The Federal Government has commenced a fresh assessment of abandoned housing estates across Nigeria, with plans to rehabilitate, upgrade and complete viable projects built with public funds.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, announced the initiative while inspecting the abandoned National Housing Programme (NHP) estate in the Kubwa-Karsana District of the Federal Capital Territory.

Darma said the inspection formed part of a nationwide assessment of neglected Federal Government housing assets under the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

According to the Minister, the exercise is intended to identify housing projects that can be revived and returned to productive use rather than allowing public assets to deteriorate.

The Federal Government’s latest approach places emphasis on recovering existing investments alongside the construction of new housing projects.

FG To Assess Abandoned Housing Projects

Darma expressed concern over the continued abandonment of government-funded housing projects, saying public assets should be completed and made available to Nigerians.

“We cannot continue to allow housing projects that were started with public funds to remain abandoned. These are assets belonging to Nigerians, and our responsibility is to ensure that they are completed, functional and occupied by the people who need them,” he said.

The Minister said the Ministry is reviewing abandoned housing projects across the country to determine their current condition, level of completion and the interventions required to restore them.

The assessment is expected to provide information that will help the government determine which projects are viable for rehabilitation and completion.

The Ministry did not provide a nationwide figure for the number of abandoned housing projects covered by the exercise.

Viable Estates To Be Upgraded

Darma said projects found to be viable would be upgraded and completed as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand housing supply.

“Our target is clear. Where projects are viable, we will upgrade them, complete them and ensure that Nigerians can benefit from them,” he said.

He added that the government was determined to deliver more homes and reduce the housing deficit before the end of 2026.

The Minister did not provide a detailed list of the projects being assessed or the estimated cost of rehabilitating the abandoned estates.

Those details would depend on the outcome of the assessment and technical evaluation of individual projects.

Renewed Hope Housing Agenda

The nationwide assessment forms part of the Federal Government’s broader Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

The Ministry has been implementing new housing developments while also inspecting projects across different parts of the country.

In June, Darma inspected the Renewed Hope City project in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, which comprises 2,084 housing units. The Ministry said the project was being delivered through a public-private partnership, with FMBN financing 1,500 units. 

The Minister said at the time that the nationwide inspections were intended to establish project status, identify challenges and determine the steps required to ensure timely completion.

The current assessment of abandoned estates extends that approach to projects that have stalled or remained unused.

Government Wants To Protect Public Investments

The Housing Ministry said recovering abandoned projects would help prevent public resources already invested in housing from being wasted.

Rather than allowing partially completed estates to deteriorate, the government wants to determine whether existing structures can be rehabilitated and brought into use.

Darma said completing viable abandoned projects would complement the construction of new estates and enable government to increase the number of available housing units more efficiently.

This approach could also reduce the time and resources required to provide housing where usable infrastructure and partially completed structures already exist.

However, the Ministry has not disclosed the specific criteria it will use to determine whether an abandoned project is considered viable.

Allocation To Be Transparent

The Minister also assured that houses recovered and completed under the programme would be allocated transparently to deserving Nigerians.

He said allocation would be carried out in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

The statement did not provide details of the proposed allocation process, eligibility requirements or whether previous beneficiaries connected to some of the abandoned projects would receive priority.

Those details could become clearer after the Ministry completes its assessment and develops strategies for individual projects.

Housing Delivery Through Existing Assets

The Federal Government’s decision to assess abandoned estates reflects a dual approach to housing delivery.

One part involves developing new housing projects, while the other focuses on recovering existing government investments.

Recent housing interventions demonstrate the government’s continued emphasis on completing and allocating existing projects.

Earlier in September, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria handed over 129 completed three-bedroom bungalow units at the Nasarawa Technology Village under its Rent-to-Own Scheme. The project was linked to a wider intervention for beneficiaries who had previously been unable to take possession of their homes. 

The Minister described that handover as evidence of what could be achieved through collaboration among public institutions, financiers, private developers and state governments. 

The abandoned-estates initiative similarly focuses on turning existing housing investments into usable homes.

Previous Inspections Revealed Project Challenges

Darma’s nationwide inspections have previously exposed gaps between reported project progress and conditions observed on the ground.

In June, an inspection of a Federal Government housing project in Katsina found that only about 130 of 250 units described in official progress reports as completed were actually finished, according to Premium Times. The inspection also identified concerns about deterioration in some structures. 

The Minister subsequently directed officials to conduct a comprehensive audit of the project, including the contractors involved, contract terms, amounts released and actual completion levels. 

That experience underscores the importance of physical verification when assessing abandoned or incomplete housing projects.

For the current nationwide exercise, the Ministry says it intends to establish the condition and status of abandoned Federal Government housing assets before deciding on appropriate interventions.

Kubwa-Karsana Estate Under Review

The Kubwa-Karsana inspection is one of the latest steps in the Ministry’s assessment.

The estate is part of the Federal Government’s housing infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory.

Darma’s inspection is expected to help the Ministry determine the level of work already completed at the site and what would be required to make the development functional.

The government has not yet announced the estimated cost of completing the Kubwa-Karsana estate or a specific completion date.

It has also not disclosed the number of housing units at the inspected site in the latest statement.

The focus, according to the Minister, is first to establish the status of the asset and determine whether it can be successfully revived.

Wider Housing Challenge

Nigeria continues to face significant demand for affordable housing, making the recovery of stalled public projects an important part of housing policy discussions.

The Federal Government has also been pursuing new housing developments, financing interventions and partnerships with private-sector developers.

In June, the Housing Ministry said it was implementing six Renewed Hope Cities, one in each geopolitical zone, alongside Renewed Hope Estates in 12 locations across the country. 

The Ministry’s current approach therefore combines new construction with efforts to recover older public housing investments.

The success of the abandoned-estates initiative will depend on the condition of individual projects, available funding, contractor performance, land and infrastructure issues, and the government’s ability to complete and allocate the revived units.

Government Seeks Faster Housing Delivery

Darma said the recovery programme would support the government’s objective of increasing housing supply and improving access to affordable homes.

He said rehabilitating viable abandoned estates would allow the government to make better use of public investments while increasing the number of completed housing units available to citizens.

The Minister also emphasised the need to improve existing housing infrastructure and bring viable projects back into use.

The Ministry is expected to continue inspecting abandoned Federal Government housing assets across the country as it develops strategies for rehabilitation, completion and eventual allocation.

For Nigerians who have questioned why publicly funded housing projects are allowed to remain unused or deteriorate, the exercise represents a renewed attempt to place existing assets back into the housing supply pipeline.

However, the extent of the programme will only become clearer as the Ministry publishes the results of its nationwide assessment, identifies projects for intervention and provides details on funding, completion timelines and allocation.

For now, the Federal Government has stated that viable abandoned housing projects will be assessed, upgraded and completed, with the ultimate objective of making the recovered homes available to Nigerians.

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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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Housing Ministry Seeks Professional Oversight to Improve Project Delivery

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is considering closer cooperation with the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria to strengthen the planning, monitoring and delivery of housing projects across the country.

The proposed collaboration followed a meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, and a delegation from the institute.

Darma said the engagement provided the ministry with a clearer understanding of CIPMN’s statutory responsibilities and the importance of professional project management to national development.

According to the minister, effective project management is essential to the successful implementation of housing programmes because the sector involves numerous professionals, contractors and skilled workers.

Housing projects require the coordinated contributions of architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, builders, artisans and other practitioners. Darma said proper planning and supervision were consequently necessary to achieve the intended results.

He explained that his academic and professional background had exposed him to project-management practice and strengthened his belief in its relevance to public-sector development.

The minister said Nigeria must pursue excellence in the execution of public projects and ensure that government investments produce measurable outcomes.

Darma also indicated that he would review the legislation establishing CIPMN, including the institute’s present institutional placement.

He observed that its mandate was closely connected to housing, construction and the wider built environment, where project coordination and professional accountability are particularly important.

Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of CIPMN, Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, said the institute was established by law to regulate and professionalise project-management practice in Nigeria.

Mbadiwe explained that CIPMN’s responsibilities include ensuring that people entrusted with managing projects possess the appropriate skills, competence and professional qualifications.

The institute disclosed that it had worked with the National Universities Commission to develop a core curriculum for project-management education.

It has also undertaken capacity-building programmes involving the Industrial Training Fund, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and Lagos State Government.

CIPMN expressed its readiness to support the housing ministry by strengthening the capacity of officials responsible for project planning, implementation, coordination and monitoring.

A structured partnership could help the ministry address recurring problems such as delayed delivery, weak supervision, cost overruns and abandoned housing projects.

However, the effectiveness of the collaboration will depend on the adoption of measurable delivery timelines, transparent reporting systems and clear accountability for contractors and project managers.

Professional project management could also improve value for public funds and accelerate the delivery of homes and supporting infrastructure under federal housing programmes.

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The Federal Government has formally transferred 188 completed housing units to the Taraba State Government as part of efforts to expand access to affordable homes and reduce Nigeria’s housing shortage.

The houses, constructed in Jalingo under the National Housing Programme, were handed over to the state government during a ceremony at the Government House.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqa Rabe Darma, presented the housing units to Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, were also present at the ceremony.

