HDAN Urges Tinubu to Deepen Housing Reforms as Nigeria Marks 65th Independence Anniversary
As Nigeria commemorated its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while calling for sustained reforms in the housing and urban development sector.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Barrister Festus Adebayo, HDAN commended the pioneers of Nigeria’s housing industry, including the late Prof. Akin Mabogunje, Chief Engr. S. O. Fadahunsi, and S.P.O. Fortune Ebie, whose legacies laid the foundation for housing institutions such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Adebayo emphasised that the current administration must build on these foundations by addressing structural barriers such as inflation, escalating building material costs, limited land access, and outdated regulations that continue to restrict affordable housing delivery.
Renewed Hope Housing Programme: Ambition and Progress
The Tinubu administration has introduced significant reforms under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, led by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa. The initiative targets the delivery of 50,000 homes across the country, with more than 10,000 units currently under construction in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Flagship projects include 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja; 2,000 units in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos; and 1,500 units in Kano. Additional estates comprising 250 units each are underway in states such as Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, and Osun.
Beyond housing delivery, the programme has generated over 152,000 direct and indirect jobs in Northern Nigeria and has supported the upgrading of more than 150 informal settlements with basic infrastructure including roads, drainage, water supply, and solar lighting. In addition, a National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) is training 100,000 artisans in construction trades, a move expected to enhance local supply chains and reduce dependency on imports.
HDAN’s Call for Accountability and Anti-Corruption Measures
While commending these achievements, HDAN stressed that the sustainability of Nigeria’s housing reforms depends on political will, accountability, and transparency. Adebayo warned that corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to progress, undermining both government and private sector initiatives.
“This is not the time for politics about housing,” he stated. “Stakeholders must act in the national interest, strengthening collaboration between the executive and legislature to deliver accessible, safe, and dignified housing for Nigerians.”
He further called for incentives and subsidies to cushion the impact of inflation and high rent, especially for low-income groups. Drawing lessons from Morocco, Adebayo cautioned that failure to address these concerns could have serious socio-economic consequences.
Outlook
As Nigeria looks ahead, HDAN’s message underscores the urgency of aligning policy ambition with effective implementation. The Renewed Hope Housing Programme has created momentum, but progress will require strict accountability, stronger financing mechanisms, and targeted interventions to close the housing deficit while building an inclusive housing market.
