FMBN Launches Non-Interest Mortgage Scheme to Expand Homeownership in Nigeria

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has launched a non-interest mortgage product designed to help more Nigerians become homeowners, offering an alternative to conventional interest-based housing loans.

The product, known as Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek, operates under a lease-to-own arrangement. It allows eligible National Housing Fund (NHF) contributors to occupy a residential property through agreed rental payments and take ownership after fulfilling the terms of the contract.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe-Darma, announced the launch on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Kano State.

According to the minister, the initiative aims to expand access to housing finance, particularly for Nigerians who prefer not to use conventional interest-based mortgages because of their financial or ethical convictions.

How FMBN’s Non-Interest Mortgage Works

Under the Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek model, a property is acquired by the financing institution and leased to an eligible customer. The customer makes agreed rental payments while occupying the property, with ownership transferred at the end of the contract once all stipulated obligations have been fulfilled.

The arrangement provides another option for Nigerians seeking to own homes without using a conventional interest-based mortgage.

FMBN Managing Director and Chief Executive, Shehu Usman-Osidi, said the product was intended to make housing finance more inclusive and provide additional opportunities for eligible NHF contributors.

He explained that the bank wanted to widen the mortgage market and ensure that contributors who prefer non-interest financing are not excluded from opportunities to own homes.

The bank said the product is available to eligible NHF contributors across Nigeria, regardless of their religion or location.

FMBN Seeks to Expand Access to Mortgage Loans

Speaking at the launch, Rabe-Darma said more than six million Nigerians contributed to the National Housing Fund, but the bank had historically granted fewer than 500 individual mortgages annually.

He said the new product would help address the gap between NHF participation and access to mortgage financing.

The launch also marks the first public product introduced under the National Mortgage Industry Policy issued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in July 2026.

Under the policy, FMBN is expected to direct at least 40 per cent of annual NHF collections towards mortgage financing and increase its maximum loan limit from ₦50 million to ₦85 million.

The policy also sets a target of 2,000 mortgages in 2026, rising to 5,000 annually by 2028.

Another objective is to simplify the mortgage application process, with applications expected to be processed within 30 working days under a streamlined eight-document requirement.

These measures are intended to improve access to housing finance and make the process less difficult for eligible applicants.

Informal-Sector Workers Targeted for Greater Access

The housing policy also seeks to increase National Housing Fund membership from six million to 10 million by 2028.

It further targets allocating between 30 and 40 per cent of FMBN’s mortgage bookings to informal-sector workers, including market traders, artisans and transport workers.

Many people in these groups face difficulties accessing conventional mortgages because of irregular income, limited formal employment records and documentation requirements.

Expanding access to mortgage financing for informal-sector workers could help more Nigerians participate in formal housing finance programmes.

However, the effectiveness of this approach will depend on the final eligibility requirements, repayment conditions and the ability of applicants to meet the costs of acquiring a home.

Kano Selected for the Product’s Pilot Implementation

FMBN selected Kano State for the launch because of its commercial importance, large working population and demand for affordable housing.

The bank designated the FMBN housing project in Bichi Local Government Area, developed by AYAB Nigeria Ltd., for the pilot implementation of the scheme.

The launch programme also included plans for the commissioning of the housing estate and the handover of keys to the first beneficiaries.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, represented at the event by the Commissioner for Housing Development, Ibrahim Yakubu-Adamu, described the initiative as an important development for Nigeria’s housing finance sector.

The state government expressed support for efforts to improve access to affordable housing.

What the New Mortgage Scheme Means for Nigerians

The introduction of the non-interest mortgage product gives eligible NHF contributors another route to homeownership.

For people who prefer alternatives to conventional interest-based loans, the lease-to-own arrangement could provide a more suitable financing option.

Its broader impact, however, will depend on how accessible the properties are, the total amount beneficiaries must pay, the duration of the agreements and the transparency of the contractual terms.

The bank will also need to ensure that the scheme reaches intended beneficiaries and that the application process remains manageable for people with different income levels.

Although the launch is an important step towards diversifying housing finance in Nigeria, financing alone cannot resolve the country’s housing affordability challenges. Property prices, construction costs, access to serviced land and the supply of affordable homes remain important factors.

The success of the initiative will therefore depend on effective implementation and its ability to translate housing finance into actual homeownership opportunities.

For prospective applicants, the next step is to confirm their eligibility and obtain the official application requirements directly from FMBN before making financial commitments.

The post FMBN Launches Non-Interest Mortgage Scheme in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A widening dispute over property taxation, valuation and revenue enforcement in Sabon Gari, Kano State, is putting additional pressure on landlords and tenants as property owners say rising government charges are driving up the cost of accommodation and doing business.

