- Nigeria government announced plans to build 10,000 housing units for healthcare workers across the country
- The project included long-term mortgages, rent-to-own schemes, and instalment payments
- The initiative was part of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme aimed at improving healthcare workers’ welfare
The Federal Government has announced plans to build 10,000 housing units under the Renewed Hope Medic Cities initiative, aimed at providing affordable and decent housing for medical professionals across the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), the Ministry of Health, and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), was revealed during a meeting with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja on Thursday, January 23.
Housing challenges for urban healthcare workers
Housing Minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, outlined the details of the project, highlighting its significance in improving the living conditions of healthcare workers, particularly those facing difficulties in securing accommodation in urban centres.
“We recognise the difficulties many healthcare workers face in securing suitable accommodation, particularly in high-demand urban centres where medical facilities are concentrated.
“Housing is a fundamental need that directly impacts productivity, stability, and quality of life. Addressing these challenges requires strong partnerships between the government and professional bodies like yours,” Dangiwa stated.
Dangiwa emphasised that the government recognised the challenges healthcare workers experience in accessing housing, especially in areas with concentrated medical facilities.
The housing units were part of the broader Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which aimed to enhance access to affordable housing across Nigeria.
12 estates to be developed across Nigeria
Dangiwa disclosed that over 10,000 housing units are currently under construction in 14 locations nationwide, including 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja, 2,000 units in Lagos, and another 2,000 in Kano.
Additionally, 12 Renewed Hope Estates, each containing 250 units, are being developed across 12 states, with plans to extend the project to all 36 states in the future.
The initiative provided healthcare workers with several options for homeownership, including long-term National Housing Funds mortgage loans, a rent-to-own scheme, instalment payments, and outright purchases.
An online portal has been launched to facilitate applications for housing units at https://renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.n.
Dangiwa also noted that the Renewed Hope Medic Cities initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers and advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the well-being of medical professionals.
“Your visit today strengthens our resolve to design housing interventions that serve our national heroes—those who dedicate their lives to saving others,” Dangiwa added.
In response, Dr Tope Osundara, the National President of NARD, expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts in addressing the housing needs of doctors. He suggested a pilot project in the Federal Capital Territory, involving the construction of 1,000 units to serve as a model for other states.
Osundara advocates for housing units close to hospitals for timely response
Osundara also stressed the importance of building housing units within proximity to hospitals, noting that resident doctors should ideally live near their workplaces to ensure timely responses to emergencies.
Dr Suleiman Sadiq, a representative of REDAN and a member of NARD, explained that the Renewed Hope Medic Cities project would involve collaboration between the Ministries of Housing and Health, FMBN, and public-private partnerships.
He expressed confidence that the project would not only enhance the living standards of healthcare workers but also boost their productivity, contributing to the improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Construction of the housing units is expected to begin between January and February 2025.
“This project is a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of healthcare workers, ensuring they have access to safe and affordable housing, and improving morale and productivity within the health sector,” Sadiq stated.
75% of Nigeria’s 42 million housing units are substandard – Minister
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development said 75 per cent of Nigeria’s 42 million housing units were substandard.
The minister said more than half of Nigeria’s population lives in informal settlements.