Stakeholders in the housing sector have renewed their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing challenges, with a call for stronger collaboration between government and developers to provide affordable homes for citizens.
This resolve was made during the South-South Annual General Meeting of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), held at Jacksonville Event Centre, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, represented by the Federal Controller in the ministry, Edwin Gyenger, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to bridging the housing gap through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
“Due to the significant housing deficit in Nigeria, President Tinubu has initiated various programs primarily aimed at addressing this deficit and also trying to sustain the development of urban areas,” Gyenger said.
He urged contractors handling the federal housing projects to prioritize quality and timely delivery of the homes in line with the goals of the Renewed Hope agenda.
On his part, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Henry Archibong, said his administration is already implementing housing projects tailored for low-income earners across the three senatorial districts—Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket.
“In the Base estate, the Governor has paid for 150 houses for low-income civil servants, and they have taken those houses,” Archibong noted. “The Governor is also creating a medical corridor close to the specialist hospital and will provide housing for the doctors.”
He also highlighted other initiatives, such as the aviation village meant to accommodate aviation sector workers, saying it would open up rural communities around the airport.
“The federal government also brought the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme to the State and we are keying into it,” he added. “The governor has given me the mandate to source for developers; that is why I am here today representing the Governor and meeting with the key stakeholders in the housing sector.”
National President of REDAN, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, in his remarks, emphasized the need for the passage of the Real Estate Regulatory and Development Bill, noting that it will instill order and protect stakeholders.
“We call on all professionals within the built environment, our sister organizations, to join hands with REDAN in advocating for the passage of the Real Estate (Regulatory and Development) Bill,” Adeoye said. “This Bill is not about control; it’s about order, accountability, and trust.”
The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of REDAN, Godwin James, while welcoming participants, also appealed for increased government investment in the housing sector to address the pressing challenges.