Darma said the delivery formed part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to providing decent and affordable accommodation through the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

He described housing as an essential human need, stressing that completed government-funded housing projects must be occupied and put to productive use rather than remain vacant.

According to the minister, direct acquisition by state governments could accelerate the allocation of completed federal housing units to Nigerians.

He said the model would enable states to distribute the houses to eligible beneficiaries, including civil servants, security personnel, working families and other residents requiring decent accommodation.

The minister commended the Taraba State Government for acquiring the 188 units, noting that the decision would ensure the houses were allocated without unnecessary delays.

Beyond increasing the supply of homes, the Federal Government said its housing programme was designed to generate employment in the construction industry and facilitate the emergence of sustainable communities.

Receiving the houses on behalf of the state, Governor Kefas thanked the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for the intervention.

He described the handover as an important contribution to Taraba’s efforts to improve access to affordable housing.

Kefas assured prospective beneficiaries that the state government would introduce a transparent allocation process to ensure the properties reached those who genuinely needed them.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development encouraged other state governments to consider adopting a similar acquisition model.

It explained that the approach could reduce the number of completed but unoccupied government houses while accelerating their transfer to citizens.

The 188 homes form part of the National Housing Programme implemented across the federation. The programme complements the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates initiative, which places emphasis on affordability, quality, accessibility and increased housing delivery.

The handover marks another step in the government’s attempt to move completed housing units from public inventory into active occupation, particularly as Nigeria continues to confront a substantial housing deficit.

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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering 100,000 housing units across Nigeria before the end of the current administration, saying work is progressing on multiple housing projects under its national housing programme.

The assurance was given by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, during an inspection of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) headquarters in Abuja following the recent fire incident at the facility. The minister said the administration remains focused on fulfilling its campaign promise by accelerating the construction and delivery of affordable homes nationwide.

According to Darma, housing projects are currently at different stages of development across the country, with many expected to be completed and handed over to beneficiaries before the administration’s tenure ends. He noted that once completed, Nigerians will be able to see the impact of the government’s housing initiatives in various states.

The minister stressed that expanding access to affordable housing remains a priority of the Federal Government’s development agenda. He explained that increasing the supply of quality homes will help reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve living standards for citizens.

Darma also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s housing finance system through reforms at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. He disclosed that efforts are underway to improve mortgage processing and increase the number of mortgages approved annually, making homeownership more accessible to Nigerians.

Industry stakeholders say achieving the 100,000-home target will require sustained collaboration between the Federal Government, private developers, financial institutions, and state governments. They note that timely project execution, adequate infrastructure, and accessible housing finance will be critical to ensuring the successful delivery and long-term sustainability of the programme.

Housing experts also believe that expanding affordable housing supply could stimulate demand for building materials, create employment across the construction value chain, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth. They add that consistent implementation of housing policies will be essential to addressing the country’s estimated housing deficit while encouraging greater private sector participation in residential development.

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The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Muttaqa Rabe Darma, has assured Nigerians that no critical records or customer data were lost in the recent fire incident at the headquarters of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in Abuja. He said the bank’s digital backup systems ensured that operations and customer information remained fully protected despite the damage caused by the fire.

The minister gave the assurance after inspecting the affected sections of the bank’s headquarters alongside officials of the ministry and FMBN management. He expressed gratitude that no lives were lost during the incident and noted that the fire was largely confined to part of the second floor of the building. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, although investigations by the relevant authorities are still ongoing.

Following the inspection, Darma said he was satisfied with the explanations provided by the bank’s management regarding its disaster recovery measures. According to him, FMBN’s cloud-based digital infrastructure successfully preserved all customer records and operational data, ensuring that mortgage services and other banking operations continue without disruption.

The minister also warned that anyone found negligent after the conclusion of the investigation would be held accountable. He stressed the importance of maintaining high safety standards within public institutions while ensuring that government agencies strengthen preventive measures against similar incidents in the future.

Reassuring contributors to the National Housing Fund and other customers, Darma urged Nigerians to continue using FMBN’s services, noting that the institution remains fully operational. He added that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the bank’s mortgage delivery system as part of broader reforms aimed at improving access to affordable housing across the country.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding homeownership through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, stating that reforms underway at FMBN are expected to improve mortgage accessibility and increase the number of mortgages processed annually. He disclosed that the government has directed the bank to enhance its internal processes with the goal of significantly increasing mortgage approvals each year.

Industry stakeholders say the incident highlights the growing importance of digital transformation and cloud-based data management within Nigeria’s housing finance sector. They note that robust digital infrastructure not only protects sensitive customer information but also ensures business continuity during emergencies, strengthening public confidence in housing finance institutions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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