The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mshel Homes Limited, Arc. Barka Umaru Mshelia has said the newly unveiled Mshel Hutu Exclusive Golf Resort Estate will redefine luxury living and integrated community development in Nigeria.

He also noted that more than 10 blocks of apartment buildings are already under construction for subscribers, reflecting the growing demand for the estate.

Mshelia disclosed this at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, saying the project was inspired by the company’s vision to transform Nigeria’s real estate landscape through innovative, world-class developments.

Recalling the early stages of the project, he said acquiring the land was a daunting task due to demolition exercises, financial constraints and other challenges.

Mshelia credited the vision and determination of Mshel Homes for turning the ambitious project into reality.

He said: “From inception, the company has been driven by a clear mission: to empower people to own a piece of the world through quality real estate development.

“That vision has guided us every day as we continue to redefine real estate practice in Nigeria. Our journey began with a determination to deliver projects that would stand the test of time. What you are witnessing today is one of the landmark achievements of Mshel Homes.

“I remember vividly when this land first became available. At the time, there were several challenges, including demolition exercises by the Area Council. When we visited the site, my partner called my attention to its enormous potential and suggested that we work together to develop something truly remarkable.

“My first reaction was one of hesitation. The land was vast, and the asking price was intimidating. I did not even have 10 per cent of its value at the time. I honestly doubted our ability to acquire it.”

He explained that the name “Hutu” was derived from the Hausa word meaning “rest,” reflecting the company’s vision of creating a serene community where residents can live, work and relax.

According to him, the estate was conceptualised around the Golf Resort Estate model to establish a new benchmark for luxury residential developments.

He added, “This project did not come without challenges. It came with enormous challenges that nearly kept us out of the market. But when you remain focused, committed and put everything in the hands of God, there is no height you cannot attain.

“We want to create a community where people live happily and enjoy their best lives in Hutu Exclusive. This is only Phase One, and we are coming up with something even bigger than what we have achieved.”

Mshelia commended the Mshel Homes construction team and development partners, including Engineer Evans, for their commitment to delivering the project.

He also appreciated his wife for her unwavering support, noting that positive testimonials from clients, including one from the United Kingdom, have reinforced confidence in the company’s vision.

The company commissioned several world-class facilities at the estate, including a 2.7-kilometre internal road network, a 9-hole golf course, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a seven-bedroom maisonette, a clubhouse, football pitches, basketball, volleyball, badminton and lawn tennis courts, an estate fountain and a fully equipped sports complex.

“The estate was conceptualised to set a new standard through the Golf Resort Estate model. The idea is to create a resort environment where people can live, play and relax. That is why we invested in facilities such as a nine-hole golf course, 2.7 kilometres of internal roads, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, football pitches, basketball, volleyball, badminton and lawn tennis courts, as well as a comprehensive sports complex,” said Mshelia.

Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), Mr. Sani Yakubu, announced that the Federal Government had raised ₦250 billion under its ₦1 trillion Mortgage and Housing Support Programme, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March 2025.

Yakubu, who is also an Executive Director at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), said the fund had already facilitated 2,000 mortgages across Nigeria, with disbursements averaging ₦10 billion monthly.

He explained that the Ministry participated in the event to celebrate Nigerian entrepreneurship and create awareness of affordable housing finance.

He said: “The interest rate is 9.75 per cent, not 10, not 12, not 15, not 24 or 25 per cent. Applicants are required to make only a 10 per cent equity contribution, and mortgages are available for up to 20.

“The Ministry of Finance Incorporated is here for two reasons. First, to celebrate the excellence of Nigerian entrepreneurship. Secondly, to let Nigerians know that they can walk into any of the 22 participating financial institutions and access affordable mortgage financing.”

According to him, the fund has received a Triple-A rating from Agusto & Co. and a Double-A rating from GCR and has made two investor payouts since inception.

He added that the ₦250 billion raised comprises ₦150 billion contributed by the Federal Government and ₦100 billion invested by 22 participating financial institutions, including 11 commercial banks and 10 mortgage banks.

Yakubu urged prospective homeowners to visit mreif.com.ng to access the platform and take advantage of the affordable mortgage scheme.