Nigeria to revive abandoned federal housing projects

Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqa Darma, has announced a nationwide initiative to identify, rehabilitate, and complete abandoned federal housing projects. The move is part of the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, aimed at maximizing existing public investments and reducing the national housing deficit.

During an inspection of the abandoned National Housing Programme (NHP) estate in the Gwagwalada and Kubwa-Karsana districts of the Federal Capital Territory, Darma emphasized that allowing projects built with taxpayer money to deteriorate is unacceptable. He stated that the ministry intends to find ways to ensure these assets are functional and occupied by Nigerians, with a target completion goal by December 2026.

One specific 120-unit project in Gwagwalada, which began in 2016, has faced delays due to approval processes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising construction costs. Officials noted that contractors previously cited the prevailing economic situation as a reason for halting work. The minister noted that some structures may require significant reconstruction or reinforcement to become viable.