Abuja: Vice-President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the importance of innovative Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in addressing Nigeria’s housing gap and enhancing access to affordable housing. Represented by Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, Shettima spoke at the Renewed Hope Housing PPP Summit 2.0 in Abuja, underscoring the administration’s commitment to resolving the nation’s housing deficit through large-scale PPPs.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit was organized by Shelter Advisory Services Limited and was themed ‘From Policy to Projects Financing and Delivering Housing at Scale through PPP.’ Shettima highlighted shelter as a fundamental right for every Nigerian and noted the shift from the outdated model where the government acted as the sole financier and manager of housing projects. He pointed out that this old approach was neither sustainable nor scalable, whereas the current mission is to create a systemic, market-driven revolution to bridge the housing gap.
Shettima described the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme as a testament to the efficacy of PPP arrangements, showcasing tangible results nationwide. He explained that the Federal Government has facilitated billions in private investments by providing land, streamlining title processes, and offering off-take guarantees to developers. These efforts have resulted in the creation of well-planned estates that reflect successful collaboration between the government and private sector.
However, the vice-president urged stakeholders to innovate beyond conventional financing models, advocating for credit enhancement structures and increased involvement of pension funds and insurance pools in housing finance. He also suggested the use of alternative construction materials to lower costs and the implementation of scalable microfinance systems for informal sector workers to access mortgage facilities.
Shettima expressed concern over the proliferation of informal settlements around major cities, describing them as crises of human dignity. He argued that PPPs could transform these areas into organized living spaces through proper planning and infrastructure development. He called for comprehensive strategies, including rural redesign and affordable housing prototypes for low-income earners across Nigeria.
Reaffirming the administration’s vision, Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s belief that food security and shelter are fundamental rights for every Nigerian. He emphasized that having a home gives individuals a stake in community peace and the ability to dream of a better future. The vice-president encouraged summit participants to engage with empathy and urgency, focusing on actionable solutions to Nigeria’s housing challenges.
Dr. Olayemi Rotimi-Shodimu, the summit convener, declared that Nigeria’s housing sector is at a decisive phase, with recent government reforms aimed at unlocking private capital and improving conditions for large-scale housing delivery. He stated that the summit was designed to move beyond policy discussions to practical implementation through PPPs, emphasizing the need for measurable impact on Nigerian communities.