Kenya Plans Affordable Homes for Ageing Parents of Citizens Abroad

The Kenyan government is planning to develop new housing units under its Affordable Housing Programme specifically for ageing parents of Kenyans living abroad.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga announced the proposal on Tuesday, September 22, during a meeting with Kenyans living in New York, United States.

According to Hinga, the planned housing developments are intended to address concerns raised by members of the Kenyan diaspora who want their ageing parents back home to have access to better housing settlements and essential services, particularly healthcare. 

Hinga said the proposal followed discussions with Kenyans abroad about the difficulties they face in caring for elderly parents while living and working outside the country.

He explained that some diaspora Kenyans had identified the welfare of their ageing parents as one of their major concerns.

“Last time, you asked that your biggest challenge as a diaspora is that you want to take care of your parents back home. Some of them have become old, and you want them to live in settlements where there is better health care,” Hinga said. 

He added that the government wants to develop housing communities where elderly residents could also have access to healthcare professionals.

“So we want to start putting up homes under our affordable housing program where you can even have nurses, doctors and all those other things so that now you can be able to put your parents,” the PS said. 

The proposed initiative would give Kenyans living abroad another option for securing accommodation for their parents while they remain overseas.

Rather than simply providing residential units, the proposed developments would incorporate essential services such as healthcare, allowing elderly residents to live in communities designed with their needs in mind.

Hinga said the Affordable Housing Programme is being expanded to serve Kenyans across different income groups.

The proposal comes as the government continues to implement its wider affordable housing programme across the country. 

Funding challenges remain

The announcement comes amid concerns over delays affecting some projects under Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme.

A Parliamentary Budget Office report cited by Kenyans.co.ke indicated that more than 176 government projects had stalled because of delayed payments to contractors.

The stalled projects reportedly represented about 15 per cent of projects under construction.

According to the report, the affected projects included 16 affordable housing projects, 22 social housing and slum upgrading projects, 91 institutional and student housing projects, as well as 47 social and physical infrastructure projects. 

The delays were linked to a reported Ksh118.3 billion funding shortfall.

The funding challenge has emerged despite the government collecting Ksh205.7 billion through the housing levy since it was introduced in 2023.

The figures have raised questions about the pace at which funds collected through the housing levy are being converted into completed housing and related infrastructure projects. Kenyans.co.ke attributed the concerns to reporting by Bloomberg. 

The government is also reviewing the prices of affordable housing units, with new prices expected to be announced on October 1.

The review could affect how the programme is accessed by different categories of beneficiaries as the government continues to adjust the implementation of its affordable housing strategy. 

Housing and healthcare for elderly residents

The proposed housing scheme for ageing parents represents a specialised component of the government’s broader affordable housing strategy.

For Kenyans living abroad, securing suitable accommodation and care for elderly parents can be challenging, particularly when they live thousands of kilometres away.

The proposed model seeks to address both accommodation and access to basic services by locating elderly residents in planned settlements where healthcare workers and other essential services could be available.

The initiative would also give diaspora Kenyans the opportunity to secure homes for their parents through a structured government housing programme while continuing their employment and lives outside Kenya. 

The proposal is part of a wider government effort to expand affordable housing delivery and provide homes to Kenyans across different income categories.

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme has also been positioned as a means of increasing access to decent housing while supporting employment and economic activity through construction and related industries.

The government has continued to encourage eligible Kenyans to register for available units through the Boma Yangu platform. 

The proposed elderly housing developments would add another target group to the programme, with the specific focus on ageing parents of citizens living abroad.

However, the government’s ability to implement the new proposal will come alongside the existing challenge of completing stalled housing projects and resolving funding and contractor payment issues.

As Kenya reviews the cost of its housing units and continues expanding the Affordable Housing Programme, the proposed diaspora-focused housing option will depend on how the government structures the developments, healthcare services, financing arrangements and eligibility requirements.

For Kenyans abroad, the proposal could provide a formal housing option for parents who require more suitable accommodation and easier access to healthcare as they grow older.

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Nigeria Leads Africa in Homeless Population With 4.5 Million People

Nigeria has been ranked as the African country with the highest estimated homeless population, with about 4.5 million people classified as homeless in 2025, according to data from the World Population Review cited by Daily Trust.

The figure places Nigeria ahead of other African countries facing significant homelessness challenges, including Uganda and Sudan. Uganda is estimated to have about four million homeless people, while Sudan has approximately three million.