Chairman of the Sabon Gari Landlord/Caretaker Association, Kano State, Basil Nnamdi Ulasi, said landlords were not opposed to paying legitimate taxes but alleged that increased assessments, multiple levies and aggressive enforcement had placed property owners under growing financial pressure.

According to Ulasi, the additional costs are eventually transferred to tenants through higher rents.

“Landlords are the ones collecting the money, but when the cost of running the property increases, they have to look at the rent. If government is increasing the charges, somebody will bear the cost,” he said.

Landlords Protest Rising Property Charges

Ulasi alleged that property-related charges had increased significantly, with some landlords who previously paid between N15,000 and N20,000 in local government charges now receiving demands of N500,000 or N800,000.

He said the association had previously negotiated payments of about N100,000 in local government charges, alongside state government payments of about N500,000 and N200,000, but claimed that the financial demands had risen significantly.

The association, he said, could provide previous payment receipts to demonstrate the changes.

Landlords Challenge Property Valuations

The dispute has also extended to property valuation.

Ulasi alleged that some government officials attempted to assess properties without adequate involvement of their owners, resulting in valuations landlords considered unrealistic.

He cited one property which he said could be worth between N60 million and N70 million but was allegedly assessed for taxation purposes at about N700 million.

Such assessments, according to Ulasi, could produce tax obligations that do not reflect the actual economic value or income-generating capacity of properties.

How Rising Costs Affect Tenants

Ulasi explained that the impact becomes clearer at the individual property level.

He gave the example of a landlord with six flats generating about N200,000 each, amounting to N1.2 million in rental income.

From that income, he said, the landlord still has to meet tax obligations and other operating expenses, leaving less money for maintenance, repairs and other property-related costs.

The association chairman said this creates a chain in which increased government charges raise landlords’ operating costs, prompting rent adjustments that eventually affect tenants.

For residents and businesses already facing higher living and operating expenses, the additional rent burden could further increase costs.

The association has therefore called for the harmonisation of taxes so property owners do not receive separate demands from multiple government authorities.

“We suggested that they should unify the taxes, call us and let us see what they are doing. Each tax should be in one place, then we pay with a human face,” Ulasi said.

Tax Dispute Moves To Court

Ulasi said the association wrote to government authorities and sought meetings to resolve the valuation and taxation disagreements.

The landlords subsequently approached the courts seeking clarification on the legality and procedures surrounding property valuation and taxation.

According to Ulasi, the association was advised during the proceedings to engage professional property valuers and meet with government representatives to pursue a resolution through dialogue.

He alleged that following the court proceedings, government officials accompanied by security personnel moved into parts of Sabon Gari.

Ulasi claimed that some shops were sealed and association members, including the vice chairman and secretary, were arrested and taken to a police station before being arraigned.

He said the alleged enforcement action changed the dispute from a disagreement over taxation into a broader confrontation involving government authorities, security agencies and property owners.

Ulasi further alleged that some landlords and traders subsequently paid the amounts demanded to avoid further confrontation.

Landlords Raise Infrastructure Concerns

The taxation dispute is also taking place against the backdrop of concerns over infrastructure in Sabon Gari.

Ulasi said the area had suffered from inadequate water supply despite being a densely populated commercial district.

“Sabon Gari has been lacking basic infrastructure for a long time. We don’t have pipe-borne water. People buy water from Mai Ruwa,” he said.

He said some landlords had drilled boreholes to provide water for tenants but alleged that such private infrastructure efforts also attracted additional local government charges.

According to him, this has created concerns among property owners who pay taxes while also spending their own resources to provide services for residents.

Ulasi acknowledged improvements in electricity supply but said water and roads remained major concerns.

He alleged that nearly 90 per cent of roads in the area were not motorable, although some were undergoing rehabilitation.

Trader Relocation Adds To Congestion

The association also linked the area’s challenges to the relocation of traders from Yankura to the New Road area.

Ulasi attributed the relocation to the Kano State Road Traffic Agency, KAROTA, saying it had transformed parts of New Road into a congested commercial zone.

He disputed claims that traders moved there simply because of better business opportunities, saying they were relocated to facilitate construction work at their previous location.

According to him, trading activities now begin as early as 5am, with traders occupying parts of the road and creating traffic congestion.

“The whole road is blocked from five o’clock in the morning. If you come here, you cannot be able to pass,” he said.

He also linked the congestion to security concerns, alleging thefts and break-ins involving shops and houses in the area.

Association Seeks Unified Tax System

The Sabon Gari Landlord/Caretaker Association wants the Kano State Government to intervene in the dispute and supervise revenue collection activities in the area.

The association is seeking a unified taxation framework, transparent property valuation, a single payment system and greater involvement of property owners in determining the basis for assessments.

