From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, has announced that 30% of the 77,400 social housing units under the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme will be allocated to no-income Nigerians.
Speaking during a meeting with a Vietnamese delegation led by Ms. Allen Le Nam of SV-NED Incorporated, an International Investment Consulting Joint Company, in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Ata commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for insisting on a 30% allocation for no-income citizens, despite an initial proposal of 20%.
The minister detailed that the social housing initiative aims to deliver 77,400 housing units, with 100 units planned for each of the 774 local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria.
“We need to know specifically how we will partner with you. Make a formal proposal to the ministry indicating where you want to collaborate with us. We look forward to seeing clearly the areas where you want us to come in,” Ata told the delegation, emphasizing the ministry’s openness to partnerships that align with its mandate to deliver affordable and sustainable housing solutions.
Ata reiterated that 30% of the housing units—approximately 23,220 units—will be allocated free of charge to no-income Nigerians, such as widows, orphans, and other vulnerable groups, to ensure social inclusion.
The delegation leader, Allen Le Nam, expressed SV-NED Incorporated’s interest in contributing to Nigeria’s housing sector and sought partnership opportunities, particularly requesting the federal government to provide land for housing construction.
Le Nam highlighted that the collaboration would create jobs, introduce new construction methods, and facilitate skills acquisition for Nigerians.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, commended the delegation’s presentation and assured them of the ministry’s commitment to collaborating on affordable housing initiatives.