Nigeria's Housing Minister Seeks Qatar Partnership for Urban Renewal

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, has sought a partnership with Qatar to improve housing delivery, urban renewal, and infrastructure development in Nigeria. This request was made during a visit from the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Al-Hail.

Darma emphasized that strategic cooperation with Qatar could help tackle Nigeria's estimated 15 million housing deficit, particularly through social housing initiatives across the country's 774 local government areas. He noted that the ministry's responsibilities extend beyond mere housing construction to include urban upgrading and slum renewal, aimed at enhancing living conditions for Nigerians.

Darma stated, “We do not only develop houses, we also do urban upgrades to improve the living conditions of the people. We need about 15 million houses for the vulnerable Nigerians.” Ambassador Al-Hail reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria, particularly in the housing and urban development sectors, highlighting that Qatar has maintained an embassy in Nigeria since 2004.