Dangote Advocates Budget-Friendly Mass Housing for Nigerians

Dangote Cement Plc has urged stakeholders in the housing industry to consider budget-friendly mass housing scheme for Nigerians.

Speaking at the ongoing Africa International Housing Show, the National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Dolapo Alli, said: “Addressing housing issues requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private developers, non-profits, and communities.

“Through PPP models, the government may initiate the construction of new estates, while companies and firms in the building and construction sector can be granted tax waivers and credits to facilitate the financing of new and affordable housing developments.

Mr. Alli, who was speaking at the company’s Special Day said mass housing is one of the several strategies used to address the challenge of providing adequate housing for the public, adding that the approach had helped to tackle the pressures of rapid urbanisation in numerous countries around the world.

He commended the efforts of the Federal Government in implementing mass housing programmes, adding that more gaps need to be covered.  

He said: “Nigeria, through the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative, has taken commendable steps toward addressing the critical gap in access to affordable housing finance. This initiative signals a strong commitment to making homeownership more accessible for citizens, particularly low- and middle-income earners.

“However, given the scale of the nation’s housing deficit—estimated in the millions—much more needs to be done. There is a pressing need for broader collaboration across public and private sectors to unlock innovative financing solutions, streamline regulatory processes, and scale up delivery to meet the growing demand for decent and affordable housing.”

He identified several challenges affecting the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria.

Some of the challenges, he said, include: rapid urbanization, population growth, knowledge gap in housing, high cost of land acquisition, rising cost of construction materials, lack of basic infrastructure, inaccurate housing demographics and limited access to long-term and low-cost financing.

He said the continued participation of the company in the Africa International Housing Show stems from the conviction that the gathering has made a meaningful impact by generating ideas and fostering partnerships that contribute to providing shelter for Nigerians.

He urged governments at all levels to implement effective policies and make available lands for mass housing in Nigeria.

The Dangote Cement Plc is one of the sponsors of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) which closes on Friday August 1, 2025.

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By Tony Obiechina Abuja 

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aging and healthcare sector converged on Thursday at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja, for the First Healthy Ageing Symposium, Exposition and Awards, to promote structured, inclusive, and dignified aging systems for senior citizens.

The symposium was organised by the Centre for African American Research Studies (CAARS) in partnership with DCL Africa and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu,  the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara State, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka, commended the organizers for the choice of theme, noting that it could not have come at a better time.

He described the programme as a life-changing initiative and stated that its collaboration with respected government and civil society organisations underscores the growing recognition of aging as a national priority.

 According to him, “The decision to organise this important life-changing programme with these very important institutions speaks to the acceptance your Centre enjoys and the value proposition attributed to your work.”

Highlighting the increasing financial burden of healthcare on ordinary Nigerians, the Chairman noted that the cost of accessing quality healthcare has gone far beyond the income of the average citizen, which according to him which has negatively affected life expectancy. 

He said, “This situation has plagued the state of health of most Nigerians and getting reliable information required to prevent sickness and ailments would mean a lot of savings to us all.”

While acknowledging federal interventions such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, he emphasized the need for sustainable, grassroots-oriented programmes like this symposium. He added that the Commission’s decision to host the event demonstrates its commitment to a healthy and productive workforce.

In her keynote address, Dr. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Director General of the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC)—represented by Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Ajayi—urged policymakers to act urgently to address the growing institutional gaps affecting older citizens. “Too many older persons face poverty, isolation, neglect, and a profound loss of dignity, especially in rural areas.  Dignified aging must not be precarious; it is not a privilege—it is a right.” He posited

He identified seven key pillars needed to build a responsive aging system in Nigeria: legal and policy frameworks, sustainable financing, community-based institutional infrastructure, geriatric workforce development, technology, and social inclusion. “Societies that honour their elders build stronger communities, healthier families, and more compassionate nations,” Dr.Tijani Ajayi said.

According to him, the NSCC is already implementing several initiatives including the Geriatric Social Care Community Extension Support Services, medical housing programs, and assistive device distribution, aimed at improving the quality of life for older persons. 

He also revealed that the agency was working with the National Assembly and the Institute of Justice to harmonize elder protection laws and develop a national ageing policy that is both inclusive and enforceable.

In a statement by Maryam Umar Yusuf RMAFC spokes person Dr. Ajayi announced the launch of a digital literacy program where youth volunteers train elderly citizens in basic technology use and sanitation/environmental projects where older persons serve as ambassadors for healthy communities.

 “We must change the narrative, older people are not burdens—they are national assets.” he said.

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Courts in Kuje and Karu have remanded the eight suspected burglars of the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) national secretariat in prison.

Recall that on Monday, July 28, the SDP national secretariat was invaded and burgled by some persons suspected to be working for some politicians, carting away administrative papers, payment vouchers, official stamps, bank books and office equipment.

A statement by the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said the eight suspects, comprising seven men and one woman, had been arrested by the police and arraigned before the two Magistrate’s courts on Tuesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 31.

The courts later remanded them in Keffi, Kuje and Suleja Prisons, respectively.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested by the FCT Police Command and initially kept in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) custody before they were charged to courts.

The suspects, according to the statement, include Ambo Ekpenyong, Humphrey Onwukaeze, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Chief Solsuema Osaro and Nurudeen Bissallah.

The other three are Dogara Abubakar, Adamu Abubakar Modibbo and Judith Isreal Shuaibu.

Part of the statement reads: “All the eight invaders were detained in police custody and charged to court on Tuesday and Thursday, July 29 and 31, respectively.
“The materials recovered from them were tendered in court by the police prosecution team.”

Aiyenigba alleged that the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru Elrufai made frantic efforts to bail the eight accused persons but failed.

“They are currently in the three prisons awaiting their days in court for hearing of the cases against them,” he said.