The Federal Government has renewed its appeal for foreign investment in Nigeria’s housing sector, unveiling plans for a nationwide social housing programme that will span all 774 local government areas.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, announced the initiative on Thursday during a meeting in Abuja with representatives of Japanese construction firm Chodai Company Limited.
The meeting, facilitated by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), explored potential partnerships aimed at reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit and expanding infrastructure development.
Darma said the government could not address the country’s housing challenges alone, stressing the need for partnerships with reputable local and international investors.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with development partners to fast-track the delivery of affordable housing and critical infrastructure nationwide.
According to the minister, the proposed Social Housing Programme is a flagship initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is designed to make decent housing more accessible to Nigerians.
He explained that the scheme would primarily benefit low- and middle-income earners who have been priced out of the housing market due to rising costs.
Darma added that the programme would also prioritise vulnerable groups, including women, children and people displaced by natural disasters, banditry and insurgency.
He noted that the ministry was strengthening flood control measures ahead of the rainy season in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The minister also urged Chodai to expand its ongoing projects in Niger State to communities surrounding the Federal Capital Territory, saying such investments would ease housing pressure in Abuja.
He assured the delegation that the ministry remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment for investors, describing strategic partnerships as vital to delivering sustainable housing, modern infrastructure and improved living standards.
Speaking on behalf of Chodai, delegation leader Motoko Imai said the company was interested in supporting smart city projects through Public-Private Partnerships.
She revealed that the firm was already partnering with the Niger State Government and was seeking further collaboration in roads, housing, hydropower and renewable energy.
Imai pledged the company’s technical expertise and international experience to support Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure development efforts.