The Federal Government has directed the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to increase mortgage disbursements and raise its mortgage loan ceiling to ₦85 million as part of efforts to improve access to affordable housing and strengthen Nigeria’s housing finance system.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, issued the directive while delivering the keynote address at the BusinessDay Real Estate Conference 2026 held in Abuja over the weekend.

According to a statement, the new directive is expected to enable the approval of at least 2,000 mortgages annually, while allowing contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) to access up to 25 per cent of their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) as equity contributions toward home ownership.

FG Moves to Address Nigeria’s Housing and Rent Crisis

As part of broader reforms in the housing sector, Darma said the ministry is developing new measures to tackle Nigeria’s worsening rental challenges.

The proposals include the establishment of a National Rent Registry, mandatory registration of large-scale landlords, stricter enforcement against the unlawful conversion of residential buildings, and the introduction of model tenancy legislation to ensure fairness for both landlords and tenants.

The minister also highlighted the ministry’s Land4Growth Initiative, the ongoing digitisation of land administration through the e-Certificate of Occupancy (e-C of O) programme, and the work of the National Housing Data Technical Committee.

According to the committee’s findings, Nigeria had an estimated housing deficit of about 15 million housing units as of 2025.

Renewed Hope Housing Programme Remains on Track

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding affordable housing, Darma said implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme remains on course.

He disclosed that the programme aims to deliver hundreds of housing units across each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, significantly increasing access to decent and affordable housing nationwide.

Stakeholders Invited to Shape Housing Reforms

The minister announced that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will commence formal stakeholder consultations this week on the proposed regulatory reforms.

He invited developers, investors, financial institutions, professional bodies, tenant associations and other stakeholders to contribute ideas that will strengthen Nigeria’s housing regulatory framework.

“The projects that will define Nigeria’s housing future are not yet built. The capital that will fund them is not yet fully mobilised. But the policy framework that will make them bankable, safe, and worth investing in is being written now. Come and help write it,” Darma said.

New Policy to Protect Homebuyers, Boost Investor Confidence

Darma said the ministry is finalising a National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy (NHBERP) aimed at improving transparency, accountability and investor confidence in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

He lamented that many Nigerians continue to lose their life savings to unlicensed property developers due to weak regulation and the absence of safeguards such as escrow arrangements for off-plan property transactions.

Despite the real estate sector contributing about 13.36 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the minister noted that inadequate regulation continues to discourage investment and expose homebuyers to fraud.

According to him, the proposed policy will introduce mandatory developer licensing, escrow protection for buyers’ funds, construction quality assurance mechanisms, professional registration requirements, and establish a National Housing Industry Data Observatory (NHIDO) to improve transparency across the sector.

He added that, under the proposed reforms, developers will no longer be allowed to market or sell off-plan housing projects without first obtaining the required licences and securing buyers’ funds in regulated escrow accounts.

The minister said the reforms are expected to align Nigeria’s housing market with international best practices while strengthening consumer protection, improving investor confidence and accelerating sustainable housing development across the country.

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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engineer Muttagha Darma, has inspected over 2,084 housing units as part of ongoing efforts to deliver affordable housing to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The inspected units form part of more than 15,000 housing units currently under development nationwide and scheduled for commissioning and occupation by October 2026.

According to a statement, the project is among the flagship Renewed Hope City developments being executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the federal government and private sector developers, aimed at accelerating housing delivery across the country.

During an inspection visit to the Renewed Hope City project in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Darma commended the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) for financing 1,500 housing units within the estate, describing the intervention as a significant contribution to affordable housing delivery.

The minister noted that the FMBN-backed project would provide housing for more than 6,000 Nigerians, reflecting the bank’s commitment to its mandate of expanding access to home ownership.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, Darma said the project had reached an advanced stage of completion and was nearing readiness for occupation.

“I have seen more than 80 per cent completion. In fact, I can say between 85 and 90 per cent because all the houses already have fittings. Some of them are ready for occupation.

“With FMBN financing these 1,500 units, it means they have now housed about 6,000 Nigerians. They are certainly delivering on their mandate,” he said.

The minister added that large-scale housing developments such as the Ibeju-Lekki project contribute significantly to economic growth by creating jobs and stimulating activities across the construction value chain.

Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FMBN, Shehu Usman Osidi, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions for Nigerians.

Osidi urged developers to accelerate project delivery timelines to ensure beneficiaries gain timely access to completed homes. He also advocated a phased completion strategy that would allow finished units to be allocated and occupied without waiting for the entire project to be completed.

The FMBN boss further commended Legrande Properties for maintaining quality standards and ensuring steady progress on the development.

According to him, the housing scheme is being delivered through a cross-subsidy model designed to make home ownership more affordable for low- and middle-income earners.

