The Federal Government has unveiled plans to kick-start the construction of 20,000 affordable mass housing units under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project in Lagos State, marking a significant stride in President Bola Tinubu’s housing initiative.
Dr. Markus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, confirmed the development during a site inspection in Lagos. He expressed the ministry’s commitment to providing decent housing for Nigerians nationwide.
“This project is a testament to President Tinubu’s vision to offer affordable housing to citizens,” Ogunbiyi stated, emphasising the project’s importance in addressing housing deficits nationwide.
The inspection, conducted in collaboration with top officials including Mrs. Margaret Adejobi, Federal Controller of Housing, Lagos State, and Abimbola Asein, Head of PPP Unit, aimed to assess ongoing projects and identify suitable land for additional construction.
Ogunbiyi revealed that the initiative, launched recently in Abuja with a pilot scheme of 3,112 housing units, now extends to Lagos. The scheme operates under a public-private partnership model, with plans to deliver over 100,000 housing units nationwide, including 20,000 in Lagos.
“Lagos State faces challenges of land scarcity, prompting innovative strategies to maximise available resources,” Ogunbiyi explained, highlighting efforts to leverage ministry-owned land for construction purposes.
Negotiations with the Lagos State Government are underway to secure additional land, but in the interim, the ministry is optimising existing resources to meet housing demands. Ogunbiyi commended private sector participation in the initiative, noting their readiness to contribute to the project’s success.
“We are determined to transform the entire nation into construction sites for affordable housing,” Ogunbiyi affirmed, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.
During the inspection, discussions encompassed environmental considerations and strategies to address illegal land occupation. Adejobi outlined plans to reclaim land from squatters, underscoring legal measures being pursued to facilitate project implementation.
Collins Alabi, Director of Lands, Abuja, raised concerns about land grabbers and highlighted recent legal rulings empowering authorities to address encroachments effectively.
The two-day inspection aims to expedite project timelines, ensure swift implementation, and address logistical challenges. With meticulous planning and collaborative efforts, the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates project aims to redefine affordable housing access in Lagos and beyond.
