Housing Ministry Plans Major Youth Empowerment Drive in 2026 Budget

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced that youth empowerment will be a key focus of its 2026 budget proposal, aiming to use the housing and construction sector as a strategic tool for job creation, skill development, and economic inclusion. According to the ministry, the upcoming budget will prioritise programmes designed to involve young Nigerians in homeownership schemes, housing construction projects, and technical training opportunities across the country.

Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, said the ministry intends to align its 2026 budget with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focusing on housing delivery that stimulates youth employment and enterprise. He noted that the government’s long-term plan is to make the housing sector a catalyst for inclusive growth, stressing that Nigeria’s young population must be empowered to contribute meaningfully to the sector.

Dangiwa explained that the ministry will allocate a substantial portion of its 2026 capital expenditure to initiatives that promote youth participation in construction, mortgage financing, and housing maintenance. This, he said, will include the establishment of training programmes in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education and other relevant agencies to equip young artisans, builders, and engineers with modern skills.

He also stated that the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, which is being implemented in several states, will be expanded next year to include youth cooperative housing initiatives. Through this model, young professionals and artisans will be able to collectively finance and own housing units, with government support through mortgage subsidies and infrastructure development.

The minister further revealed that the ministry’s 2026 budget would focus on bridging the gap between housing demand and supply, while also targeting employment creation for young people. He noted that the construction of new housing estates across states would create direct and indirect jobs, particularly for skilled and unskilled youths in the building materials and construction industries.

In addition to housing delivery, the ministry plans to integrate entrepreneurship support into the programme. Youths involved in the production of building materials such as blocks, tiles, doors, and roofing sheets will receive access to training and funding through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and other financing institutions. The ministry believes this will help drive self-employment and reduce youth unemployment rates.

Dangiwa also reaffirmed that the government remains committed to ensuring that young Nigerians can access affordable housing through flexible payment plans. He mentioned that the Rent-to-Own initiative and the National Housing Fund loan scheme will be expanded to accommodate more youth beneficiaries in 2026. According to him, the policy aims to make homeownership realistic for individuals who have limited access to traditional mortgage systems.

Officials at the ministry confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the National Assembly to secure adequate budgetary provisions for these youth-focused projects. The government is reportedly seeking legislative approval for increased funding to enable large-scale construction and housing financing. Insiders also disclosed that the ministry’s 2026 budget will feature a dedicated allocation for housing projects targeting low- and middle-income earners, including youth in both urban and rural areas.

Analysts say the ministry’s plan to link youth empowerment with housing is a step in the right direction. The real estate and construction sectors, according to experts, have some of the highest employment multipliers in the economy, providing jobs for craftsmen, engineers, vendors, and suppliers. By directing housing investments toward youth participation, the government could help address unemployment and improve productivity.

The housing ministry’s youth empowerment drive also aligns with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, which highlights housing and infrastructure as key engines for national development. By prioritising job creation and human capacity building, the ministry hopes to contribute to the reduction of poverty and enhance living standards across communities.

In the coming year, the ministry intends to partner with state governments and private developers to roll out joint housing projects where young people will play major roles as contractors, artisans, and beneficiaries. It is also working on a digital housing registry to simplify applications and improve transparency in allocation processes.

Dangiwa expressed optimism that the 2026 housing budget would make a meaningful impact on the lives of many young Nigerians. He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to building an inclusive economy where the energy and innovation of the youth are fully harnessed.

The government’s broader objective, he added, is to transform the housing and construction sector into a hub for sustainable development and youth empowerment. With the right investment and policy consistency, the ministry believes that the sector can generate millions of jobs and drive long-term economic stability.