By Temitayo Lucas

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its partnership with Dangote Cement Plc and other industry stakeholders to drive affordable and inclusive housing, aligning with broader initiatives aimed at improving access to decent homes for low-income and informal-sector workers.

This initiative is seen as part of the efforts to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit, even as stakeholders at the 2026 Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS) praised Dangote Cement for its significant contribution to affordable housing and infrastructure development in Nigeria. They described the firm as a key partner in efforts to bridge the nation’s housing deficit and improve access to quality building materials.

The industry leaders, policymakers, and housing experts specifically commended the President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, for his commitment to Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation, noting that his investments continue to drive sustainable growth across the continent.

At the Dangote Pavillion, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Muttaka Rabe Darma, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the company to address Nigeria’s housing challenges.
He said the exhibition’s theme: “Housing Solutions for Low-Income and Informal Workers in Africa,” aligned with government efforts to expand access to affordable and inclusive housing.

Also, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of AIHS, Festus Adebayo, described Dangote Cement as a dependable partner whose consistent support has contributed to the growth and success of the annual housing exhibition. He noted that DIL is a principal sponsor of the event’s 20th edition, while Dangote Cement is showcasing innovative products and solutions designed to support housing development.

Dangote Cement’s Regional Sales Director for North Central, Bankole George, who represented the national Sales Director, Dolapo Alli, said housing remains critical to dignity, social stability, economic productivity and inclusive development.

He identified major barriers to affordable housing as high land costs, expensive building materials, limited access to mortgage financing, weak rental systems and planning regulations.
George advocated innovative housing finance models tailored to low-income earners and informal workers, including micro-mortgages, rent-to-own schemes, cooperative savings programmes, employer-assisted housing and incremental housing loans.

The call for stronger collaboration was echoed by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who urged African lawmakers to champion housing reforms, while former Senate President, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, called for innovative financing solutions to help close the continent’s housing gap.