The federal government has decried with it described as a “continued neglect” of public assets and government housing projects, saying, it would take concrete steps to rehabilitate or complete them to forestall further deterioration.
Muttaqa Rabe Darma, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, made the observation, while inspecting the abandoned housing estate under the National Housing Programme (NHP) of the Ministry, located at Kubwa – Karsana district in FCT
The minister who reiterated government commitment, assured that all abandoned Federal Government housing properties will be rehabilitated, upgraded, completed and put to productive use.
“The Federal Government would take decisive steps to upgrade and complete viable abandoned housing projects across the country, with the objective of delivering more affordable and decent homes to Nigerians” he said.
Nigeria faces a staggering housing deficit of about 28 million units due to soaring inflation, rapid urbanization, and high construction costs.
The Minister’s Karasana inspection, formed part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to increase the stock of available housing.
“We cannot continue to allow housing projects that were started with public funds to remain abandoned. These are assets belonging to Nigerians, and our responsibility is to ensure that they are completed, functional and occupied by the people who need them”.
The minister pointed out that the inspection was consistent with government commitment to expanding access to affordable housing, adding that it also affords government the opportunity to develope appropriate strategies for completion, rehabilitation and eventual allocation to Nigerians.
“Our target is clear. Where projects are viable, we will upgrade them, complete them and ensure that Nigerians can benefit from them. We are determined to deliver more homes and reduce the housing deficit before the end of 2026,” he stated.
