FG, Dangote Cement Deepen Partnership To Expand Affordable Housing

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its partnership with Dangote Cement Plc and other stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing across Nigeria, with a particular focus on low-income earners and workers in the informal sector.

The renewed commitment was underscored at the 2026 Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS), where government officials, industry leaders, and housing experts commended Dangote Cement for its sustained support in advancing affordable housing and infrastructure development through the supply of high-quality building materials.

Participants at the event also praised the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for his continued investment in Africa's industrial development, describing his contributions as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.

Speaking at the Dangote Cement exhibition pavilion, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Muttaka Rabe Darma, reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to working closely with the company to tackle Nigeria's housing deficit.

He noted that the theme of the 2026 housing show, "Housing Solutions for Low-Income and Informal Workers in Africa," aligns with the Federal Government's efforts to promote affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing for Nigerians.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja International Housing Show, Festus Adebayo, described Dangote Cement as a dependable partner whose consistent support has contributed to the growth and success of the annual event. He noted that Dangote Industries Limited was a principal sponsor of the show's 20th edition, while Dangote Cement showcased innovative products and practical solutions designed to improve housing delivery.

Representing the National Sales Director of Dangote Cement, the Regional Sales Director for North Central, Bankole George, emphasized that access to decent housing is fundamental to human dignity, economic productivity, social stability, and inclusive national development.

George identified key barriers to affordable housing in Nigeria, including the high cost of land, rising prices of construction materials, limited access to mortgage financing, weak rental frameworks, and restrictive planning regulations.

To address these challenges, he advocated innovative financing models targeted at low-income earners and informal sector workers, including micro-mortgages, rent-to-own schemes, cooperative housing savings, employer-assisted housing initiatives, and incremental housing loans.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, called on African lawmakers to champion legislative reforms that would expand access to affordable housing across the continent.

Also speaking, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim stressed the need for innovative financing mechanisms to bridge Africa's growing housing deficit and support sustainable urban development.

The 2026 Abuja International Housing Show attracted thousands of policymakers, investors, housing professionals, exhibitors, and delegates from across Africa, reinforcing its reputation as one of the continent's premier platforms for dialogue on housing, infrastructure, and urban development.