FG, GIZ strengthen partnership on affordable housing, sustainable urban development

The Federal Government and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at accelerating affordable housing delivery, sustainable urban development and the creation of inclusive communities across Nigeria.

The commitment was reiterated during a meeting between the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, and a GIZ delegation led by Dr Karin Jansen at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, the minister described GIZ as a longstanding and trusted development partner whose technical expertise and global experience could significantly support the ministry’s efforts to achieve its mandate.

“We need to partner with you to actualise our mandate. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is committed to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We believe that working closely with GIZ will strengthen our capacity to provide affordable housing, promote sustainable urban development and improve the quality of life for Nigerians,” he said.

Dangiwa noted that despite varying estimates of Nigeria’s housing deficit, the demand for decent and affordable housing remains substantial, with millions of citizens still lacking adequate shelter.

He stressed that the ministry remains focused on ensuring that more Nigerians have access to quality and affordable homes through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

“Our vision is to build houses that ordinary Nigerians can afford and proudly call home. Housing is not merely about providing shelter; it is about restoring dignity, promoting social inclusion and stimulating economic growth. With partners like GIZ, we are confident that we can make this vision a reality,” he added.

The minister also provided updates on the government’s housing initiatives, revealing that the Federal Government aims to deliver 20,000 housing units annually. According to him, about 15,000 units are currently at different stages of completion across the country.

He further disclosed that the ministry is developing a Social Housing Scheme designed to expand access to affordable housing in all local government areas of the federation.

The proposed scheme, he explained, will target vulnerable and low-income groups, including teachers, primary healthcare workers, persons with disabilities, young families and Nigerians in the diaspora seeking affordable homeownership opportunities.

The partnership with GIZ is expected to support the development of innovative housing solutions, strengthen urban planning initiatives and enhance the implementation of policies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges.