Efforts to bridge the housing deficit in Southeast Nigeria have commenced with a new agreement between a pan-Igbo consortium, Igboebinie, and Hand of God Construction Company Limited. This partnership aims to provide 100,000 housing units in the region over the next decade.
The agreement was signed in Enugu and will facilitate the development of mixed housing units across the five states of the region—Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Anambra—as well as Asaba in Delta State. This initiative seeks to address Nigeria’s overall housing shortfall, which currently stands at 28 million units.
Governors from the involved states have pledged their support, making substantial land available for the project, which will be funded by both organizations. The initiative is designed to create smart cities that meet international standards, foster trade and commerce, and promote industrialization while providing adequate housing for diverse communities.
Upon completion, the project is expected to generate approximately three million jobs and enhance living standards in the region. At the signing ceremony, Prince Chinedu Nsoffor, President of Igboebinie, emphasized the potential for wealth generation in Igboland through the promotion of trade, education, technology, and a clean environment.
David Nwachukwu, Managing Director of Hand of God Construction Company, highlighted the pressing need for innovative solutions to address the housing deficit in the southeast. He noted that the partnership aims to create sustainable communities and bring together the Igbo diaspora to invest in housing back home.
The initiative has garnered support from various state officials, with Enugu State’s Commissioner for Land announcing the identification of land for the project and measures to protect land integrity. Other state officials echoed the importance of this project in addressing housing needs and providing employment opportunities.
Overall, this public-private partnership aims to effectively tackle the housing deficit in the southeast, with a vision for revitalizing Igboland and fostering economic growth.
