Nigeria’s large-size housing deficit will dominate discussions when housing industry stakeholders gather in Abuja for the Renewed Hope Housing Private-Public Partnership (PPP) summit.
The summit, already slated for March 17, 2025, will be seeking solutions to the widening housing deficit being made worse by the country’s expanding population and fast-paced urbanization.
Depending on who one is talking to, housing deficit in Nigeria is estimated variously at 17 million, 20 million and 28 million units, requiring about 700,000 housing units to be built annually over the next two decades to close.
Besides housing deficit, the event is also aimed to harvest ideas for unlocking the potential of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate housing delivery and urban development.
“The summit will provide a national platform for dialogue, bringing together government representatives, private sector players, and international development partners to explore innovative financing models, regulatory reforms, and investment opportunities that will drive large-scale housing development,” Olayemi Rotimi-shodimu, the summit convener, explained.
Rotimi-shodimu, who spoke in a statement obtained by BusinessDay at the weekend, noted that a key outcome of the summit will be a clear policy direction for housing PPPs, ensuring a well-defined roadmap that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and provides a structured framework for public-private collaboration.
Expectation is that the event will drive stronger private sector participation in housing development, encourage engagement from both local and international developers, investors, and financial institutions, and lead to new PPP commitments for large-scale housing projects.
It is also hoped that the summit will facilitate the signing of MoUs and investment agreements between government agencies, private developers, financiers, and multilateral institutions, paving the way for significant housing investments.
“Discussions will help create broader awareness of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s PPP framework, policies, and incentives designed to attract housing investments,” Rotimi-shodimu said, adding that the summit will also identify key barriers to affordable housing delivery and propose policy recommendations to address them effectively.
He said that by providing regulatory clarity and enhancing the ease of doing business, the event will improve investor confidence, streamline approval processes, and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in housing development.
Read also: NDDC says project ‘Light Up Niger Delta’ is flagship of Renewed Hope Agenda
Furthermore, a major boost is expected for the Ministry of Finance Incorporated’s Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), as increased participation will unlock new financing avenues for housing projects.
The convener assured that the summit will strengthen collaboration between government agencies and private sector players by establishing a dedicated PPP working group to facilitate continuous engagement and monitor progress on agreed action points.
“Ultimately, the event will serve as a catalyst for scaling up affordable housing delivery across Nigeria through PPP-driven solutions, ensuring long-term impact in tackling the country’s housing deficit.
With Nigeria’s housing deficit estimated at 20 million units, the summit will be a pivotal step towards mobilizing investments, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable housing development nationwide,” he said.
Among other esteemed personalities, Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected at the summit as Special Guest of Honour, while Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, will be coming as keynote speaker.
Other special guests include Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing; Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman, House Committee on Housing; and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State.
Technical paper presentations will be delivered by industry leaders and policymakers, including Armstrong Takang, MD/CEO, Ministry of Finance Incorporated, who will speak on investment prospects in housing PPPs; Abimbola Asein of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, who will outline the Ministry’s PPP strategy and process framework; and Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), who will present a paper on the policy framework for PPPs in housing.
Also expected at the summit are Shehu Usman Osidi, MD/CE, FMBN, Abdul Mukhtar, MD, Family Homes Funds Limited, Oyetunde Ojo, MD/CE, FHA, Chinua Azubike, CEO of InfraCredit; Aminu Umar-Sadiq, MD/CEO of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA); Habib Han, MD/CEO of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, who will share insights on regional PPP models in housing; and Risikatu Ahmed, MD/CEO of Aso Savings and Loans PLC, who will speak on housing finance and affordability strategies.
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