FHA Locks Down Land in 28 States for Nationwide Housing Drive

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has announced a significant expansion of its affordable housing initiatives, confirming the acquisition of prime land across 28 states nationwide. This strategic move is part of the agency's efforts to broaden its housing projects and enhance access to affordable homes for Nigerians.

Ezekiel Etuk, the Executive Director of Estate Services for the FHA, who represented the Managing Director at the recent groundbreaking ceremony for the FHA Green City Estate in Abuja, revealed that construction activities are already underway in several of these states. Etuk stated, “In readiness to have presence in all the regions of the country, we have visited 28 states where each of the governors has given us prime lands. We have also commenced the process of construction in some of the states, having procured the contracts. We have carried out a ground-breaking ceremony in Akwa Ibom State, the same in Abia State, we’ve done so in Kaduna, we’ve done so in Abeokuta, and today we are doing another one here in Abuja.”

Etuk also highlighted ongoing reforms within the authority aimed at boosting service delivery and fortifying property records. He explained, “Our management is also building a new federal housing authority where our allottees’ properties are secured. This is very important; our services are faster and seamless.” To achieve this, the FHA has embarked on the digitalization of its property files, which are now securely stored on the Galaxy backbone. The agency is working towards full automation of all its operations, and its test laboratory is now functional, conducting geological and integrity tests.

Furthermore, Etuk noted the successful completion and commissioning of several inherited projects over the past 26 months, despite earlier doubts about their feasibility. He recounted, “As part of the notable milestones that we have left in the past 26 months of our administration, we have commissioned a hundred units of houses in the FHA Estate at Ibadan, the FHA Expressview Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, the FHA Complex, Lugbe, Abuja, and the FHA Shopping Mall in Gwarinpa, Abuja. These were all projects that we inherited from our predecessors that were termed to be irredeemable and unachievable.”

The FHA is also currently developing a 336-unit housing estate in Bwari, Abuja, with a target completion date before the end of the year. Etuk assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria that the FHA would bring its renowned expertise and professionalism to this project. He further stated, “We are currently working on the FHA Estate Bwari, Abuja, which comprises 336 units with the target date of commissioning before the end of this year. As we put the seal of the Federal Housing Authority on this project today, we promise the good people of FCT and Nigeria, indeed, that we will be bringing the expertise and the professionalism that FHA has been known for over the years.” He extended gratitude to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, regulatory bodies, and the host community for their support, promising to uphold the highest standards of quality, transparency, and accountability for prospective homeowners and investors, ensuring timely delivery according to specifications.

Adding his voice, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), described the FHA Green City Estate project as a testament to the immense opportunities within Nigeria's housing sector and the positive impact of the Federal Government's housing agenda. Adeoye remarked, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is not merely the launch of another housing development. It is a strong affirmation of the enormous potential within Nigeria’s housing sector and the possibilities created by the Renew Hope Housing Initiative of President Bola Tinubu, and it demonstrates that through effective collaboration between government and the private sector, we can unlock opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and deliver affordable, quality housing to our population.”

Adeoye reaffirmed REDAN’s commitment to backing policies that enhance housing delivery and facilitate access to affordable finance, stating, “As the umbrella body of organized private real estate developers in Nigeria, REDAN remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promote housing delivery, facilitate access to affordable finance, and create an enabling environment for developers to thrive.” He lauded the Federal Government and the FHA for their sustained efforts to bolster the housing sector, believing that such projects would not only offer decent shelter but also create employment, stimulate allied industries, and contribute to national economic growth. The REDAN president called on all stakeholders in the built environment to collaborate in promoting innovative, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions.

Representing Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Warren Augusta, the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs in the SGF’s Office, stated that the project aligns perfectly with the national objective of tackling Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit. Augusta conveyed Akume’s message, noting, “I bring you a good news message from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency Senator George Akume. In his message he says that Nigeria, as we all know, has been having decades of housing deficit, and this is a laudable project that is keen on the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President, President Bola Tinubu, about addressing the housing deficits in Nigeria in particular and the FCT in general.” She added that Akume firmly believes the project will significantly reduce the housing shortfall in the Federal Capital Territory and commended the MD of Green Home Pastures and their team for their efforts, assuring them of continuous support from the SGF’s office.