“The housing units are being delivered through a cross-subsidy model designed to enhance affordability for low- and middle-income Nigerians across the different categories of beneficiaries to access decent housing under the project,” Osidi stated.

Darma had earlier conducted similar inspection visits to Renewed Hope City projects in Karsana, Abuja, and Lambu along Gwarzo Road in Kano State as part of efforts to monitor progress and ensure timely delivery.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government plans to establish six Renewed Hope Cities, one in each geopolitical zone, to expand access to affordable housing and reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit.

In addition, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is implementing the Renewed Hope Estates Programme, with housing estates currently under construction in 12 locations across the country, covering two states in each geopolitical zone. The minister has already inspected projects in Katsina and Yobe states.

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President Bola Tinubu has nominated Muttaqha Darma as Minister-designate for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, following a recent cabinet reshuffle.

The nomination, which is subject to Senate confirmation, comes as part of broader efforts by the administration to reposition key sectors of the economy, including housing and infrastructure.

Darma, a trained mechanical engineer, holds a degree from Bayero University Kano and is widely regarded as a technocrat with a blend of academic and public sector experience.

Before his nomination, he built a career spanning academia, governance, and development administration, including lecturing in engineering and participating in policy implementation across multiple sectors.

His public service experience dates back to his time in Katsina State, where he served under the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in various capacities, including roles linked to works, housing, rural development, transport, and women affairs.

At the federal level, Darma served as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, where he oversaw scholarship programmes, capacity development, and institutional strengthening initiatives within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

His nomination is seen by analysts as aligning with his background in infrastructure and development planning, particularly at a time when the government is under pressure to scale up housing delivery and address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Beyond his administrative experience, Darma has also maintained an active political profile, with ties to northern political structures and past involvement in electoral politics.

He was previously associated with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Katsina State but later aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), under which he has expressed interest in contesting the Katsina Central Senatorial seat in 2027.

Observers say his appointment signals a possible shift toward technocratic leadership in the housing ministry, with expectations that he will focus on strengthening policy execution, improving housing finance systems, and addressing land administration challenges.

His emergence comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s housing sector, where demand continues to outstrip supply, particularly in urban centres.

As the Senate prepares to screen ministerial nominees, attention will be on Darma’s plans to build on existing reforms and deliver measurable outcomes in housing development nationwide.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a formal warning to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, over statements he reportedly made regarding internal party affairs and political aspirants.

In a letter signed by APC Kano State Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Abbas, circulated last Friday, the party expressed concern that the minister’s comments could spark misunderstandings and disunity among party members.

The letter emphasized that internal party administration is the exclusive responsibility of APC leadership and its designated spokespersons.

The party cautioned that, although Hon. Ata is entitled to support any aspirant of his choice, as a Federal Executive Council member, he is expected to foster unity and refrain from remarks that could be interpreted as official party positions.

The correspondence also noted a pattern of unguarded public comments by the minister and warned that continued behavior of this kind may prompt further disciplinary action.

Copies of the letter were shared with senior party figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, former Kano Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the APC North-West Zonal Vice Chairman.

As of the time of reporting, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata had not issued a response to the party’s warning.

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During a status review meeting with developers from various states, the Minister underscored the government’s zero tolerance for delays, substandard construction, or contractor negligence.

“This administration is committed to doing things differently,” Dangiwa stated. “If you’ve signed a contract, you are expected to deliver as agreed—it is not business as usual.”

He warned that contractors who fail to meet expectations would not only be removed from current projects but also blacklisted from all future federal housing and infrastructure developments.

In cases where construction fails to meet standards, such structures will be demolished, and developers involved will face strict penalties.

“We are not just building houses; we are building homes. Government funding must yield real results,” Dangiwa said. “We will not tolerate incompetence or bad faith that threatens the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

While he commended developers who have shown professionalism and commitment, the Minister stressed that successful project delivery depends on meeting both timelines and quality specifications. He also directed all Federal Controllers of Housing in the states to intensify oversight of project sites to ensure smooth execution in line with approved standards.

The Renewed Hope Housing Programme is a key part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and driving inclusive national development.

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All is set for a dazzling evening of celebration and recognition as the Africa Housing Awards 2024 takes center stage tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, at the Musa Yar’Adua Event Centre in Abuja.

The event promises to be a night of glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking honors, celebrating the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations driving innovation and sustainable development in the housing and construction sectors.

At the heart of the event is the recognition of Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, who will be awarded the prestigious Africa Housing Awards for Africa Housing Minister of the Year 2024. This accolade underscores his transformative leadership in tackling Nigeria’s housing and urban development challenges, earning him acclaim as a visionary force in the sector.

