The Federal Government on Tuesday stepped up efforts to end abandoned public projects, unveiling a housing expansion programme across 17 states.
This was as it commissioned the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Mall, a four-storey commercial complex, in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja on Tuesday.
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, described the mall as a testament to institutional reform and renewed momentum in Nigeria’s housing sector.
Akume said the delivery of the once-stalled development underscores the administration’s determination to restore accountability and fast-track infrastructure delivery under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted that housing remains central to the government’s economic and social stability strategy, pointing to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as a clear signal of that commitment.
Commending the management of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Akume said the agency has recorded a remarkable turnaround within two years, repositioning itself to effectively deliver on its mandate of providing livable homes for Nigerians.
“The recent economic reforms, though initially tough, are beginning to yield results, expressing optimism that sustained policy direction would strengthen the economy, improve food affordability and enhance national security”, he added.
In his remarks, Oyetunde Ojo, Managing Director and Chief Executive, FHA, said the mall symbolises the Authority’s resolve to end the era of abandoned projects.
He disclosed that the structure was among those inherited by his management and revived following the President’s directive that all stalled federal projects must be completed.
Describing the edifice as one of the tallest malls in Abuja, Ojo said it comprises four suspended floors with 59 shopping spaces and a penthouse, equipped with modern amenities to provide a secure and conducive business environment for residents and entrepreneurs.
He explained that FHA’s mandate under the Renewed Hope framework extends beyond residential construction to the provision of complementary commercial infrastructure that stimulates economic activities within its estates.
“We are not stopping in Gwarinpa. Our blueprint is to replicate this type of facility across all our estates to enhance residents’ comfort and promote business growth,” he said.
Ojo unveiled an ambitious national expansion plan anchored on land acquisition and mass housing development.
He revealed that the Authority visited 28 states and secured land allocations in all, with several governors granting land free of charge alongside Certificates of Occupancy.
With land secured and procurement processes concluded, he announced that the FHA has commenced the first phase of its Renewed Hope Estates in 17 states as part of a strategy to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit and stimulate economic activities nationwide.
“Ground-breaking ceremonies have already been conducted in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Kaduna State ahead of large-scale construction scheduled for 2026”, he said.
Ojo also highlighted recently completed projects, including 100 housing units in Ajoda, Ibadan; Express View Estate in Lugbe, Abuja; a 1.3-kilometre road in Guzape, Abuja; and the corporate head office of FHA Mortgage Bank in Gwarinpa.
Additionally, 350 housing units in Bwari, Abuja, are nearing completion and expected to be commissioned within the first quarter of the year.
On institutional reforms, he disclosed that the Authority has digitalised its property files, now secured on the Galaxy Backbone platform, and is moving toward full automation of operations.
“The FHA’s materials testing laboratory is also operational, conducting geological and structural integrity tests to ensure quality assurance”, Ojochenemi added.
He further noted that zonal offices have been interconnected with the headquarters for real-time communication, while the Kabusu housing site has been reopened, with development partners expected to commence work soon.
The project, he said, is projected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities across the housing value chain.
Ojo attributed the Authority’s recent strides to the support of Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, whose leadership has strengthened collaboration between the FHA and its supervising ministry.
Both officials called on Nigerians to continue supporting the federal government’s housing and economic reform initiatives,
They also expressed confidence that sustained collaboration would accelerate the delivery of affordable homes and modern infrastructure across the country.
