The Nigerian Government has unveiled 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 is a collaborative effort between the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
Housing Minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, announced the project during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Thursday in Abuja. The initiative is designed to address the housing challenges faced by healthcare workers, particularly in urban areas where medical facilities are concentrated and accommodation is often scarce.
“We recognize the difficulties many healthcare workers face in securing suitable accommodation, particularly in high-demand urban centres where medical facilities are concentrated,” Dangiwa said, emphasizing that housing is a fundamental need that directly impacts productivity, stability, and quality of life.
This initiative is part of the broader Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which seeks to expand access to affordable housing for all Nigerians. Dangiwa disclosed that over 10,000 housing units are currently under construction across 14 locations nationwide. Notable projects include 3,112 units in Karsana, Abuja, 2,000 units in Lagos State, and 2,000 units in Kano State. Additionally, 12 Renewed Hope Estates, each comprising 250 units, are being developed in 12 states, with plans to expand the initiative to all 36 states in the future.
The housing units will be available to healthcare workers through various ownership options, including long-term National Housing Fund (NHF) mortgage loans, a rent-to-own scheme, installment payments, and outright purchase. To facilitate the application process, an online portal has been launched at renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng.
Dangiwa stressed that the Renewed Hope Medic Cities initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of healthcare workers and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the well-being of medical professionals.
National President of NARD, Tope Osundara, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to address the housing needs of doctors, highlighting that affordable housing could help stem the tide of Nigerian doctors emigrating for better opportunities abroad. Osundara also proposed a pilot project for the Federal Capital Territory, which would involve the construction of 1,000 housing units to serve as a template for other states. He emphasized that housing units should be built near hospital premises to allow resident doctors to respond more effectively to medical emergencies.
A representative of REDAN and a member of NARD Suleiman Sadiq, explained that the project would involve a partnership between the Ministries of Housing and Health, FMBN, and the public-private sector. Construction is expected to begin between January and February 2025.
Sadiq expressed optimism that the initiative would improve healthcare workers’ living standards, enhance their productivity, and contribute to the overall improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare system. “This project is a significant step towards ensuring healthcare workers have access to safe, affordable housing, boosting morale, and enhancing productivity within the health sector,” he said.
