The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its plan to assist vulnerable Nigerians in owning houses in the near future. This is part of the National Housing Programme, a development project that aims to address the housing challenges and economic crisis in the country.
According to Mahmuda Mamman, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the programme will offer low-cost houses to Nigerians who earn less than the national minimum wage. He said that the government has written to the state governments to provide land for the construction of these houses, which will be available in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He added that the programme will also create employment opportunities and stimulate the economy.
Mamman disclosed this information while speaking to journalists on the first day of the 12th meeting of the National Council on Housing and Urban Development, which is taking place in Kaduna State. The theme for the meeting is “Harnessing Local and International Credit Schemes as a Panacea for Affordable Housing Infrastructure Development Under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.”
The Renewed Hope Agenda is the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was sworn into office on May 29, 2023, after winning the February 2023 presidential election. Tinubu has pledged to turn around the economy and ensure security across the country.
The housing programme is one of the initiatives that the government is implementing to fulfil its promises. It is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to ensure access to adequate, safe and affordable housing for all by 2030.
Nigeria has a huge housing deficit, estimated at over 20 million units, according to the World Bank. The deficit is caused by factors such as rapid population growth, urbanization, low income, high cost of building materials, and lack of access to finance. The deficit has contributed to the high poverty rate in the country, which is expected to reach 37% in 2023, with an estimated 84 million Nigerians living below the poverty line.
The government hopes that providing affordable housing for low-income Nigerians, it will reduce the poverty rate and improve the living standards of the people. It also hopes that by partnering with local and international credit schemes, it will mobilize more funds and resources for the housing sector.
The National Housing Programme is expected to benefit from the Business Facilitation Act, which was signed in 2022 to enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria, especially for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The act also aims to promote transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
The government is optimistic that with these measures, it will be able to provide decent and affordable houses for all Nigerians and achieve its vision of a prosperous and secure nation.
Source: Tribune Online
