Perm Sec Reveals FG Crafting Blueprint for Social Housing Revolution

The Federal Government has officially unveiled its commitment to aiding the vulnerable population in the country to attain homeownership. Mahmuda Mamman, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, revealed this initiative during the 12th meeting of the National Council on Housing and Urban Development held in Kaduna on Monday. This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to address housing challenges and bridge the gaps within the housing sector.

“The National Housing Scheme Programme by the ministry would assist the vulnerable population of the country to afford a roof over their heads, and this would, in turn, bridge the gaps in the housing sector,” expressed the Permanent Secretary.

To realize the provision of houses for the vulnerable population, Mamman elaborated on the ministry’s plan to establish social housing schemes. These schemes aim to offer decent and affordable housing solutions that cater to the diverse housing needs of Nigeria, with a specific focus on the vulnerable population. The discussions during the housing council meeting held in Kaduna are expected to outline the roadmap for state governments to participate in and contribute to the success of these social housing schemes.

“We have written letters to the various state governments asking them to give us unencumbered lands so that we can be able to build these affordable houses for all Nigerians because it is a matter of right and not a privilege; that is why this administration is doing things differently,” Mamman added.

Moreover, the Permanent Secretary shared that the National Population Commission is currently conducting an ongoing survey to determine the accurate figure of the housing deficit in Nigeria. The results of this survey will be made public upon its completion, providing valuable insights into the extent of the housing challenges faced by the nation.

Highlighting the efforts of a specific state in advancing social housing schemes, Rabi’u Yunusa, the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, delivered a welcome address during the meeting. He disclosed that the Kaduna State government is actively working on a program to facilitate affordable social mass housing.

Yunusa outlined the specifics of the social housing scheme, stating that it aims to accommodate 1000 houses in rural areas and 300 houses in urban areas, spread across the 23 local government areas of the state. Additionally, he revealed that Kaduna State has secured the support of a Qatari charity organization, which has committed to providing 500 housing units for the most vulnerable people in the state.

In an ambitious move, Yunusa shared that the Kaduna State government has set a target to construct 10,000 housing units within the next four years. This commitment aligns with the broader national agenda of addressing housing challenges and ensuring that a significant portion of the population, especially the vulnerable, can access affordable and decent housing.

The collaboration between the federal and state governments, as well as the involvement of international organizations, reflects a multi-faceted approach to tackling the housing deficit in Nigeria. By focusing on social housing schemes and engaging various stakeholders, the government aims to create sustainable solutions that uplift the living standards of the vulnerable population and contribute to the overall development of the nation’s housing sector.