FG’s new housing estates

In recognition of the growing housing deficit in Nigeria, the Federal Government has begun the construction of new housing estates in Katsina, Kano, Yobe and Gombe states. The nation’s housing deficit has reached an alarming figure of 28 million. There is an urgent need to bridge the gap and provide affordable and accessible housing to Nigerians. The move to build more housing estates is a step in the right direction. However, we advise that the project should be completed on time and handed over to the beneficiaries.

The four northern states, where the pilot phase of new 1,250 housing units  – the Renewed Hope Estate of President Bola Tinubu –  have commenced are not the only states where the project will be taking place. The housing intervention is similar to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project of the Tinubu administration, which commenced with a 3,112-housing unit project in Karsana, Abuja. The recent groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 250 housing units in Katsina is an indication that the government is desirous to bridge the housing gap.

During the groundbreaking ceremony of the 250 housing units in Katsina State, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, said: “In total, we are breaking ground for 1, 250 housing units across four states in Northern Nigeria. After this, we will be in Kano to do the same groundbreaking for 500 housing units, 250 units in Yobe, and another 250 units in Gombe.”

The Renewed Hope Estate in Katsina comprised 50 units of one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 150 units of 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 50 units of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalows. The minister said they had been designed to make it easy and affordable for people to take. Also, organic designs have been deployed to allow for future expansion as the income of beneficiaries increases. This means that the project may not end up as a white elephant. The minister also disclosed that the federal government had already awarded contracts for 3, 500 housing units in 13 states of the federation, a demonstration of the government’s commitment to nationwide housing intervention.

We urge states not covered under the 2023 Supplementary Budget to be included in the 2024 Budget by the federal government to give them a sense of belonging. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. When developmental projects like this are spread around the country, they create a sense of inclusivity, which a federation like ours badly needs. State governments should avoid short-changing their citizens by delaying the release of land for the project.

It is gladdening that the first set of housing units is slated for completion in three months. The government should also mobilise the contractors to ensure that the projects are not abandoned. Nigerian governments are notorious for abandoned projects. We appreciate that the federal government has created different options to enable income earners own the houses on completion. These include single-digit mortgage loans with up to 30-year terms provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Rent-to-Own schemes, and Outright Purchase options for those who can afford to pay upfront.

Aside from providing the much-needed shelters for Nigerians, the ongoing construction of housing units nationwide will provide job opportunities for Nigerians. State governments are advised to look beyond providing land for the new federal government housing projects. They should complement what the federal government is doing by embarking on their own housing estates. Bridging the housing deficit is not the responsibility of the federal government alone. Former Lagos State governor, Lateef Jakande, won accolades for his model housing estates in Lagos State in the 1980s. Without his timely intervention, affordable housing would have been a mirage for many Lagosians.

The state governments should take a cue from what the Tinubu administration is doing at the moment with the Renewed Hope Estate.  It may not necessarily be like the Jakande Estates in Lagos. The most important thing is to provide more affordable shelters To Nigerians. Therefore, conscious effort should also be made to ensure that the housing units are allotted to Nigerians and not necessarily party loyalists and friends of the government in power.