FG PARTNERS JAPANESE FIRM TO CONSTRUCT SOCIAL HOUSING IN 774 LOCAL COUNCILS

In a bit to boost housing, the Federal Government and Japanese construction firm, Chodai Company Limited have sealed a pact for the construction of Social Housing Programme in 774 local councils, aimed at ensuring that affordable housing reaches communities in every part of the country.

The initiative, according to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, was designed to address Nigeria’s housing deficit by providing decent, affordable, and accessible homes, particularly for low- and middle-income earners who are unable to afford housing scheme.

The Minister made the assertion when receiving a Japanese Construction firm, Chodai Company Limited, facilitated by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) in Abuja, saying that Nigeria is open to collaborations and ready for strategic partnerships to deliver housing nationwide.

“The Government is committed to partnering with credible local and international investors to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing and critical infrastructure across Nigeria.They made a presentation to the ministry proposing a partnership for housing construction and urban development.”

Darma described the partnerships as indispensable to achieving the Government’s housing objectives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the Ministry remains open to collaborations that will improve the quality of life of Nigerians through sustainable housing and infrastructure development.

“We are ready for partnership. We are embarking on an ambitious Social Housing Programme that will provide affordable homes for Nigerians across the country. We welcome investors and development partners who share our vision of making decent housing accessible to every Nigerian,” he stated.

Darma hinted that the proposed Social Housing Programme will be implemented across the country to ensuring that affordable housing reaches communities in every part of the country , and will also incorporate a Gender-Based Inclusion, through which a dedicated percentage of housing units will be reserved for vulnerable women and children.

“The reality in many developing countries is that women and children are among the most vulnerable members of society. Our Social Housing Programme will deliberately make provisions for them to ensure they have access to safe and decent accommodation,” he said.

The Minister further explained that the programme would cater for other vulnerable groups, including persons displaced by natural disasters such as flooding, as well as victims of insecurity, banditry, and insurgency.

Similarly , he also told the visiting firm that the Ministry is working closely with relevant government agencies to strengthen flood mitigation measures and improve urban resilience ahead of future rainy seasons, particularly in flood-prone communities across the country.

Commending CHODAI for its confidence in Nigeria and its commitment to Public-Private Partnership initiatives,he urged it
to extend its project in Niger State, and LGC close to FCT, noting that such a project would provide quality housing opportunities for many residents and workers within the Abuja metropolitan

“We remain committed to creating an enabling environment for investors. Strategic partnerships such as the one proposed by CHODAI are essential to delivering sustainable housing, modern infrastructure, economic growth, and improved living standards for Nigerians.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Motoko Imai, noted that Smart City development through Public-Private Partnership, is strategic based in Tokyo has successfully delivered projects in several countries across Asia and Africa and is currently implementing development stride in partnership with the Niger State Government.

She also stated that their proposal to the Ministry focuses on collaboration in the development of roads, housing infrastructure, hydropower generation, renewable energy, and other strategic projects that will support Nigeria’s urban development aspirations.

Imai therefore expressed commitment of the company to bringing its extensive technical expertise, innovative engineering solutions, and global experience to support Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure transformation.