The figures highlight the scale of Nigeria’s housing challenges as rapid urbanisation, rising rents and population movement continue to place pressure on available accommodation.

Major cities, including Lagos, Abuja and Kano, are among the urban centres affected by the shortage of affordable housing, with growing numbers of people struggling to secure accommodation within their means.

The situation also raises concerns about the conditions under which people without stable shelter are forced to live.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with homelessness and the lack of stable accommodation exposing some to street life and hazardous forms of work. UNICEF has highlighted the risks faced by vulnerable children who lack adequate shelter and protection.

Nigeria’s position in the ranking comes against the background of a broader housing crisis across Africa. Rapid population growth and urbanisation have increased demand for housing, while the supply of affordable and adequate accommodation has struggled to keep pace.

The pressure is particularly pronounced in major cities, where high rents and limited access to affordable homes have made housing increasingly difficult for low-income households.

The data also comes amid continuing concerns about Nigeria’s housing deficit and the cost of providing new homes.

The World Population Review’s homelessness figures have varied by data year and methodology. Its current country table, for example, lists Nigeria’s larger 24.4 million estimate against a 2020 data year, underscoring the importance of considering the underlying year and definition when comparing homelessness figures internationally.

A separate United Nations report has also cited an estimate of more than 24.4 million homeless people in Nigeria, while noting that Africa faces a wider housing crisis driven by rapid urbanisation and the growth of informal settlements.

The housing situation is further complicated by the cost of construction, land acquisition, infrastructure and property registration, all of which can affect the pace at which new housing is supplied.

Addressing homelessness therefore requires not only increasing the number of homes available but also ensuring that new housing is affordable and accessible to households that need it most.

With Nigeria’s population continuing to grow and urban centres attracting people in search of jobs and better opportunities, the demand for affordable housing is expected to remain a major challenge for policymakers, developers and communities.

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FG Sets Six-Week Deadline for Actionable Housing Reform Blueprint

The Federal Government has given a 14-member ministerial committee six weeks to develop a practical implementation strategy for wide-ranging reforms in Nigeria’s housing and built-environment sector.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, inaugurated the committee in Abuja and directed its members to convert recommendations from housing stakeholders into measurable actions.

The panel is officially known as the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation Framework for the Validated Stakeholder Resolutions on Housing Sector Reforms.

Its members were drawn from technical departments of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and relevant housing agencies.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, was appointed chairman of the committee.

Under its terms of reference, the panel is expected to coordinate the implementation of approved reform measures and develop a detailed work plan identifying priorities, timelines, responsibilities and expected results.

The committee will also monitor progress and ensure that agencies or departments assigned specific responsibilities complete them within the approved timeframe.

Darma explained that the reform recommendations emerged from an earlier stakeholders’ validation conference, where participants examined housing data and proposed measures for repositioning the sector.

The recommendations have been divided into three categories: measures the ministry can implement immediately, proposals requiring approval from the Presidential Council and reforms that will require legislative action.

According to the minister, the government’s responsibility extends beyond the direct construction of houses. It must also create an enabling environment in which individuals, developers, investors and financial institutions can increase housing supply.

Darma identified stronger regulation as an important requirement for improving standards and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s built environment.

He cited 2025 data indicating that the sector contributes approximately 17 per cent to the Nigerian economy, compared with between 22 and 27 per cent in countries such as South Africa and Kenya.

The minister expressed confidence that better policies, improved regulation and coordinated implementation could help the Nigerian housing sector increase its contribution to national economic growth.

He urged the committee to approach its assignment with urgency and produce a workable strategy within the six-week deadline.

Responding on behalf of the panel, Belgore said the committee had received a working document that would be reviewed to identify gaps and strengthen the proposed implementation framework.

He said the committee would focus on immediate interventions while preparing reforms requiring consideration by the Federal Executive Council or the National Assembly.

Belgore added that further consultations would be held with stakeholders to build broad support and ensure that the reforms reflected the needs of professionals, developers, financiers, artisans and other participants in the housing industry.

Standardising professional practices and improving coordination among engineers, architects, builders, artisans and other construction workers will also form part of the reform process.

Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Shehu Usman Osidi, welcomed the initiative but warned that sustained stakeholder engagement would be critical to its success.

Osidi recalled that previous efforts to amend the National Housing Fund and FMBN Acts, as well as a proposed ₦500 billion recapitalisation of the mortgage bank, encountered stakeholder resistance.

