The Federal Government has unveiled plans to deliver over 20,000 affordable housing units across Nigeria as part of its first phase under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with the long-term goal of expanding this to hundreds of thousands nationwide.
Speaking in Abuja during the 65th anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, highlighted several key housing and urban renewal initiatives already underway. These include slum upgrading projects in 26 pilot locations and the promotion of smart city development and sustainable building designs.
“We are committed to providing affordable mass housing for underserved Nigerians, improving urban living conditions, and ensuring access to clean water, roads, sanitation, and renewable energy,” Dangiwa said.
In addition, the President emphasized the importance of revitalizing older city centers, encouraging the use of local building materials, and integrating digital tools to modernize land documentation systems.
The government has introduced the National Land Registration and Documentation Program to secure land tenure, improve housing finance, and attract investments through transparent, digitized governance.
On climate-conscious development, Tinubu noted that eco-friendly materials and solar-powered energy are being incorporated into public housing designs to ensure resilience against climate change.
Addressing architects, he described them as “custodians of spatial justice,” urging greater collaboration with government agencies to ensure that housing developments are inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
NIA President Mobolaji Adeniyi, in her remarks, praised the institute’s growth from seven founding members to nearly 15,000 architects nationwide. She called for stronger enforcement of building standards and greater involvement of architects in policymaking, especially as urbanisation continues to outpace planning.
She noted key challenges including the rise in building collapses and the need for more architects in public procurement. “We must stand united to overcome these issues. Architecture is central to safety, identity, and national progress,” she said.
The event brought together industry professionals, lawmakers, development partners, and government officials to reflect on architecture’s evolving role in shaping Nigeria’s urban future.
