Federal Government Launches Plan to Build 10,000 Homes for Medical Professionals Across Nigeria
The Federal Government has announced plans to build 10,000 housing units for healthcare professionals under the Renewed Hope Medic Cities initiative. This project is being led by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in collaboration with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). The aim is to deliver affordable and high-quality housing for medical workers across the country.
The Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, revealed this during a meeting with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja. According to Salisu Haiba, Director of Press and Public Relations for the ministry, the initiative addresses the accommodation challenges faced by healthcare workers, particularly in urban areas where hospitals are located.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Dangiwa stated, “Adequate housing is a fundamental need that impacts productivity, stability, and overall quality of life. This project reaffirms our commitment to enhancing the welfare of medical professionals.”
As part of the larger Renewed Hope Housing Programme, more than 10,000 housing units are already under construction in 14 locations. These include 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja, and 2,000 units each in Lagos and Kano states. Additionally, 12 estates with 250 housing units each are being developed across 12 states, with plans to extend the program to all 36 states.
The minister urged medical workers to explore various ownership options, such as long-term mortgage loans through the National Housing Fund, rent-to-own programs, and installment payment schemes. An online portal—renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng—has been launched to streamline the application process.
Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, praised the initiative, emphasizing that improving housing for medical professionals could help address the brain drain in the healthcare sector. He proposed a pilot phase in the Federal Capital Territory, involving 1,000 housing units, as a template for other states.
Dr. Suleiman Sadiq, a REDAN representative, announced that construction is expected to commence between January and February 2025. He expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve the morale, productivity, and living standards of healthcare workers, ultimately strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
“This initiative is a critical step toward resolving the housing challenges faced by medical professionals while supporting their overall welfare,” Sadiq concluded.