The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development says Federal Government in Nigeria is considering Public Private Partnership (PPP) as reliable means to fund the Centenary City Project.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Malam Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known in a statement signed on his behalf by Salisu Haiba, Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Abuja.
Haiba stated that Dangiwa spoke when he received a high-level delegation from the Centenary City Plc, led by its Vice Chairman, Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The Minister said the Centenary City Project Plc was a Federal Government Legacy Project to celebrate and mark Nigeria’s centenary in 2014.
He added that it was designed to create a smart city, attract global investment and position Nigeria as a prime destination for business and development.
Dangiwa also said that the concept of the Centenary City Project aligned with the Renewed Hope City agenda, being an inclusive city with various living options and facilities such as sports, medical tourism, among others.
He said: “It is important to engage the Public Private Partnership option in addressing the housing deficit and create jobs for the people.
“This is part of the ministry’s plan under the Renewed Hope Agenda, giving that government alone cannot fund the entire housing deficit currently being faced in the country.
“This government has a priority of ensuring that affordable houses are provided to Nigerians and creating an enabling environment for PPP to flourish.”
Dangiwa explained that the ministry had received some expression of interest from potential investors and more investors would be invited to explore opportunities at the Centenary City project.
He, therefore, directed the Department of PPP in the ministry to engage the team from the Centenary City PLC for investor partnerships and introduce them to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for partnership.
On his part, Anyim called for the ministry’s collaboration to bring the vision to fruition.
He said that the ministry could partner the Centenary City project by sourcing and facilitating the participation of investors and developers, while securing funding that would enable cooperative societies and individuals to own homes in the city.
Dr Shuaib Belgore, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry to its core mandate of ensuring access to affordable housing for all Nigerians.
He assured the delegation that the ministry is dedicated to building, maintaining and managing public housing assets across the country.
By Angela Atabo