Dangote Calls for Public-Private Partnerships to Tackle Housing Deficit

Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has called for increased collaboration between the government and private sector to address Nigeria’s worsening housing deficit. He made the call during a recent forum focused on national infrastructure and urban development, emphasizing that public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer a viable model for delivering affordable and sustainable housing solutions across the country.

Speaking at the event, Dangote stated that the country’s housing needs have outpaced supply for decades, leaving millions of Nigerians without adequate shelter. He stressed that the government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of mass housing development, given budgetary limitations and competing priorities. According to him, leveraging private sector expertise, capital, and innovation through structured partnerships would fast-track housing delivery and stimulate inclusive economic growth.

“With Nigeria’s estimated housing deficit hovering around 28 million units, we must rethink our approach. The private sector has the capacity, and with the right policies, we can bridge this gap significantly,” Dangote said. “Public-private partnerships are the best way to combine efficiency and scale with social impact.”

The business magnate proposed several strategies to unlock the housing sector’s potential. These include the creation of land banks in collaboration with state governments, a reduction in bureaucratic bottlenecks around construction permits, and access to long-term financing for both developers and buyers. He also called on mortgage institutions to revise lending structures to accommodate low- and middle-income earners, who constitute the majority of Nigeria’s housing demand.

Dangote noted that addressing the housing crisis is not only a moral and social obligation but also an economic imperative. He pointed out that mass housing projects can generate thousands of jobs, boost local manufacturing (especially of cement, iron, and roofing materials), and enhance urban planning. “Housing is more than just shelter — it’s an economic multiplier,” he said. “It has the power to uplift entire communities and create a cycle of prosperity.”

He also expressed confidence that with the right framework, Nigerian developers can deliver cost-effective homes using local materials and labor. Highlighting his company’s recent investments in cement and construction materials, Dangote added that his group is well-positioned to support affordable housing initiatives across all geopolitical zones.

In addition, Dangote urged the federal government to streamline its regulatory environment to attract both local and international investors into the housing sector. He noted that regulatory delays, land title disputes, and high infrastructure costs often discourage private investment in real estate development. He also called on policymakers to ensure that policies are consistent and transparent to build investor confidence.

Industry experts at the forum echoed Dangote’s position, noting that PPPs have worked successfully in other sectors such as transportation and energy and could be replicated in housing. They cited successful models in countries like Singapore, South Africa, and India, where government partnerships with private developers have significantly reduced housing deficits and revitalized urban centres.

Stakeholders further highlighted the role of state governments in unlocking housing development through proper land use planning and provision of critical infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity. They argued that private developers often face challenges building in underserved areas due to the high cost of extending these basic services.

To facilitate this collaborative effort, Dangote proposed the establishment of a national housing PPP task force, comprising government officials, private developers, financial institutions, and civil society representatives. This task force, he said, would design frameworks for transparent bidding processes, affordable land acquisition, and project monitoring.

In conclusion, Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to supporting housing development through strategic investments and policy advocacy. He urged other private sector leaders to contribute their resources and expertise, stating that solving Nigeria’s housing challenge requires a unified effort from all sectors of society. “We must all rise to the occasion. Housing is a right, not a privilege,” he concluded.