Housing Minister Reports 110 Million Nigerians Unhoused

During a presentation of allocation letters to eligible staff of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Housing Minister Darma stated that over 110 million Nigerians are currently unhoused, with a deficit of more than 16 million housing units. He commended the NMDPRA for its efforts under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme, which aims to provide affordable housing for its workers.

Darma emphasized the importance of collaboration among government institutions to tackle the housing crisis, noting that the allocation of 450 housing units is just a part of a larger mission to deliver housing to Nigerians. He also pointed out the rising costs of home construction, making ownership increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.

NMDPRA Chief Executive Mallam Rabiu Umar mentioned that approximately 430 staff members in Abuja, Kano, and Lagos are receiving allocation letters. Shehu Osidi, Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, confirmed that 197 mortgage applications valued at about N8.3 billion are being processed, with significant funding provided for the housing initiative.