Abuja-based property developer, AIBEN Properties Limited, has urged stronger collaboration between the government and private sector operators to address Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit.

The Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Properties Limited, Dr Andy Elerewe, said that while the government has the primary responsibility for providing an enabling environment through sound housing policies and infrastructure, private-sector players must also play a significant role in expanding access to decent housing.

According to him, the company’s entry into the real estate sector was driven by a desire to contribute practical solutions to the country’s housing shortage. “We need to have a sustainable programme and an environment that is futuristic, eco-friendly and capable of transforming the entire real estate landscape,” Elerewe said.

He noted that the rapid expansion of Abuja has increased demand not only for residential accommodation but also for commercial centres, public infrastructure and lifestyle amenities, prompting the company to develop a master-planned mixed-use community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Elerewe explained that the firm’s flagship project, HUTU, located along the Lugbe-Airport Expressway, was conceived as an integrated township rather than a conventional housing estate. According to him, the development will comprise residential districts, commercial hubs, industrial facilities, recreational centres and supporting infrastructure within a single community.

Founded in 2014, the firm initially focused on residential estates before expanding into mixed-use developments through projects such as Barcelos Villa, AIBEN Residence and CitiMall. “The company’s transformation was gradual but impactful. It took us between three and four years to find our path, and one of the things that has continued to distinguish us is our commitment to staying focused,” he said.

Elerewe said HUTU represents a deliberate shift from the traditional model of selling plots or developing standalone estates. “The development is planned to incorporate residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts, a light industrial park, hospitality and leisure facilities,” he said.

He added that the objective is to create an integrated urban environment that supports sustainable living and economic growth. “From conceptualisation to planning, infrastructure, power supply, community engagement and estate management, we have been intentional about every aspect of the project.

“HUTU will feature China City, a light industrial park, financial and commercial hubs, recreational facilities, golf parks, Polo Lake parks and a mountain resort. The vision is to anticipate future trends in urban development and sustainable living.

“We need to build an environment that is truly futuristic, sustainable and eco-friendly, one that embraces innovation and changes the landscape of real estate development,” he said.

Elerewe maintained that as developers increasingly adopt master-planned communities, integrated developments such as HUTU would help respond to Nigeria’s evolving housing needs while supporting Abuja’s long-term urban growth.