Dangote Cement Urged to Deepen Support for Affordable Housing Projects
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has called on Dangote Cement Plc to expand its role in supporting Nigeria’s housing sector as part of its contribution to national development.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, made the appeal during a visit to the company’s exhibition stand at the ongoing Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja.
Dangiwa commended the company for its strong presence in Nigeria’s industrial landscape and its contribution to the economy, noting that its products remain crucial to infrastructure and real estate development across the country.
He revealed that his ministry is already partnering with the cement giant to address the country’s widening housing deficit through the development of affordable homes.
“We recognize Dangote Cement’s pivotal role in our economy and urge them to sustain these efforts,” he said during the inspection tour.
The Minister also noted that while Dangote Cement has made significant strides in industrial development, there is a need for the company to play a more active role in the delivery of housing, especially given Nigeria’s estimated deficit of over 20 million housing units.
The shortfall is driven by rapid urbanisation, high population growth, and limited access to affordable financing for low and middle-income earners.
Industry analysts continue to stress the need for more involvement of the private sector in housing delivery. Speaking at the event, AIHS Coordinator, Bar. Festus Adebayo, told reporters that partnerships between the government and private sector players are vital to making progress in housing development.
He urged corporations operating in Nigeria to incorporate housing into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies and take advantage of frameworks for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to deliver mass housing to Nigerians.
Dangote Cement Plc is the official sponsor of this year’s Africa International Housing Show, which is holding at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The event, now in its 19th edition, is expected to attract participants and exhibitors from 21 countries, offering an opportunity for cross-border collaboration and investment in housing solutions.
In a statement, the company said its participation in the show aligns with its ongoing efforts to support economic development across the continent, especially through its footprint in the construction value chain.
The theme of this year’s event, “Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy”, aligns with the company’s values of partnership and sustainable growth, the statement added. Dangote Cement also announced that Thursday, July 30, 2025, has been set aside as its Special Day at the event.
With calls for stronger partnerships to tackle Nigeria’s housing challenge, industry observers say the involvement of firms like Dangote Cement could mark a turning point in the country’s effort to make housing more accessible and affordable for millions of Nigerians.