He advised the committee to apply lessons from those experiences and ensure that affected groups were properly consulted before major changes were implemented.

The Federal Housing Authority also pledged its cooperation with the committee and expressed confidence that the reforms could improve housing delivery across the country.

While the inauguration represents another step towards reforming the sector, the initiative’s success will depend on whether the committee’s recommendations are implemented, funded and supported by the necessary executive and legislative approvals.

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The Federal Government has pledged to include judicial officers and court personnel in its housing interventions across Nigeria.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), retired Justice Babatunde Adejumo (OFR).

Darma said the ministry would carry the judiciary along as it implements housing projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

FG Targets Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

The minister said the government remains committed to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit, which he estimated at about 15 million units.

He acknowledged the scale of the challenge. However, he said sustained commitment, proper planning, strong partnerships and joint efforts could help reduce the gap.

Darma also assured judicial officers and court workers that they would not be excluded from federal housing programmes.

The minister said the housing ministry takes a broad national approach to its projects. The programmes cover different locations and levels of government, including states and local government areas.

He added that the ministry would continue to seek partnerships with institutions that can support the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

Judiciary Seeks Housing Consideration

Adejumo commended the Federal Government for its efforts to tackle the country’s housing shortage.

He also called on the ministry to consider the housing needs of judicial officers and court personnel when allocating homes under its housing programmes.

According to him, members of the judiciary and court staff also face housing challenges. He therefore expressed the NJI’s willingness to work with the ministry through lawful and legitimate partnerships.

Adejumo stressed that such cooperation must respect the independence and constitutional duties of the judiciary.

NJI Offers Training Support

The proposed partnership could also cover training and human capacity development.

Adejumo said the NJI has conference facilities and other resources that the ministry could use for relevant training programmes.

The institute provides training, capacity building and continuing education for judicial officers and court personnel.

He said cooperation between the two institutions could create opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional development.

The partnership could also help both organisations develop training programmes linked to the implementation of housing policies and programmes.

Housing and Public Sector Welfare

The discussion highlights the wider role of housing in public-sector welfare.

Government housing programmes do not only involve the construction of homes. They also involve land, infrastructure, finance, allocation and access to suitable locations.

For the housing and construction sectors, wider government housing programmes can also support demand for new developments. They can create opportunities for developers, contractors, financiers and other professionals across the property value chain.

The inclusion of judicial officers and court personnel could therefore form part of a broader effort to address housing needs among public-sector workers.

The Federal Government’s engagement with the NJI also shows the importance of institutional partnerships in delivering housing programmes. As Nigeria works to reduce its housing deficit, effective planning and transparent implementation will remain important to expanding access to decent housing.

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By Adebayo Tobi

Nigeria’s housing conversation has focused heavily on one question: How many homes does the country need to build?

With the country facing a housing deficit estimated at more than 28 million units, increasing housing supply is clearly important. But there is another question that deserves just as much attention: How many Nigerians can actually afford the homes being delivered?

That question could define the next phase of Nigeria’s housing and real estate market.

Across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and other growing urban centres, residential development continues to expand. New estates, apartments and gated communities are appearing in areas where demand for housing remains strong.

Yet a growing number of Nigerians are finding themselves priced out of homeownership.

READ ALSO : Why Government JVs Struggle to Deliver Affordable Housing in Nigeria

The house may exist, but can people afford it?

Housing affordability is not simply about the price attached to a property.

For a prospective homeowner, affordability also depends on income, mortgage rates, deposit requirements, land costs, construction expenses, transportation, infrastructure charges and the general cost of living.

This means that a property can be technically available without being financially accessible.

A young professional may have a stable income and still struggle to raise the required deposit. A family may be able to afford monthly payments but not the initial equity contribution. Another household may find a property within its budget but reject it because its location creates unaffordable transportation costs.

These realities show why Nigeria’s housing challenge cannot be solved by construction alone.

The affordability gap is widening

The cost of delivering housing has become a major concern for developers and buyers.

Land, building materials, labour, infrastructure and financing all influence the final price of a property. When these costs rise, developers face pressure to increase selling prices or reduce the scale and specifications of projects.

Buyers, meanwhile, are dealing with household incomes that may not increase at the same pace as property prices.

This creates what can be described as an affordability gap  the distance between the cost of available housing and what households can realistically pay.

