By Oscar Okhifo

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment into Nigeria’s housing sector, opening discussions with Japanese engineering and construction firm CHODAI Company Limited on a proposed nationwide housing and urban development partnership.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from the Tokyo-based company. The engagement was facilitated by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Darma said the President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to partnering with credible international investors to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing and critical infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, the ministry remains open to strategic partnerships that will drive sustainable housing development, modern infrastructure expansion and improved living standards, stressing that private sector collaboration is vital to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

“We are ready for partnership. The Ministry is embarking on an ambitious Social Housing Programme that will provide affordable homes for Nigerians across the country.

“We welcome investors and development partners who share our vision of making decent housing accessible to every Nigerian,” he said.

Darma disclosed that the proposed Social Housing Programme would be implemented across all 774 local government areas of the federation to ensure affordable housing reaches communities nationwide.

He explained that the initiative is designed to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit by providing decent, affordable and accessible homes, particularly for low- and middle-income earners.

The minister added that the programme would incorporate a gender inclusion component, with a designated percentage of housing units reserved for vulnerable women and children.

“The reality in many developing countries is that women and children are among the most vulnerable members of society. Our Social Housing Programme will deliberately make provisions for them to ensure they have access to safe and decent accommodation,” he said.

He noted that the initiative would also cater to other vulnerable groups, including victims of flooding, insecurity, banditry and insurgency, through targeted housing interventions.

Darma further revealed that the ministry is working with relevant government agencies to strengthen flood mitigation measures and improve urban resilience, particularly in flood-prone communities, ahead of future rainy seasons.

Commending CHODAI for its interest in Nigeria’s housing sector, the minister said the company’s commitment to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to accelerate infrastructure and urban development.

He urged the Japanese firm to expand its ongoing engagement in Niger State by exploring the development of a local government area close to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that such a project would create quality housing opportunities for residents and workers within the Abuja metropolitan corridor.

“The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors. Strategic partnerships such as the one proposed by CHODAI are critical to delivering sustainable housing, modern infrastructure, economic growth and improved living standards for Nigerians,” Darma said.

Earlier, leader of the CHODAI delegation, Motoko Imai, said the Tokyo-based company considers smart city development through Public-Private Partnerships a key strategic priority.

She noted that CHODAI has delivered major infrastructure projects across Asia and Africa and is currently partnering with the Niger State Government on development initiatives.

According to Imai, the company is seeking collaboration with the ministry in key areas, including housing, road infrastructure, hydropower, renewable energy and other strategic development projects.

She said CHODAI is prepared to deploy its technical expertise, innovative engineering solutions and international experience to support Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure transformation.