FG plans to deliver 20,000 affordable homes

The Federal Government has announced plans to deliver over 20,000 affordable housing units across the country in its first phase, with a long-term goal of scaling up to hundreds of thousands.

It was also revealed that urban renewal and slum upgrading initiatives have commenced in 26 pilot locations.

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, at the 65th Anniversary of the Nigerian Institute of Architects in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the Renewed Hope Agenda should become more than a slogan.

In his speech, he said, “Affordable mass housing. In the first phase, we plan to deliver over 20,000 housing units nationwide.

“With scalable plans to extend this to hundreds of thousands more.

“We target underserved Nigerians and enhance access to decent shelter. Urban renewal and slum upgrading projects.

“In partnership with state governments, we have launched Insight to Slum Upgrading in 26 pilot sites to improve access to roads, potable water, sanitation, and renewable energy in informal settlements.

“Urban regeneration and smart cities. Efforts are ongoing to revitalise aging city centers, adopt sustainable urban layouts, and integrate smart technologies to manage rapid urban growth. Local building material clusters.”

In the event filled with architects, lawmakers, government officials, and foreign delegates, the President lauded the NIA’s role in shaping Nigeria’s built environment, noting architects as custodians of spatial justice whose work directly influences national identity, social cohesion, and economic vitality.

“Architecture is more than the design of buildings. It’s a noble profession that harmonises creativity with utility, aesthetics with resilience, and tradition with innovation.

“You are the custodians of our spatial justice. You ensure that our cities, homes, schools, hospitals, and public spaces are inclusive, resilient to climate change, and reflect our cultural heritage.

“Your designs influence how people live, interact, and prosper,” the President emphasized.

Highlighting a few key initiatives by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda as the journey of every progressive society, architecture stands as a foundation of national identity, economic vitality, and social cohesion.

The President stated that housing reforms cannot succeed without the leadership of architects.

“We are supporting the development of private sector-led clusters for local building material production, which will create jobs, reduce costs, and promote self-sufficiency. Digitalisation of land and housing systems.

“We have introduced the National Land Registration and Documentation Program, NLRDP, to secure land tenure, strengthen housing finance, and attract investment through transparent, digitised land governance.

“Green and resilient housing. We have integrated climate-responsible design, solar energy, and eco-friendly materials into public housing.

“The success of these housing and urban development initiatives requires the active participation and leadership of the architectural community,” Tinubu stressed.

According to him, the success of these housing and urban development initiatives requires the active participation and leadership of the architectural community.

“We count on your expertise, among other things, to design contextual and inclusive housing prototypes, champion sustainable and climate-resilient building standards, drive innovation in modular construction and prefabrication technology, collaborate on regulatory frameworks, including design codes and zoning laws.

“I therefore call on the Nigerian Institute of Architects to deepen its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, state planning authorities, and development partners to embed architecture into our national development policies and implementation systems.

“The future we must build together, certainly,” he concluded.

Earlier, in her opening remarks, NIA President, Mobolaji Adeniyi, welcomed guests to the landmark occasion with a message of unity, reflection, and renewed vision.

Speaking on the theme: “Architecture in a Rapidly Evolving Africa,” she commended the Institute’s legacy of excellence, resilience, and advocacy.

“From seven visionaries we have grown into a national body of nearly 15,000 architects, with chapters in every state and the FCT. Our footprints grace skylines, influence public policy, and shape educational standards.

“Today. we celebrate not just structures but the stories behind them and the significant role we have played in shaping the architectural landscape of our nation,” Adeniyi said.

She highlighted the Institute’s recent achievements, including revitalising dormant chapters, strengthening internal governance, and regaining its seat at the National Council on Establishments.

She also cautioned of urgent challenges such as unchecked urbanization, building collapses, and the underrepresentation of architects in public procurement and policymaking.

“We are called to action; urbanisation is outpacing planning. Regulatory gaps national concern. The tragedy of building collapses remains a national concern.

“These call for firmer compliance, broader awareness, and stronger enforcement. Architects remain underrepresented in public procurement and urban policy formulation.

“We must correct this. The only way to overcome these challenges is by standing united. Architecture is central to safety, climate resilience, cultural identity and national development.

“We must take our rightful place, and we can only do this by working together,” NIA President emphasised.