Closing that gap should become a central part of Nigeria’s housing conversation.

Developers must understand the real market

The private sector has an important role to play.

Developers naturally respond to market opportunities, and there will always be demand for premium residential developments. But Nigeria also needs housing products designed around the purchasing power of the broader population.

The question should not only be, “What can we build?”

It should also be:

“Who is the intended buyer, and can that buyer realistically afford it?”

This requires developers to pay closer attention to housing design, location, construction methods, infrastructure costs and payment structures.

Smaller but well-planned homes, efficient designs and phased developments could provide alternative ways of reducing the entry cost for some buyers.

Financing remains a critical piece

Even where property prices are relatively manageable, access to long-term housing finance remains important.

For many households, homeownership cannot be achieved through savings alone. A functioning mortgage market, longer repayment periods and suitable financing products can help spread the cost of purchasing a home over a period that is more consistent with household income.

Developers and financial institutions also have room to explore innovative payment models that can make property acquisition more accessible.

The objective should be simple: make the journey to homeownership financially realistic.

Government also has a role

The affordability challenge cannot be left entirely to developers.

Government policies on land, taxation, infrastructure, planning, building regulation and housing finance can significantly influence the cost of delivering homes.

Efficient land administration can reduce delays and uncertainty. Better infrastructure planning can reduce the burden developers pass on to buyers. Clear and predictable regulations can also improve the environment for housing investment.

At the same time, housing policy must recognise that affordable housing is not simply about constructing cheaper buildings. It is about creating communities where people can live safely and sustainably without housing consuming an unreasonable share of their income.

The opportunity in Nigeria’s housing market

Nigeria’s housing challenge is enormous, but so is the opportunity.

Millions of people need decent homes, while developers, investors, financial institutions and construction professionals are searching for sustainable opportunities.

The market can bring these interests together if affordability becomes a stronger part of the development equation.

Nigeria does not only need more houses.

It needs more homes that ordinary working Nigerians can realistically aspire to own.

The future of the housing industry should therefore be measured not only by the number of units delivered, but also by whether those units create genuine pathways to homeownership.

The biggest opportunity may be found in the space between what Nigerians need, what they earn, and what the market currently offers.

Bridging that gap will require collaboration, innovation and a willingness to rethink conventional approaches to housing delivery.

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Nigeria’s headline inflation rate is expected to continue easing in the coming months, although rising food prices remain a major source of pressure, according to analysts at Comercio Partners.

The outlook followed the latest inflation figures from the National Bureau of Statistics, which showed that headline inflation declined to 15.43 per cent year-on-year in July 2026, compared with 15.91 per cent in June.

The July figure represented the second straight monthly decline in headline inflation and the largest monthly moderation recorded so far this year. Analysts said the trend suggests that underlying price pressures across parts of the economy are beginning to weaken.

A key factor behind the improvement was the sharp decline in core inflation, which excludes some volatile items. Core inflation fell to 14.97 per cent in July, from 15.92 per cent in June, while the month-on-month rate dropped substantially to 0.15 per cent, compared with 1.66 per cent in the previous month.

Comercio Partners said the movement indicated weaker underlying inflationary pressure, supported in part by reduced exchange-rate volatility. The development could provide some relief for businesses and households facing higher costs, particularly in sectors that depend heavily on imported inputs.

Food prices, however, moved in the opposite direction. Food inflation increased to 20.31 per cent year-on-year in July, up from 17.52 per cent in June. On a monthly basis, food inflation also accelerated to 5.56 per cent, compared with 3.75 per cent in June.

The analysts linked the increase to constraints affecting agricultural supply, higher logistics and distribution expenses, seasonal influences and wider structural challenges within the food supply chain. They said these pressures are not issues that monetary policy can address on its own.

The divergence between food and core inflation is particularly relevant to household spending. Food represents a substantial portion of expenditure for many Nigerian households, making increases in food prices an important factor in the cost of living even when the overall inflation rate is declining.

Despite the increase in food inflation, several major expenditure categories recorded lower contributions to headline inflation during July. The contribution of food and non-alcoholic beverages declined from 6.37 percentage points in June to 6.18 percentage points in July.

Restaurants and accommodation also recorded a lower contribution, falling from 2.06 percentage points to 1.99 percentage points. Transport declined from 1.70 percentage points to 1.64 percentage points, while housing, utilities and fuels fell from 1.34 percentage points to 1.30 percentage points.

