FG to Construct 2,000 Housing Units Across Eight States

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The second leg groundbreaking exercise of the ‘Renewed Hope Housing Programme’ covering eight states across the geopolitical zones was yesterday concluded in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The eight states covered under the second leg were: Ebonyi and Abia (South-east), Akwa Ibom and Delta (South-south), Osun and Oyo (South-west), and Benue and Nasarawa states (North-central).

Last month, the first leg of the exercise included groundbreaking for 1,500 units in five northern states which covered estates in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, and Sokoto and Kano.

 Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa,  led the groundbreaking ceremony for the 250-housing unit estate in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, with the assurance of completion of all the housing projects in a couple of months.

The Oyo event marked the completion of the second round groundbreaking exercise, resulting in a total of 2,000 housing units across eight states, a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Badamasi Haiba, said.

The phase one of the programme aims to deliver 50,000 housing units across Nigeria, including seven Renewed Hope Cities with 500-1,000 units each in the six geopolitical zones and the FCT, and 250-unit Renewed Hope Estates in the remaining 30 states.

The programme aims to create jobs, uplift lives, and boost economic development, aligning with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda to stimulate inclusive growth, lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, and build a $1 trillion economy.

Work is ongoing at the various project sites in all the states selected under phase one, with plans for completion within a few months, the statement said.

The Oyo estate will consist of 50 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

The housing units are designed for affordability and future expansion, allowing owners to expand their homes as their financial situation improves.

Dangiwa tasked the contractors in Oyo state; Skyhawk Nig. Ltd, Plusvaz Nigeria Ltd, Blue Sea Investment Ltd, and Harama Global Ltd with ensuring high-quality construction.

He emphasised zero tolerance for substandard work and the necessity of adhering to timelines.

Various purchasing options for the houses include: Single-digit mortgage loans, rent-to-own schemes by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and outright purchase options, have been created to ensure affordability for all Nigerians.

The construction of the 250 units in every state is expected to create over 6,500 jobs across various trades, contributing to significant economic activity and impact, the ministry added.

The project will also generate numerous economic activities, benefiting those involved in food sales, block supply, and building material provision.

The housing minister emphasised the importance of land provision for the projects. States not covered under the 2023 supplementary budget, he said, will be included in the 2024 budget, provided they offer land at no cost.

The minister thanked the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for providing land at no cost, reducing housing costs by up to 30 per cent. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his vision and political will to deliver quality housing to Nigerians.

The programme, the statement said, continues to demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and responsibilities to the Nigerian people.