Politics

FG Moves To Bridge Housing Deficit, Begins Construction Of 216 Housing Units In Abuja

Torkwase Nyiekaa

In a renewed effort to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to decent accommodation, the Federal Government, through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), has commenced the construction of 216 housing units in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The project, being developed in partnership with Greenpasture Homes Limited, was formally flagged off on Wednesday during a groundbreaking ceremony at Wasa District along the Apo-Wasa Expressway in Abuja.

Known as the FHA Green City Estate, the development will occupy approximately five hectares of land allocated by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The estate is designed to comprise 80 units of two-bedroom apartments, 56 units of three-bedroom apartments, 35 units of three-bedroom terrace duplexes and 45 units of four-bedroom terrace duplexes.

The initiative comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s housing shortfall, which experts estimate runs into millions of units, with affordability remaining a major challenge for many citizens. Successive administrations have identified housing as a critical component of economic growth, social stability and urban development.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the FHA, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, said the project underscores the Authority’s commitment to tackling the country’s housing challenges through strategic partnerships and innovative delivery models.

Represented by the Executive Director, Estate Services, Arc. Nya-Etok Ezekiel, Ojo described the project as more than the commencement of another housing development.

He said: “We in Federal Housing Authority remain resolute in our resolve in pursuit of the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to not only facilitate access to decent housing and to bridge the housing deficit in our country, but to also revitalise and turn Federal Housing Authority to a viable and performing government agency.”

According to him, the estate has been carefully designed to provide a modern residential environment with the infrastructure and amenities required for comfortable living.

“This project comprises 216 units of various house types carefully designed to meet contemporary housing needs while ensuring comfort, functionality, security, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Ojo noted that beyond providing shelter, the project would stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for professionals and artisans across the construction value chain.

“Beyond providing homes, this project has ripples of value chain effects. It will create employment opportunities for artisans, engineers, architects, surveyors, suppliers, and numerous other professionals throughout the construction period. It will stimulate economic activities within Wasa and its environs while contributing significantly to the development of the Federal Capital Territory.”

He said the project aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places housing among its priorities for national development and economic inclusion.

The FHA boss also highlighted the Authority’s growing collaboration with the private sector, noting that the partnership with Greenpasture Homes had earlier produced a similar housing initiative in Ofada, Ogun State.

“Our partnership with Greenpasture Homes is waxing stronger, only on the 13th of May 2026, we had a similar event at Ofada, Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, where we laid the foundation of a 200-unit housing estate. This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing national challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.”

Ojo disclosed that the Authority has expanded its operations across the country in line with efforts to ensure a nationwide housing delivery programme.

“In readiness to have our presence in all the regions of the country, we have visited 28 states, where land have been given to us. We have also commenced the process of constructions in some of the states, having procured the contracts.”

He further revealed that FHA had already conducted groundbreaking ceremonies for Renewed Hope housing estates in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Kaduna states, while work was progressing on a 336-unit estate in Bwari, Abuja, expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.

The FHA chief also outlined reforms being undertaken within the Authority, including the digitalisation of property records and the automation of key operational processes aimed at improving service delivery and transparency.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Greenpasture Dynamic Land & Homes Limited, Engr. Oluwale Oloyede, described the project as a demonstration of what can be achieved through effective collaboration between public institutions and responsible private developers.

“This partnership represents what can be achieved when public institutions and responsible private sector organizations work together for the common good,” he said.

Oloyede explained that the estate was conceived to meet the housing needs of a broad spectrum of Nigerians, including young professionals, first-time homeowners, families, diaspora investors and cooperative societies.

“Our vision is simple but ambitious: we want to create a modern, affordable, secure, and sustainable residential community that meets the housing aspirations of Nigerians while delivering exceptional value to investors.”

He noted that the Apo-Wasa corridor is emerging as one of Abuja’s fastest-growing development corridors, driven by expanding infrastructure and improved road connectivity.

“The newly developed road network linking Apo, Wasa, Karshi, and adjoining districts has opened tremendous opportunities for residential development and investment. We believe that those who subscribe to this project today are not only acquiring homes but are also positioning themselves ahead of the growth curve in one of Abuja’s future development hubs.”

According to him, the estate will feature key infrastructure such as internal road networks, drainage systems, security installations, power infrastructure, recreational spaces, perimeter fencing and controlled access points.

He added that the project would contribute significantly to economic growth through job creation and increased commercial activities.

“Therefore, by investing in projects such as this, we are not only constructing buildings; we are stimulating economic growth and contributing to the realization of the Federal Government’s housing agenda.”

However, while commending the initiative, the District Head of Garki, Town Planner Stephen Jacob Garki, urged both FHA and Greenpasture Homes to pay closer attention to affordability, particularly for low-income Nigerians who remain most affected by the country’s economic challenges.

“Like we all know, shelter is a basic necessity of man. Because of the inflation experienced in the country, the rural poor is the most affected. Housing is one thing, affordability is another thing. So, partners should ensure that the poorest of the poor should be able to afford housing.”

His remarks underscored a recurring concern within Nigeria’s housing sector, where the challenge extends beyond housing supply to ensuring that available homes remain within the reach of average and low-income earners.

As construction begins on the FHA Green City Estate, stakeholders say the success of the project will ultimately be measured not only by the number of houses delivered but also by the extent to which it contributes to narrowing the country’s housing gap and improving access to affordable homeownership.

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