According to Comercio Partners, the combined decline in contributions from these four expenditure divisions represented about 75 per cent of the 0.48 percentage-point reduction in headline inflation recorded between June and July.

The figures also have implications for Nigeria’s housing and construction sectors. Housing-related costs are influenced by inflation through the prices of building materials, transportation, energy and other inputs, while higher living costs can affect households’ ability to save for home purchases, meet rent obligations and service mortgages.

For developers and construction companies, a sustained moderation in underlying inflation could improve cost forecasting and financial planning. However, continued food-price increases could keep pressure on household budgets and limit the amount of income available for housing and other long-term spending.

The July data therefore presents a mixed picture for the wider economy. While easing core inflation and reduced exchange-rate volatility point to moderating price pressures, persistent food inflation remains a significant challenge for households and businesses.

For the housing and infrastructure sectors, the direction of inflation will remain important because changes in prices affect construction costs, household purchasing power, project financing and the broader affordability of housing.

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The Federal Government has approved the direct purchase of 600 four-bedroom terrace duplexes in Life Camp, Abuja, for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The approval was granted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as part of the government’s efforts to improve the welfare and living conditions of military personnel.

The houses are located at Bristol City Development, Life Camp, and will be allocated to members of the Armed Forces under the Federal Government’s ongoing military housing intervention.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, said the approval followed a memorandum presented by his ministry to the Federal Executive Council.

He described housing as an important component of the welfare package for military personnel, particularly given the demands placed on members of the Armed Forces.

According to the minister, the latest approval is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of servicemen and women.

The 600 units approved in Life Camp are not an isolated intervention.

Darma said the Federal Government had previously secured approval for 1,556 housing units in Deidei, Abuja, for Armed Forces personnel.

With the latest 600 units, the number of units approved under the military housing intervention has risen to 2,156.

The government is targeting a much larger programme of 10,000 housing units for personnel of the Armed Forces.

The Federal Government’s decision reflects the growing recognition that accommodation is an important component of personnel welfare.

For military personnel, access to suitable accommodation can reduce the financial pressure associated with housing costs while improving living conditions for service members and their families.

The government has increasingly linked improved housing with broader efforts to strengthen welfare and conditions of service within the Armed Forces.

The Life Camp development also adds another substantial residential project to Abuja’s housing market.

The capital continues to experience strong demand for housing, while rising land, construction and rental costs have made decent accommodation increasingly expensive.

The addition of 600 four-bedroom homes therefore contributes to the city’s residential stock, although the units are specifically intended for military personnel rather than the general housing market.

The latest approval increases the number of housing units planned for military personnel, but approval is only the first stage.

The effectiveness of the programme will ultimately depend on how quickly the units are delivered, the quality of construction and how transparently they are allocated to eligible personnel.

The government will also need to demonstrate that the larger 10,000-unit target can move from approved projects to completed homes.

This is particularly important given the history of delays associated with some public housing projects.

With the 600 Life Camp units and the previously approved 1,556-unit Deidei project, the Federal Government now has 2,156 military housing units approved under the current intervention.

The government says the wider objective is to expand decent accommodation for members of the Armed Forces while strengthening their overall welfare.

For Nigeria’s housing sector, the programme also demonstrates how public-sector demand can be used to support large-scale residential development.

The bigger test, however, will be whether the government can sustain the pace of delivery and eventually achieve its 10,000-unit target.

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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 UK government has unveiled a £442 million housing support package aimed at helping people sleeping rough move off the streets before Christmas, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham steps up efforts to tackle the country’s homelessness crisis.

The programme will provide emergency accommodation and longer-term housing support across England, with areas experiencing the highest levels of homelessness and housing pressure expected to receive the largest share of the funding.

Burnham said no one should have to sleep in doorways or outside railway stations, arguing that the scale of rough sleeping should not be accepted as normal in one of the world’s largest economies.

The announcement comes amid a significant increase in rough sleeping across England.

Government figures show that 4,793 people were sleeping rough in England in 2025, the highest figure recorded.

However, rough sleepers represent only a fraction of the country’s wider homeless population.

Housing charity Shelter estimated that about 382,000 people were homeless in England in 2025. This broader figure includes people living in temporary accommodation, families and children without permanent housing, and people without secure tenure.

The figures highlight the difference between rough sleeping and the wider housing crisis.

While getting people off the streets is an immediate priority, the larger challenge involves providing enough affordable and secure housing to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.

