The Federal Government has opened talks with a Chinese construction firm, Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited, in a fresh move to tackle Nigeria’s housing crisis and make homes more affordable for citizens.
The engagement, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday, was led by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
The meeting focused on possible areas of collaboration, especially around the use of modern building technologies and local production of construction materials.
Dangiwa said the government is pushing for practical solutions that can reduce the cost of building houses and speed up delivery. He explained that the current housing system has not been able to meet demand, especially for low- and middle-income earners.
“We want a situation where the average Nigerian worker can achieve home ownership with his salary within the period of his service. That is why we are particularly interested in innovation and technology that can make housing more affordable,” he said.
The minister stressed that any new technology must not only be innovative but also tested and reliable. He noted that durability and performance over time remain key considerations before adopting any system at a national level.
He also pointed out that faster construction methods will play a major role in closing Nigeria’s housing gap, which has continued to widen due to population growth and rising building costs.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited, Eric, praised the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts, particularly under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme. He said the company is ready to align with the government’s goals on affordable housing and industrial growth.
Eric described housing as more than just shelter. According to him, it is a strong driver of economic development that can create jobs and boost local industries.
He introduced the company’s SinoBoard Fibre Cement Technology, a system designed to make construction faster and more efficient. The technology relies on prefabrication and dry construction methods, which reduce building time and cost.
He added that the materials are resistant to moisture, fire, termites, and extreme weather. He also noted that the system requires less maintenance and supports environmentally friendly construction.
“Our technology can significantly enhance the delivery of mass housing projects across Nigeria,” he said.
The company also signaled its interest in setting up local manufacturing plants in Nigeria. This, according to him, will help transfer technical knowledge, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imported materials.
Dangiwa, in his remarks, revealed that the Federal Government is working on plans to establish building materials hubs across the country. The aim is to lower construction costs and support large-scale housing development.
He explained that under a Public Private Partnership model, the government could provide land while private firms bring in funding, equipment, and technical expertise.
The minister further disclosed that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria could step in to support buyers by purchasing completed homes from developers and recovering payments through mortgage arrangements.
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