FG Seeks Qatar Partnership on Housing, Urban Renewal

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, has expressed interest in partnering with Qatar to enhance housing delivery, urban renewal, and infrastructure development in Nigeria. Darma made this proposal during a meeting with Qatar's Ambassador to Nigeria, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Al-Hail. He highlighted the country's housing deficit of approximately 15 million homes, particularly in need of social housing across all 774 local government areas.

Darma clarified that the ministry's responsibilities encompass not just housing construction but also urban upgrading and slum renewal to elevate living conditions. "Our mission extends beyond constructing houses; we undertake urban upgrades to improve the quality of life for all citizens," he explained. Anticipating a need for around 15 million houses for Nigeria's vulnerable population, Darma emphasized the urgency of such a partnership.

Earlier, Al-Hail echoed Qatar's dedication to deepening ties with Nigeria, especially in the realms of housing and urban development. He noted Qatar's ongoing presence in Nigeria through an embassy since 2004, and that bilateral cooperation has flourished at both governmental and grassroots levels.