The £442 million programme will not be limited to emergency accommodation.

The government said the funding will also support the creation of more than 1,000 permanent homes over the next three years.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said the government was acting urgently to help people leave the streets, move into secure homes and access the support required to rebuild their lives.

The approach reflects an important principle in homelessness policy. Emergency accommodation can provide immediate protection, but permanent housing is needed to create long-term stability.

Burnham pointed to the UK’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence that government can move people sleeping rough into accommodation quickly when there is sufficient political will.

He argued that a similar effort could be mounted again to address the current crisis.

The government also plans to hold its first national summit dedicated specifically to tackling rough sleeping later this year.

Local leaders, including mayors, will be expected to play a major role in implementing the programme before Christmas.

Although the government has allocated £442 million, Burnham acknowledged that the funding may not be enough to completely achieve the target.

He has therefore called on wider society, including faith organisations and community groups, to contribute to the effort.

The programme is expected to be funded from the existing housing ministry budget rather than through a newly announced funding source.

This has already attracted criticism from opposition parties, with Conservative housing spokesman James Cleverly questioning how the government intends to deliver and finance the commitment.

Homelessness charities broadly welcomed the announcement, particularly the commitment to combine emergency accommodation with longer-term housing.

However, concerns remain over whether the programme will address the structural causes of homelessness.

Housing affordability, limited housing supply, insecure tenancies, rising rents and pressure on local authorities can all contribute to people losing stable accommodation.

Without addressing those underlying factors, emergency interventions risk treating the symptoms rather than the cause.

The UK’s homelessness figures demonstrate that housing crises are not limited to developing economies.

Even countries with large economies can struggle when housing supply, affordability and household incomes fall out of balance.

For policymakers, the challenge is therefore twofold. Governments must respond quickly to people already experiencing homelessness while also increasing the supply of affordable and secure homes.

The UK’s latest programme attempts to do both by combining immediate accommodation with funding for permanent housing.

Its success, however, will ultimately depend on whether those leaving the streets can move into stable, affordable homes rather than simply temporary accommodation.

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Enitan to Take Over on August 27

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Enitan will assume office on August 27, 2026.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced the appointment on Wednesday.

Enitan will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack. She will retire from the Federal Civil Service after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60.

Enitan Brings Seven Years of Permanent Secretary Experience

Enitan, who is from Osun State, currently serves as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

He is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has held the rank for seven years and seven months.

During his career, Enitan has worked in several key government offices. His previous assignments include the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.

His experience across these institutions gives him a broad understanding of federal government operations.

As Head of the Civil Service, Enitan will oversee the federal civil service system. He will also play a key role in improving efficiency and professional standards across government institutions.

Tinubu Sets Priorities for New Head of Service

President Tinubu thanked Walson-Jack for her years of service to Nigeria.

The President also recognised the reforms and innovations recorded during her tenure. He wished her success after her retirement from public service.

Tinubu has asked Enitan to continue the reforms already underway in the civil service.

The President also wants him to strengthen professionalism and improve efficiency across government ministries and agencies.

Tinubu further directed the incoming Head of Service to promote a civil service based on merit, accountability and innovation.

He said the service must respond effectively to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

What the Appointment Means for Housing and Infrastructure

The effectiveness of the civil service affects many areas of Nigeria’s economy. Housing, land administration and infrastructure development all depend on strong public institutions.

Federal housing programmes require coordination among ministries, departments and agencies. The same applies to land management, urban development, construction standards and infrastructure projects.

A more efficient civil service could therefore support faster implementation of government policies in these sectors.

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service also has a wider role in strengthening the systems that support federal administration. This makes the new appointment relevant to government programmes across the housing and infrastructure sectors.

Enitan’s Education and Career

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966.

He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.

He later studied at the University of Lagos. He graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking.

In 2015, Enitan obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.

His academic background combines finance with public policy. His career has also given him experience across different areas of federal administration.

New Chapter for the Federal Civil Service

Enitan will take charge of the Federal Civil Service as the government continues to pursue its Renewed Hope Agenda.

His immediate priorities will include building on existing reforms, improving efficiency and strengthening professionalism within the service.

His leadership will also matter to sectors such as housing, infrastructure, land administration and urban development, where effective government institutions remain important to policy delivery.

Enitan will formally assume the position on August 27, 2026, following the retirement of Walson-Jack.

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