Government Unveils Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme to Boost Employment and Local Economies
The Federal government has launched the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, aimed at creating employment opportunities for Nigerians while stimulating local economies. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide affordable housing solutions for vulnerable groups, including low-income earners, the unemployed, and internally displaced persons.
The programme was disclosed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, during an engagement with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat. The meeting took place at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where the minister outlined the objectives and progress of the initiative.
Key Features of the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme
The Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme is designed to construct 100 housing units in each of the 774 local government areas across Nigeria. This ambitious project is expected to generate over 2 million jobs, with an estimated 25 people per job and 27 jobs per location spread across 77,400 locations. The government anticipates that this will significantly contribute to reducing unemployment and improving living standards.
Funding for the programme will come from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. Once the National Social Housing Programme documents are approved by President Bola Tinubu, the committee will be fully briefed on the details. The minister also mentioned that after the project's launch, a bill will be introduced to the National Assembly to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, leading to the establishment of a national social housing fund.
Progress on Ongoing Projects
Arc. Dangiwa provided an update on the status of ongoing projects under the Ministry. He explained that several initiatives were carried forward from the previous year and the 2022 supplementary budget during the first and second quarters of the current year. The Ministry is awaiting further review of the 2025 budget by the federation’s budget office.
Most of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate projects are currently at an advanced stage of completion. The minister assured that once funds are released, these projects will be completed and ready for commissioning within two months.
Recent visits to key sites, such as the Renewed Hope City in Karsana, Abuja, confirmed that the project is progressing well and is targeted for completion by the end of August. However, the ongoing construction of access roads, awarded by the Minister of the FCT, may cause delays in the commissioning process.
Similarly, significant progress has been made on the Renewed Hope Cities in Kano and Lagos States, both of which are preparing for imminent commissioning.
Subscription and Financial Considerations
The minister also informed the committee that subscriptions for the houses have already begun at all the sites, with developers recouping their investments. Additionally, the Ministry has written to the Accountant General of the Federation, requesting priority consideration for funding allocations.
Commitment from the Committee
Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, the Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, emphasized the committee’s commitment to addressing challenges effectively. He assured the minister that all issues raised will be given due attention. The committee pledged to work closely with the Ministry to ensure that the efforts are visible and impactful for the country.
This collaboration between the Ministry and the House Committee highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme. The initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable development and improved quality of life for Nigerians.