Public-Private Partnership model as a critical strategy for addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Affordable Housing

Darma reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to exploring innovative financing models and strategic partnerships aimed at increasing access to affordable housing, improving urban infrastructure and promoting inclusive development.

The minister had earlier announced plans to verify the availability of more than 15,000 housing units expected to be delivered within the next few months under various Federal Government housing initiatives.

According to him, the housing projects could accommodate thousands of Nigerian families once completed and allocated.

“Soon, we will begin to assess the availability of these 15,000 houses. I will move from place to place and make sure that these houses are there and not just on paper. We are going to be practical as much as we can,” he stated.

The Kano Renewed Hope City Project is among several flagship housing developments being implemented nationwide to reduce the housing deficit, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, has uncovered major discrepancies in official progress reports on the federal government’s Renewed Hope Housing Project in Katsina State, revealing that only about 130 of the 250 housing units reported as completed were actually finished.

During an unannounced inspection of the project site, Darma discovered that official reports submitted to the ministry significantly overstated the level of progress achieved on the housing development.

According to documents presented to the ministry, 250 housing units had been completed. However, physical verification conducted by the minister showed that only about 130 units were ready for occupation, while the remaining 120 units were still incomplete despite contracts being awarded approximately 18 months ago.

Contractors Miss Deadlines by More Than a Year

The housing scheme was awarded in December 2024 with a six-month completion timeline, meaning the projects were expected to be completed by June 2025.

However, more than a year after the deadline, several contractors had yet to complete critical road infrastructure and housing units within the estate.

“It is not good for someone who has signed a contract agreement and said he will finish a project within a specified period, only to delay it for over three times the agreed duration without obtaining an extension,” Darma said during the inspection.

The minister dismissed claims by some contractors that inadequate funding was responsible for the delays, stressing that none of the affected firms formally applied for an extension of time as required under government contract procedures.

“None of them did that, and as far as we are concerned, they have violated the contract agreement,” he stated.

Government Raises Concerns Over Construction Quality

Beyond the discrepancy in completion figures, the inspection also revealed signs of early deterioration in some completed structures, raising concerns about the quality of construction work.

Darma warned that the Federal Government would not accept defective buildings from contractors.

“If we take over these houses and find them in bad shape, we will not accept them. The contractors will be required to fix all defects before handover,” he said.

The minister noted that the findings highlighted the dangers of relying solely on reports submitted from project sites without conducting independent verification exercises.

Comprehensive Audit Ordered

Following the inspection, Darma directed ministry officials to convene an urgent meeting with all contractors handling the project.

He also ordered a comprehensive audit of the contracts, including details of contractors involved, dates of mobilisation, contract terms, funds released, project timelines and actual completion percentages.

The report is expected to be submitted to his office before the middle of the week.

Renewed Hope Housing Programme Targets 15,000 Units Nationwide

The Katsina housing scheme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aims to deliver more than 15,000 housing units across Nigeria through direct government funding, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

With the current administration approaching the final phase of its tenure, the challenges observed in Katsina underscore wider implementation issues affecting one of the government’s flagship housing initiatives.

Darma Vows to Complete Projects Before End of Administration

Despite the setbacks, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the successful delivery of the housing projects.

He disclosed that a technical assessment team would conduct a detailed evaluation of all work completed at the site to verify compliance with required standards before any handover takes place.

“Before the end of this administration, I want to see between 80 and 90 per cent of these projects completed and delivered to people. Housing is meant for human beings, not rodents and animals,” Darma said.

The Federal Government has continued to position the Renewed Hope Housing Programme as a key strategy for addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, promoting homeownership and stimulating economic activities within the construction sector.

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