Niger Govt unveils plan to reduce housing costs, increase ownership
Niger State government has uneviled an initiative to make housing more affordable and accessible.
Hon. Maurice Magaji, Commissioner for Land and Survey in Niger, disclosed this in an interview, saying
the ministry had come up with an initiative called “Site and Services” to enable individuals to build homes at their pace.
“We are opening up new layouts with amenities for individual development geared towards encouraging private ownership to reduce prices through competition.
“We are starting in Minna and will also partner with Commissioner for Local Government and local government chairmen to replicate the model statewide.
“This will be through provision of government-backed land titles (Right of Ownership) to reduced costs through efficient land allocation,” he said.
He disclosed that Gov. Umaru Bago had directed the ministry to investigate why housing estate in Bida, Kontagora and Zuma rock in Suleja were unoccupied and incomplete.
Magaji said Bago administration prioritises housing development, addressing the gap since the last successful MI Wushishi, Bosso and Talba estates in the state.
He added that the ministry intend to explore cost-effective building materials through international partnerships.
He said officials of the ministry would soon visit South Africa for peer review om hydraform technology, aiming to cut construction costs by 30 per cent.
“The effort is to mplement affordable housing solutions using cost-effective materials and ncrease homeownership through site and services,” he said.
According to him, the governor’s directive aims to address the state housing deficit, promoting affordability and accessibility.
He added that Bago administration prioritises affordable housing, ensuring Niger residents have access to decent, affordable homes.