Government housing initiatives face progress in Namibia and delays in Nigeria

Namibia’s Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated N$146 million to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia for the 2025/26 financial year. The funding aims to address the national housing crisis by providing affordable housing for low-income earners and vulnerable communities. During a performance review, Minister James Sankwasa reported that 1,864 houses were completed during the review period, alongside the construction of 250 sanitation facilities in rural areas.

In Nigeria, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development have raised concerns regarding the Renewed Hope Affordable Housing Programme in Delta State. An inspection of a 96-unit project in the Asaba-Uvwie-Ekpan axis revealed significant delays, with only four units nearing completion. Officials expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and the quality of materials, noting that wind had already damaged roofing on completed sections.