FG seeks Japanese partnership for housing projects in 774 LGAs
…Woos Chodai, says Nigeria open for investment
By John Alechenu
The Federal Government has renewed its call for foreign investment in the housing sector, unveiling plans to develop a social housing programme that will cover all 774 local government areas in the country.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with Japanese construction firm, Chodai Company Limited, in Abuja.
The engagement, facilitated by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), focused on possible partnerships to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand infrastructure development.
Darma said government alone could not meet the country’s housing needs, stressing the importance of collaboration with credible local and international investors.
“The Federal Government is committed to partnering with credible local and international investors to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing and critical infrastructure across Nigeria,” he said.
The minister described the proposed Social Housing Programme as one of the key initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at providing affordable homes for Nigerians.
“We are ready for partnership. The Ministry is embarking on an ambitious Social Housing Programme that will provide affordable homes for Nigerians across the country. We welcome investors and development partners who share our vision of making decent housing accessible to every Nigerian,” he said.
According to him, the programme would target low and middle-income earners who have been excluded from the housing market due to rising costs.
He added that special provisions would be made for vulnerable groups, including women, children and persons displaced by natural disasters, banditry and insurgency.
“The reality in many developing countries is that women and children are among the most vulnerable members of society. Our Social Housing Programme will deliberately make provisions for them to ensure they have access to safe and decent accommodation,” Darma said.
The minister also disclosed that the ministry was working with relevant agencies to strengthen flood control measures ahead of the rainy season.
He urged Chodai to extend its ongoing projects in Niger State to communities around the Federal Capital Territory, noting that such initiatives would help reduce pressure on housing in Abuja.
“The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors. Strategic partnerships such as the one proposed by Chodai are essential to delivering sustainable housing, modern infrastructure, economic growth and improved living standards for Nigerians,” he added.
Earlier, leader of the Chodai delegation, Motoko Imai, said the company was interested in smart city projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Imai disclosed that the firm was already working with the Niger State Government and was proposing further collaboration in areas including roads, housing, hydropower and renewable energy.
She pledged Chodai’s technical expertise and global experience to support Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure development efforts.
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