Nigerian Government Proposes 77,400 Free Houses For The Poor In All 774 LGAs

The Federal Government has hinted at its plan to fund delivery of 100 housing units to the poor in each of the nation’s 774 local governments through voluntary donations from no fewer than 10 per cent of the population.

The said housing units are to be delivered under the proposed National Social Housing Fund currently being worked out by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Briefing newsmen at the State House, Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Musa Dangiwa, said the ministry had written to all stakeholders in government on how they intended to raise funds for the project.

According to him: “There is one option that we want to ensure that all, at least 10% of Nigeria’s population, should make a voluntary contribution of N5000 monthly, for one year, we are going to have N1.2 trillion.

“Ten percent of total of population of Nigerians is almost 20 million. I’m sure one can give that N60,000 even at a go, not to even divide it into 12 months, 5000 times 12 is 60,000. That contribution will be meant for the low income bracket. We have provided houses in the cities under the Renewed Hope Cities, we have provided houses in the states, over 30 states, which is the Renewed Hope Estates.

“We want to provide houses to the local governments. In the local government, we want to identify the most vulnerable group of 100 Nigerians in each state of the federation, those are the groups we want to target and give them a house, at least two or three bedroom houses, free by the federal government, for them to live in.

“This is the contribution you need to make. If 10% of Nigerians, like 22 million, if you can contribute N5000 monthly, that’s N60,000, we are going to have nothing less than N1.2 trillion. N1.2 trillion can build 100,000 houses. We just need 77,400 houses for 100 houses in 774 local governments.

“So the houses could be N10 million houses in 774 local governments, you can get it because N10 million times 77,400 is 774 billion, which is still less than the N1 trillion that we are thinking of.

“So this is one of the concepts that this current administration has come up with, and we are doing it. That’s why we have to get the buy-in of everybody to ensure that we take it to the National Assembly, and once it is approved, it’s going to be done.”

The Minister also stressed that his advocacy for increased budgetary allocations for housing delivery has gained the support of the lawmakers in the National Assembly.

Dangiwa said the federal lawmakers have supported his advocacy for a minimum of N500 billion budgetary allocations for the ministry to address the nation’s housing deficits estimated at 550,000 units per year.

His words “Our advocacy for a minimum annual housing budget of ₦500 billion starting in 2025 has gained the support of the National Assembly”.

The increased funding, he explained, would enable the Ministry to expand housing projects and increase unit counts in various states, furthering the Renewed Hope Agenda’s reach.

Dangiwa emphasised that the cornerstone of the Ministry’s efforts was the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which spanned 14 active construction sites across the country.

This initiative, he said, was delivering over 10,000 housing units in various locations, ensuring an equitable distribution of projects across the six geo-political zones.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Estates comprised 12 estates, each with 250 housing units, while larger urban projects, branded as Renewed Hope Cities, were underway in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Lagos, with further expansion planned for other states. “Our goal is clear: to build at least one Renewed Hope City in each geo-political zone, bringing homes closer to those who need them most,” Dangiwa added.

The Minister also highlighted the economic impact of the housing programme, emphasising job creation as a critical outcome.

“At an average of 25 jobs per housing unit, we have directly and indirectly created over 252,800 jobs across the country.

“From architects, engineers, and surveyors to masons, carpenters, plumbers, and general labourers, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme is revitalising communities and providing meaningful employment opportunities.”

He noted that the daily wage for workers averages ₦5,000, enabling many to earn monthly incomes well above the national minimum wage, which contributes to economic stability and reduces crime.

Deji Elumoye

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