Festus Adebayo, coordinator of the Africa Housing Awards, announced the award during a media parley in Abuja, lauding the minister’s profound impact on the housing landscape. Arc. Dangiwa’s professional expertise and forward-thinking policies have redefined urban renewal and housing accessibility in Nigeria.

In just one year in office, the minister has spearheaded landmark initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which boasts 14 active construction sites delivering over 10,112 housing units nationwide. Notably, the Abuja Renewed Hope City, with approximately 1,000 units, is set for commissioning by December 2024. The program has also generated over 252,800 jobs, further emphasizing its socioeconomic impact.

Arc. Dangiwa has introduced innovative financing models, leveraging public-private partnerships and collaborations with Shelter Afrique to develop 5,000 housing units. He has championed a proposed increase in the annual housing budget to ₦500 billion for 2025, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the nation’s housing deficit.

Beyond housing projects, the minister’s regulatory reforms have been transformative. His efforts to modernize Nigeria’s land administration include reviewing the Land Use Act of 1978, initiating a National Land Registration and Titling Programme, and establishing frameworks for effective land governance through a proposed National Land Commission. He has also launched reforms to ensure fair compensation rates for individuals affected by government projects.

In the mortgage sector, Arc. Dangiwa is advancing affordable homeownership for low- and middle-income Nigerians. By advocating for innovative loan products, cross-subsidy programs, and regulatory adjustments, he is addressing the gap between commercial mortgage rates and more accessible options offered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

The Minister also inaugurated a 13- member Steering Committee on the National Housing Data Centre in Nigeria to address the nation’s housing deficit stating that fixing Nigeria’s housing data problem is a top priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

All these and many other outstanding achievements led to the approval of his nomination as Africa Housing Minister of the Year 2024.

Other dignitaries to be honored include the Governors of Sokoto and Nasarawa states, both recognized for their exceptional contributions to housing and urban development. Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State will receive the Urban Planning/Housing-Friendly Governor of the Year award, while Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State will also be celebrated for his strides in addressing housing needs in his state receiving the Housing Friendly Governor of the Year award.

The Africa Housing Awards will bring together a distinguished lineup of policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across Africa. Expected attendees include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Distinguished Senator Philip Aduda; CEOs and Heads of agencies from many countries across the continent and Engr. Emeka Eze, OFR, former President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, who will chair the occasion.

Organized by Housing TV Africa in collaboration with the Housing Development Advocacy Network, the awards ceremony will highlight categories such as real estate person of the year, innovative housing solutions, rural housing initiatives, and social housing development. The Affordable Housing Hall of Fame will celebrate trailblazers who have made indelible marks on the sector, honoring both living and posthumous contributors.

As the spotlight shines on Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa and other honorees, the Africa Housing Awards 2024 will make a bold statement for the continued development of the housing sector, inspiring innovation and excellence across the continent.

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At the 12th World Urban Forum’s African Ministerial Caucus in Cairo, Egypt, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, made a resounding call for African nations to strengthen their commitment to sustainable urban development by accelerating the New Urban Agenda.

In his address, Dangiwa emphasized the urgency of sustainable urban planning across Africa, noting that Nigeria is actively working to achieve these goals through collaborative initiatives, innovative financing models, and robust public-private partnerships.

The caucus brought together Housing, Land, and Urban Development Ministers from several African countries, including Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, and Eswatini, each presenting progress reports on advancing urban sustainability. Financial institutions, notably Shelter Afrique Development Bank, also joined the discussions, highlighting the importance of financial collaboration to propel sustainable urbanization across the continent.

Dangiwa highlighted the unified stance African nations adopted at the recent African Urban Forum in Addis Ababa, where they pledged to prioritize Sustainable Development Goal 11 and align it with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“African nations must develop and implement comprehensive plans that integrate infrastructure, environmental care, and economic growth to transform our cities into engines of opportunity,” he said.

A major resolution from the forum was a push to establish national urban forums in each country, aimed at fostering stakeholder dialogue to strengthen national policies on urban planning, climate resilience, and economic inclusion, aligning with the goals of the Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP).

The Minister also underscored the need for transparent financial systems and called on financial institutions to create innovative funding models that address the housing needs of low-income populations and promote sustainable growth. He cited Nigeria’s partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank as a model for mobilizing concessional funding to close Africa’s urban development financing gap.

Additionally, Dangiwa shared Nigeria’s recent initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Program, which aims to provide 100,000 housing units across the country.

He also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable urban development through partnerships with IFC EDGE, supporting green building practices, urban renewal projects, and slum improvements, demonstrating an integrated approach to advancing urban environments across the nation.The minister led an high powered delegation of many state commissioners,President of professional bodies ,international organisations in Nigeria including ceo and convener of Africa international Housing show

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Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has charged the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) to uphold ethics and excellence within the construction and building sector in Nigeria.