Ulasi also appealed for improved water supply, roads, security and traffic management, arguing that better infrastructure would make taxation more acceptable to property owners and residents.

“We are begging the State Government to come to our aid, or else things will go from worse to wherever we don’t know,” he said.

The dispute highlights the relationship between property taxation and housing affordability, with landlords arguing that higher government charges can ultimately feed into rents paid by tenants.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FG reviews abandoned housing projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

430 NMDPRA staff benefit from housing scheme

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

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

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

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

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

365 units earmarked for Abuja

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

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

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

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

FMBN provides mortgage support

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Government targets wider housing access

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

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

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

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

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

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

FG Targets 40–60% Rent Burden

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

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

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

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

FG Targets 250,000 Abandoned Housing Units

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

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

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

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

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

Social Housing Programme to Cover 774 LGAs

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

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

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

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

430 NMDPRA Staff to Benefit

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

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

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

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

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

365 Housing Units Earmarked for Abuja

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FMBN processes ₦8.3bn in mortgage applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FMBN targets wider housing finance partnerships

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

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

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

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

NMDPRA praises inter-agency collaboration

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

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

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

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

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

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FG Commends NMDPRA Housing Scheme as 430 Workers Receive Home Allocations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

430 NMDPRA workers receive allocations

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

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

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

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

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

FMBN processes N8.3bn in mortgage applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More than 1,000 NMDPRA staff applied

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

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

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

Details of housing units across Abuja, Kano and Lagos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Government expands housing support for workers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Kano State Government says it has committed N996.29bn to 1,557 projects across the state’s 44 local government areas.

The spending covers almost three years of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration. It includes housing, roads, urban infrastructure and other development projects.

The Commissioner for Public Procurement, Projects Monitoring and Evaluation, Nura Maaji Sumaila, disclosed the figures on Sunday.

He spoke during an international press briefing on project delivery, procurement compliance and government spending.

867 Projects Completed

Sumaila said the state has completed 867 projects, which represents 55.68 per cent of the total.

Another 654 projects, or about 42 per cent, remain under construction. The state has also moved 26 projects to the award stage.

Ten additional projects have reached the planning stage and are ready for award.

The figures show the size of Kano’s current public investment programme. They also highlight the state’s focus on infrastructure and development across both urban and rural communities.

Kano Tracks Project Payments

The commissioner said projects worth N695.20bn had received Certificates of No Objection.

The ministry had also vetted payment certificates worth N444.75bn.

The approved certificates represent 69.78 per cent of the total contract value. Vetted payments account for 44.64 per cent.

Sumaila said the ministry would continue to monitor projects. The goal is to ensure that public spending delivers value to residents.

Rural Areas Receive N287.90bn

Kano has spread its project investments across metropolitan and rural areas.

According to the commissioner, the eight metropolitan local government areas have 598 projects worth N299.36bn.

The state’s 36 rural LGAs account for 653 projects valued at N287.90bn.

Rural development therefore forms a major part of the state’s investment plan. The projects cover infrastructure and other developments across communities outside the metropolitan areas.

The state also has 37 cross-cutting projects worth N159.50bn. These projects cover more than one local government area.

Another 269 statewide and other projects account for N249.54bn.

Housing Projects Take Centre Stage

Housing represents one of the largest components of the investment programme.

The commissioner listed the N113.19bn mass housing project at Rijiyar Gwangwan in Dawakin Kudu among the major projects.

He also identified the N22bn Rural Model City housing project. The project covers all 36 rural local government areas.

Other major investments include the N24.77bn Katsina Road expansion. The project covers parts of Fagge and Dala.

The state is also implementing N21.90bn in Modern Cities infrastructure across Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa and Kumbotso.

Another major project is the N27.74bn Madobi-Yako-Kafin Maiyaki/Kiru Road project.

Infrastructure Supports Housing Growth

The scale of Kano’s spending has implications for the housing and construction sectors.

Housing developments need roads, transport links, electricity and other basic infrastructure. Better connections can also improve access to new residential communities.

The Rural Model City and mass housing projects show the link between housing development and wider infrastructure planning.

Road projects can also support the growth of communities around new housing developments. They can improve movement between residential areas, commercial centres and other parts of the state.

Focus on Project Monitoring

Sumaila said the government must assess projects based on their size and reach.

Some major projects serve several communities and local government areas. Counting them as separate projects in each LGA could therefore create inaccurate figures.

The commissioner said the state’s monitoring system aims to provide a clearer picture of project delivery and public spending.

Kano’s N996.29bn project programme places housing, roads and infrastructure at the centre of its development plans. The completion of these projects will remain important to the state’s efforts to expand urban infrastructure and improve development across its metropolitan and rural communities.

