By Isaac Atunlute
Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at over 28 million units, reflects a persistent failure to meet one of humanity’s most basic needs: shelter. However, recent efforts by the federal government signal a shift. The government has announced plans to construct 77,400 housing units across all 774 local government areas (LGAs) nationwide.
To launch this ambitious initiative, N11.5 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget for the development of 20,000 units. Part of the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities project, the plan is goes beyond simply erecting buildings–it aims to foster affordable urban planning, employment, and climate resilience.
Affordable living, not just housing
At its core, the programme is designed to provide affordable housing for low- and middle-income citizens, ensuring broad access to decent accommodation.
In times past, Nigeria’s housing projects have typically been out of reach for most Nigerians due to steep costs and limited access. But this time, officials insist, will be different.
“We are starting with affordability,” says Tunde Adebajo, Director of Housing Projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. “Every estate consists of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, and we are partnering with mortgage banks to ensure low-rate loans focused on the informal sector.”
Developed on government-owned land and integrated through public-private partnerships, the project also features a rent-to-own scheme with payment plans starting as low as ₦25,000 per month.
Job Creation and Skills Development.
The housing initiative is expected to generate over 1.2 million new jobs in construction, plumbing, electrical installation, landscaping, and across supply chains nationwide. Already, the construction of 13,612 housing units has reportedly created over 252,000 jobs.
To ensure a ready workforce, the ministry is collaborating with vocational schools and NGOs to train young artisans, especially in the northern states where unemployment is highest.
Building for Resilience and Community
Unlike traditional government housing estates, the new houses are designed with integrated infrastructure in mind. Plans include waste disposal systems, green spaces, solar-powered streetlights, and essential facilities such as schools, clinics, and markets.
The integrated approach aims to correct past mistakes, where housing projects lacked infrastructural facilities for sustainable, liveable communities.
Despite the promise, scepticism remains. Critics cite a history of abandoned projects, corrupt allocations, and neglect of rural areas. To address these concerns, civil society groups are also advocating for transparency and stronger monitoring mechanisms.
Where to apply.
Nigerians interested in securing a home or contributing to the initiative can register via the Renewed Hope Online Housing Delivery Portal. The portal, which has over 47,000 registered users, allows citizens to apply for units and track the progress of ongoing projects.
The road ahead
As Nigeria’s population continues to grow rapidly, this housing initiative could mark the beginning of a long-awaited transformation–if properly executed. For many citizens, these homes represent more than shelter; they are a foundation for well-being, resilient community, and long-term economic security.
Nigeria faces a substantial housing deficit of over 28 million units, prompting the federal government to develop 77,400 housing units across all 774 local government areas. With an allocated budget of N11.5 billion for 2025, the initiative aims to provide affordable housing under the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities project. This plan goes beyond constructing homes by focusing on affordable urban planning, employment, and climate resilience, ensuring that low- and middle-income citizens can access affordable housing. Partnering with mortgage banks, the government offers low-rate loans and a rent-to-own scheme to ease access to these homes.
The housing project is expected to create over 1.2 million jobs across various sectors, including construction and vocational training in northern states to address high unemployment. With integrated infrastructure plans, such as waste disposal systems and essential community facilities, the housing units aim to support sustainable communities. Despite the promise, skepticism remains due to historical concerns of abandoned projects and corruption, prompting civil society groups to demand better oversight and transparency.
Nigerians interested in applying can register through the Renewed Hope Online Housing Delivery Portal, which facilitates applications and project tracking for over 47,000 users. As the population grows, this housing initiative could potentially transform the nation's housing landscape, offering a foundation for community wellbeing and economic stability, if properly executed.
