The Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) has proposed a partnership with the Federal Government to develop affordable, eco-friendly housing for female-headed households and other vulnerable groups.

The Chairperson of FAN, Ene Agada, made the proposal during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr Muttaqha Darma, in Abuja. She urged the ministry to reserve 30 per cent of housing units under the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda for women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable Nigerians.

Agada also called for stronger collaboration with the ministry in housing delivery, sustainable urban development and women’s empowerment, reaffirming FAN’s commitment to inclusivity and mentoring young female professionals.

She proposed joint efforts to design resilient and accessible schools to support early childhood development and community stability, as well as expand vocational training for women and young people in modern construction, sustainable building, digital design and interior architecture.

Agada further urged the ministry to support mentorship and internship opportunities for young women in architecture and construction, saying FAN was ready to contribute its expertise to housing, school and urban development.

Responding, Darma urged the association to uphold professionalism and competence, stressing that merit rather than gender should determine inclusion in the built environment sector.

While commending FAN’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, he asked the association to submit a formal proposal detailing specific initiatives it could implement with the ministry to increase the participation of women professionals and artisans in the sector.

“The ministry already has several female architects in senior positions, including Directors and Deputy Directors, who are contributing significantly to the delivery of the ministry’s mandate,” Darma said.

He called for an action-oriented follow-up, urging the association to present progress made at its next meeting to ensure that the engagement produces tangible results.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Shuaib Belgore, described the visit as timely, noting that Darma had recently inaugurated a committee to fast-track reforms in the housing sector and improve housing delivery.