Housing Minister Muttaqha Rabe Darma says serving and retired military personnel will benefit from the National Social Housing Programme.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, has pledged Federal Government support for the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Programme.

Darma made the commitment when the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Army Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), Major General K.O. Ukandu, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing decent and affordable housing for military personnel, police officers and other security services. 

FG Plans 774,000 Housing Units

Darma disclosed that the Federal Government plans to construct approximately 774,000 housing units nationwide under the National Social Housing Programme.

He said the initiative would target low- and medium-income earners, including serving and retired military personnel who lack personal accommodation and wish to return to their home communities after service.

“Our plan is to build over 774,000 houses all over Nigeria under what we call the Social Housing Programme. Members of the military, both serving and retired, can favourably benefit from this scheme,” Darma said.

The minister added that the government’s housing policies would consider the sacrifices of military personnel, police officers, other security workers and civil servants.

1,550 Military Housing Units Planned

Darma also said the Federal Government plans to deliver 1,550 housing units under the Renewed Hope Military Housing Project at Brains and Hammers before the end of 2026.

He said the project forms part of broader efforts to improve housing access for those serving the country.

Army Promotes Soldier First Initiative

Speaking earlier, Major General Ukandu said the visit aligned with the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” concept, which prioritises the welfare of military personnel.

He explained that the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) allows soldiers to contribute 10 per cent of the housing cost, while the Army covers the balance.

Ukandu said PHDL acquires land from state governments and other sources at affordable rates, enabling officers and soldiers to develop retirement homes through long-term mortgage arrangements.

He also requested the ministry’s continued support for the Renewed Hope Military Housing Project.

Ministry Reaffirms Collaboration

The ministry’s Director of Public Building and Housing Development, Pemi Temitope, acknowledged the existing collaboration between the ministry and the military.

He said the ministry would continue working with relevant institutions to promote quality, safe and affordable housing for Nigerians.

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Nigeria’s push to improve the welfare of its armed forces has received a boost as the Federal Government accelerates work on a 1,550-unit housing project for Nigerian Army personnel in Abuja.

The initiative, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is part of the administration’s efforts to provide modern residential facilities for military officers and their families.

A built-environment expert, Simon Nweke, described the rapid progress recorded on the project as a positive development capable of improving both national security and housing delivery.

According to him, consistent project execution of this nature could help Nigeria reduce its long-standing housing deficit.

Expert Commends Government Effort

Nweke commended the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for ensuring swift progress on the project.

He said timely completion of public infrastructure would strengthen transparency and accountability in government institutions.

“If projects like this are done every year, it will be easier to monitor the activities of federal ministries and their officials,” Nweke said.

He noted that consistent project supervision would discourage corruption and prevent unnecessary cost escalation often associated with delayed implementation.

The housing expert also urged government agencies to adopt preventive monitoring strategies, rather than responding only when projects begin to experience serious setbacks.

Such an approach, he added, would reduce waste and enhance public trust in governance.

Housing Initiative Under Renewed Hope Agenda

During a recent inspection of the project site, Minister Dangiwa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising improved accommodation for members of the armed forces.

He explained that the housing scheme forms part of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure expansion, economic development, and improved welfare for public sector workers.

According to the minister, the estate includes one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom bungalow units designed to accommodate different categories of military personnel.

The project is being constructed by Brains and Hammers Estate Development Company under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

Dangiwa said the initiative aims to restore the traditional barracks system where members of the armed forces live within organised and secure communities.

“Proper housing is essential for military personnel because it enables them to focus fully on their national responsibilities,” he explained.

Modern Infrastructure and Community Facilities

Beyond residential units, the estate is being developed as a fully integrated community with several social and infrastructural facilities.

According to the ministry, the housing development will include:

• fully tarred internal roads

• places of worship

• shopping outlets

• sports and recreational facilities

• an officers’ mess

• schools and a health clinic

• a fire service station

The government also revealed that a 6.5-kilometre dual carriage access road is being constructed to link the estate directly to the Kubwa Highway.

Officials say the road will improve transportation to the estate and stimulate economic activity around the corridor.

Dangiwa explained that the road project has already begun attracting private developers to the surrounding areas.

“With the construction of this access road, developers are already initiating projects within the corridor,” the minister said.

He added that landscaping, electricity installations, water supply infrastructure, and internal road construction are progressing simultaneously within the estate.

Completion Expected Soon

The minister disclosed that President Tinubu had earlier directed that the project be completed within two to three months, with commissioning expected before the end of March or early April.

The project is being jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Authority.

Government officials expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction and the level of compliance with project specifications.

A representative of the developers also confirmed that work is progressing according to schedule.

“By the grace of God, we expect to deliver the project by the end of March or the first week of April,” the contractor said.

He added that frequent supervision by the minister has encouraged contractors to maintain strict adherence to quality standards and timelines.

Boost for Military Welfare

The inspection exercise was attended by several senior officials, including the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and other top directors.

Observers say the development signals stronger government commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.

Analysts also believe that similar housing initiatives could help address accommodation challenges faced by security personnel across the country.

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