He made the call during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Institute to the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Emphasizing the vital role that the Institute plays in maintaining and elevating industry standards within the construction and building sector in Nigeria, the Minister stressed the importance of setting and upholding high ethical and professional standards among its members.

According to Arc. Dangiwa, the Institute is a critical partner in the Ministry’s efforts to develop cost-effective housing designs and promote the construction of quality and affordable housing that caters to the income profiles of 80 percent of Nigerians falling within the low- and medium-income bracket.

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“One of the central pillars of my tenure as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development is the prioritization of affordable housing. It is of utmost importance that we address the housing needs of the 80 percent of Nigeria’s population who fall within the no-income, low to medium earners category. These hardworking citizens are equally deserving of living in decent, well-planned homes and neighborhoods that reflect the principles of inclusivity and fairness. Achieving this requires affordable housing design concepts based on the most efficient bills of quantities,” he stated.

He urged NIQS to take stringent disciplinary actions against those engaged in substandard practices. By doing so, he emphasized, the Institute would protect the reputation of the profession and substantially contribute to the safety and quality of construction in Nigeria.

According to Dangiwa, during his first week in office, he set up an Affordable Housing Design Committee to develop more efficient design options that fit the income profiles of Nigerians within the low- and medium-income bracket.

“Our Ministry professionals have done a great job and we ll like to have your comments before we unveil them to the public. Our goal is to come up with the most efficient, workable, and sustainable affordable designs that will help us deliver on our mandate,” he noted.

“Your profession plays a key role in the delivery of affordable housing. Your ability to manage costs, optimize resources, and ensure quality and compliance directly impacts the feasibility of affordable housing projects. By leveraging your expertise, we can create sustainable, well-built, and affordable housing solutions for communities, promoting social development and economic progress. Indeed, quantity surveyors are the custodians of fiscal responsibility in construction. Your discerning eyes prevent wastage, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently. Through their expertise, they pave the way for affordable housing without compromise.” 

Read Also: Housing Minister Initiates Land Use Act Review for Improved Efficiency

Furthermore, the Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the expertise of quantity surveyors and acknowledged their ability to optimize resources, manage costs, and guarantee quality, all of which directly influence the feasibility of affordable housing projects.

He encouraged the NIQS to actively collaborate with the government in the ongoing review of building standards and regulations. The Minister emphasized the importance of aligning industry benchmarks with global best practices, ensuring they reflect the unique challenges and opportunities of the Nigerian construction sector.

Also speaking, President Shonubi Michael Olayemi commended the Ministry’s proactive approach towards affordable housing and assured the Minister of the NIQS’s commitment to collaboration. He reiterated the Institute’s dedication to maintaining high standards within the industry and emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for quantity surveyors.

“The NIQS is deeply committed to ensuring that our members adhere to the highest ethical standards. We will collaborate with the Ministry to provide expert input during the review of building standards and regulations. Together, we can contribute significantly to the development of quality and affordable housing in Nigeria,” President Olayemi stated.

Read Also: Federal Ministry of Housing begins collaboration with NPC in providing credible Housing Data

Source: AfricaHousingNews

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Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has vowed to work with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to in reviewing the Land Use Act to update laws guiding housing, access to land, resettlement and related matters in line with current realities.

He gave the assurance during a meeting with a World Bank delegation in Abuja.

The minister observed that key provisions of the Act, including those relating to compensation, are obsolete and lack relevance in guiding land-related matters in the country.

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Dangiwa said: “We have already issued a directive to Directors of Departments of Land and Urban and Regional Planning to develop a robust framework that engages the National Assembly and others in reviewing the Land Use Act.”

While addressing the issue of housing deficit, the minister underlined the importance of instituting a sustainable framework that generates credible, reliable and scientific data to guide policy formulation.

The visit by the World Bank team was to brief the new minister on extant collaborations between the global lender and the ministry, ongoing projects and programmes in the housing, land, urban development and mortgage finance sectors, as well as discuss avenues for more partnerships.

Leader of delegation, Michael Ilesanmi, recalled that discussions with the ministry on land acquisition, resettlement and compensation began way back in 2014, but were deepened in 2022.

“Land remains a significant issue in the sector. The Land Use Act faces various challenges, and while realities have changed since its enactment in 1978, not much has changed with the Act. I believe there are opportunities to revise the Act to make it more relevant today,” he said.

Ilesanmi stated that the issues of acquisition, resettlement and compensation are hindering development, adding that inadequate processes and standards employed in determining replacement cost and compensation rate had exacerbated the challenges in land administration.

He promised the institution’s readiness to provide technical and knowledge assistance to the ministry.

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