The Federal Government plans to build 77,400 social housing units across Nigeria and is considering raising the maximum mortgage limit under the National Housing Fund from ₦50 million to ₦85 million to improve access to homeownership.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Muttaqha Rabe Darma disclosed the proposals on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the closing ceremony of the 15th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Sokoto State, according to a report published by the Nigerian Tribune on the same date.
The proposed housing scheme would provide 100 units in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, with construction expected to be completed within one year of its launch.
The initiative forms part of the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, also referred to as the Tinubu Estate scheme, which is intended to serve low-income earners and vulnerable Nigerians, including internally displaced persons.
Under the proposed arrangement, 80% of the houses would be sold to eligible residents, with monthly repayments capped at one-third of their income. The remaining 20% would be allocated free to vulnerable groups, including widows and orphans.
The programme is expected to receive funding through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.
However, the announcement represents a proposed expansion of social housing delivery. The one-year construction timeline would begin from the programme’s launch, while the availability of funding, construction arrangements and implementation details will determine how quickly the homes are delivered.
The initiative comes amid persistent challenges in housing affordability, including high building-material costs, expensive land and limited access to long-term housing finance.
The government is also considering increasing the maximum National Housing Fund mortgage facility from ₦50 million to ₦85 million to reflect rising construction costs and the higher cost of purchasing homes.
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria’s website currently lists ₦50 million as the maximum loan available to eligible National Housing Fund contributors. Its published terms provide for an interest rate of 6% and a repayment period of up to 30 years through accredited primary mortgage banks.
The proposed increase would therefore require a change to the existing financing arrangements before borrowers could access the higher limit.
At an interest rate of 6% over 30 years, a fully amortising ₦85 million mortgage would require monthly repayments of approximately ₦510,000, excluding fees, insurance and other charges.
That repayment level illustrates the affordability challenge facing low-income earners, even if the proposed mortgage ceiling is approved. A higher loan limit may help borrowers finance more expensive properties, but it does not automatically make the monthly repayments affordable for households with modest incomes.
The government is also considering measures to broaden access to housing finance for workers outside the formal employment system, including traders, artisans and self-employed Nigerians. Proposed reforms include reserving a share of mortgage bookings for informal-sector workers and allowing eligible contributors to use part of their Retirement Savings Accounts as equity towards homeownership.
Other proposals include directing at least 70% of the previous year’s National Housing Fund contributions towards mortgage facilities and establishing a National Housing Finance Authority to improve coordination and oversight in the sector.
The government is also pursuing land administration reforms, including a centralised system for verifying property ownership and legal status remotely. Proposed rental-sector measures include a National Rent Registry, registration requirements for large-scale landlords and model tenancy legislation.
A National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy is also being developed to address developer licensing, escrow protection and construction quality assurance.
Separately, the Federal Mortgage Bank launched its National Housing Fund Diaspora Mortgage Loan in London on August 7, 2026, allowing eligible Nigerians abroad to apply for financing of up to ₦100 million at 9% interest over a maximum of 10 years, subject to the scheme’s conditions, according to the bank’s August 8 announcement.
The proposed social housing expansion and mortgage reforms would increase the government’s housing commitments. Their impact on homeownership will depend on implementation, the affordability of the units, access to financing and the timely delivery of completed homes.
