FG Targets Over 2 Million Jobs Through Ambitious Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme

The Federal Government has set an ambitious target of generating over two million jobs across Nigeria through its expansive Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme. This initiative, designed to address the nation’s severe housing deficit, is also poised to significantly stimulate local economies and create widespread economic opportunities for citizens.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, revealed this strategic plan during a recent working session with the House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. He emphasized that the program is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ aimed at providing affordable homes for low-income earners, vulnerable groups, the unemployed, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Minister Dangiwa provided a detailed breakdown of the job creation mechanism: “We anticipate over two million employment opportunities to be generated, calculated at 25 persons per job, 27 jobs per location, across 77,400 locations.” This massive job creation projection is directly linked to the programme’s core target of constructing 100 housing units in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, amounting to over 77,000 new homes nationwide.

“This programme is not just about putting roofs over heads; it’s a vehicle for job creation, economic revival, and ensuring dignity for every Nigerian,” Dangiwa stated. He highlighted that the initiative will encompass both direct and indirect jobs across the entire housing construction value chain, including skilled and unskilled labor, as well as opportunities in the supply of building materials and associated services.

Funding for this monumental programme, the Minister explained, will be primarily drawn from the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund. He also informed the lawmakers of plans to propose a bill to the National Assembly to establish a dedicated National Social Housing Fund, aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability and expansive reach of the programme.

Dangiwa further updated the committee on the progress of ongoing projects under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates. He assured lawmakers that several flagship projects, including those in Karsana, Abuja, and sites in Kano and Lagos states, are nearing completion and are set for inauguration within two months, subject to the timely release of funds. Subscriptions for houses have already commenced across all project sites, with developers beginning to recoup their investments.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, reiterated the committee’s unwavering support and willingness to collaborate with the Ministry. He assured the Minister that the legislature would work harmoniously to ensure the successful implementation and visibility of these critical housing initiatives, which are seen as pivotal to improving the living standards of millions of Nigerians.