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Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has allocated more than 2,000 plots of land to beneficiaries over a two-day exercise, saying the initiative is aimed at expanding land ownership, reducing the housing deficit, and creating long-term wealth for residents across the state. The exercise forms part of the administration’s broader housing and land reform agenda.

According to the Kano State Government, the first phase of the allocation involved the presentation of land allocation documents to political appointees, including Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Senior Special Reporters, Special Reporters, and Personal Assistants. The second phase saw polling unit agents, popularly known as Yan Akwatu, receive allocation documents, bringing the total number of allocated plots to over 2,000 within two days.

Governor Yusuf said the programme is intended to improve access to land ownership, empower families through property acquisition, and support efforts to address Kano State’s housing deficit. Represented by the Commissioner for Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Nura Iro Ma’aji, the governor said his administration remains committed to implementing programmes that benefit residents while fulfilling promises made to supporters.

The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Abduljabbar Umar, described the initiative as a significant step towards improving access to land and encouraging housing development. He urged beneficiaries to retain the allocated plots for future development rather than selling them immediately, noting that property ownership can serve as a valuable long-term asset.

The land allocation programme has attracted public attention, with supporters describing it as a strategy to expand homeownership and stimulate housing development, while critics have questioned the timing and selection of beneficiaries. Governor Yusuf has defended the initiative, maintaining that it is designed to reduce the housing deficit and improve citizens’ welfare through wider access to land ownership.

Housing experts note that increasing access to serviced land can support residential development and economic growth when accompanied by transparent allocation processes, infrastructure provision, and effective land administration. They argue that land allocation programmes are most impactful when beneficiaries are able to develop the plots into habitable housing and related infrastructure.

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More than a decade after its commissioning, the Kwankwasiyya Mega City in Kano remains largely unoccupied, raising fresh concerns over housing affordability and urban planning in Nigeria.

The mega housing project, initiated in 2012 by the administration of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was designed to decongest Kano metropolis and transform the state into a modern urban centre.

The development, which includes Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo cities, delivered about 1,500 housing units, including over 500 luxury apartments in Kwankwasiyya alone by 2015.

Despite an investment exceeding N35 billion, the estate has recorded low occupancy rates, with only a fraction of homeowners residing in the city years after completion.

Infrastructure in Place, Residents Missing

The city was designed as a fully integrated urban centre, with facilities such as hospitals, schools, commercial plots, mosques, parks, and a conference centre.

However, findings indicate that physical occupation has remained limited due to factors including security concerns, distance from the city centre, and inadequate access to basic services such as water.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who assumed office in 2023, expressed concern over the low occupancy rate during a visit to the estate.

In a bid to boost confidence, the administration began holding state executive council meetings at the Government Lodge within the estate in 2025, signalling improved security and readiness for habitation.

Government Interventions Yield Moderate Gains

To address infrastructure challenges, the state government connected the estate to the Tiga Hydropower Plant to ensure stable electricity supply.

A dedicated Ministry of Housing Development was also established to oversee housing projects and improve management efficiency.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Tijjani Muhammad Sharif, said occupancy has improved to about 60 per cent following recent interventions, including a directive compelling property owners to complete and occupy their homes or risk revocation.

However, the government’s recent acquisition of 324 housing units previously allocated to the state pension union indicates that a significant number of houses remain either unsold or unoccupied.

Affordability Concerns Persist

Civil servants and residents have attributed the low occupancy largely to affordability challenges, arguing that the houses are priced beyond the reach of average income earners.

Some respondents alleged that many of the properties were initially allocated to political elites and senior officials, limiting access for ordinary citizens.

A civil servant, Abdullahi Yusuf, said the cost of housing units—estimated at over N20 million—makes ownership unrealistic for most workers.

Another respondent noted that limited access to mortgage financing further constrains potential buyers, particularly those nearing retirement.

Policy Gaps and Allocation Concerns

Stakeholders have also raised concerns over allocation practices, alleging that some beneficiaries resold properties for profit instead of occupying them.

They argued that earlier government housing schemes, such as Kundila Housing Estate, were more inclusive and enabled civil servants to own homes.

Officials, however, maintained that houses were offered to civil servants at discounted rates, but many were unable to meet the financial requirements.

The standard purchase model requires an initial 10 per cent deposit, with the balance spread over 10 years. However, for Kwankwasiyya, buyers were required to make outright payments, further limiting accessibility.

Broader Housing Implications

The situation reflects a broader contradiction in Nigeria’s housing sector, where high-end developments coexist with a significant housing deficit.

Experts say aligning housing design with income realities, improving mortgage access, and ensuring transparent allocation processes are critical to achieving sustainable urban housing solutions.

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