Built environment professionals have called on the Federal Government to integrate its housing delivery strategy into the National Housing Policy to ensure sustainability and long-term impact in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

They urged the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to systematically collect data and feedback from the ongoing Renewed Hope Estates initiative and apply the insights to strengthen future housing strategies and policy implementation.

While making these recommendations, the professionals commended the Federal Government for expanding housing delivery nationwide, particularly the introduction of mortgage-backed funding with 20 year tenures, single-digit interest rates, and a 10 per cent equity contribution by subscribers.

The calls were made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on real estate agency and marketing between QShelter Limited and M.I. Okoro & Associates for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estates in Abuja and Kano, as well as the 2004 Coastal Road Estate in Lagos.

While monitoring the report, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of M.I. Okoro & Associates, Dr Meckson Okoro, said the Renewed Hope Housing Programme is aligning Nigeria’s housing delivery system with global best practices. He stressed that significant reductions in housing costs would only be achieved if government intervention focused on critical components such as land, finance, and infrastructure.

According to him, direct land allocation for housing developments and deliberate government provision of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, potable water, and mass transit would substantially lower construction and delivery costs, especially for estates located outside urban centres.

Meanwhile efficient transportation systems would boost occupancy rates, while government-led infrastructure provision would reduce the final selling price of housing units. “If developers are made to provide roads, electricity, water, and other infrastructure, these costs will ultimately be transferred to buyers. Every federal housing estate should also integrate solar power solutions rather than leaving subscribers dependent on generators,”

On mortgage financing, the initiative as laudable but raised concerns about subscribers’ access to mortgage funds. Okoro called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen oversight of participating banks under the Mortgage Refinancing and Infrastructure Fund (MREIF) scheme through regular supervision to eliminate delays and bottlenecks.

He recalled the collapse of several primary mortgage institutions established during the Babangida administration due to weak regulation, warning that mortgage financing can only thrive under strict regulatory checks and enforcement.

Speaking on the need for institutional reform, Okoro pledged strict adherence to professionalism in housing allocation, noting that sustained delivery of millions of homes would generate steady revenue for states through ground rents and land-use charges. He recommended extending the Renewed Hope Housing strategy to all states and local governments, arguing that increased housing supply rather than price-control laws would naturally drive down purchase and rental costs.

Chief Operating Officer of QShelter Limited, Alamu Adegbenga, disclosed that the Ministry of Housing, in partnership with Continental and General Construction Company (CCGCC), plans to deliver 100,000 housing units nationwide. This includes 20,000 units each in Abuja and Lagos, and 60,000 units across the 36 states.

He said QShelter is responsible for delivering about 2,800 housing units in Abuja and 2,000 units in Kano, comprising one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom terrace houses with boys’ quarters. According to him, the homes will be available through outright purchase, 12-month instalment plans with a 25 per cent down payment, NHF-backed mortgages at six per cent interest, and rent-to-own options.

Adegbenga added that the first phase of between 600 and 700 housing units in Abuja is expected to be commissioned in 2026. He also disclosed that construction has commenced at the 2004 Monastery Estate along the Coastal Road in Sangotedo, Lagos, which is expected to deliver over 2,300 housing units upon completion.

He called on the government to simplify and fast-track land title registration processes to further stimulate investment in the housing sector.
Chairman of QShelter Limited, Kola Sowande, said the partnership is designed to support the Federal Government’s housing initiative through transparency, efficiency, and the adoption of global best practices across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and other states. He noted that the collaboration would deploy innovative marketing strategies, professional valuation standards, and transparent engagement to ensure housing affordability, particularly for low-income earners and young Nigerians aged 21 to 35.

President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Victor Alonge, expressed confidence in the sales framework, recommending that a defined percentage of the housing units be reserved for low-income earners, civil servants, and essential workers.
Also speaking, Captain of the Nigeria-UK Golfing Association, Fred Adegeye, said flexible payment plans would attract Nigerians in the diaspora. He noted that diaspora remittances reached about $21 billion in 2024 and added that improved transparency has boosted investor confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector.