The Federal Government has called increased private-sector participation in housing development to reduce deficit in the industry.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who performed the ground-breaking for a 480-housing unit project at the Kukwaba area of Abuja, said the government’s new housing and urban development requires participation of the private sector to bridge the housing deficit in the country.

The project by Citygate Homes covers phases II and III of the company’s Kukwaba housing project. It comprises 480 housing units of 6-bedroom semi-detached duplexes and 4-bedroom blocks of flats.

Dangiwa described the event as a significant contribution to the ministry’s ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis in the country.

“The initiative taken by Citygate Homes aligns with the government’s vision for sustainable urban development. This project embodies the collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, showcasing how partnerships can drive impactful change and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

“In a rapidly growing city like Abuja, the demand for housing has surged, and it is our collective responsibility to respond to this need. This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community,” he said.

The minister assured that the government will continue to provide the enabling environment for private-sector investment to thrive, and urged them to embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability in their housing and urban development drive.

Dangiwa said: “This housing project will not only provide shelter but will also create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the enhancement of the local community.

“Furthermore, it is imperative that our housing projects incorporate eco-friendly designs, embrace technological advancements, and cater to the diverse needs of our society, including the low- and medium-income earners.

He called on the company to allocate a certain percentage of the 480-homes as affordable housing with price tags that average Nigerians can afford. The minister wants property developers to borrow a leaf from the ministry, which has recently designed a housing plan to create integrated communities with housing types that reflect the diverse income segments of the country, using cross subsidies.

“This way we aim to sell high-end homes at market rates and deploy the profits towards subsidising the units for low-and-medium-income households. This enhances inclusivity,” he added.

He further urged the management to ensure timely execution of the units, while upholding the highest building codes and standards, as well as operating transparently.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Citygate Homes, Michael Ejiogu, noted that the company has nine projects in Abuja, and is committed to partnering the government to bridge the housing gap in the country, assuring that the company will work to ensure affordability for medium-income earners in the country.