Major Housing Initiative Launched Across South-East Nigeria
A transformative housing project that will deliver 100,000 housing units across Nigeria's South-East region has been officially launched through a partnership between pan-Igbo consortium Igboebinie and Hand of God Construction Company Limited.
The agreement, signed in Enugu on November 17, 2025, represents one of the most ambitious housing initiatives in recent Nigerian history, with a ten-year completion timeline that aims to significantly reduce the country's estimated 28 million housing deficit.
Project Scope and Regional Impact
The massive housing scheme will see the development of mixed housing estates across all five South-East states—Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Anambra—as well as Asaba in Delta State. The governors of these states have demonstrated strong commitment to the project by allocating substantial parcels of land to support the initiative.
According to Enugu State Commissioner for Lands, Patrick Okolie, the state has already earmarked approximately 50 hectares of land for the project and is prepared to provide more if needed. Okolie also highlighted that Enugu State has criminalized land grabbing to protect investors and property owners.
The project is expected to create approximately three million jobs throughout its implementation phase, significantly boosting local economies and enhancing living standards for residents across the region.
Innovative Approach and Economic Vision
President of Igboebinie, Chinedu Nsofor, explained during the signing ceremony that the project symbolizes a new vision for Igboland driven by unity, innovation, and economic empowerment. "Ndigbo have all it takes to create massive wealth in Igboland, Nigeria, and Africa, thereby ending unemployment, poverty, and insecurity through gainful trade, commerce, education, technology, and a clean environment," Nsofor stated.
The consortium has introduced a novel "zero construction mechanism" designed to reduce costs and ensure housing affordability across all income levels. This innovative approach aims to make homeownership accessible to more Nigerians while maintaining high construction standards.
David Nwachukwu, Managing Director of Hand of God Construction Company Limited and Vice President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) South-East zone, emphasized that the partnership was driven by the need to develop innovative, digital-based solutions for housing infrastructure in the region.
Regional Support and Challenges
Commissioners for lands from across the South-East states expressed strong support for the initiative during the signing ceremony. Ebonyi State Commissioner for Lands, Nwaobashi Matthew, described the project as timely, noting it would address both housing needs and employment opportunities.
However, Matthew raised concerns about the persistent Monday sit-at-home order, which he said had slowed economic activity across the South-East except in Ebonyi State, urging regional leaders to address this challenge.
Imo State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, highlighted the project as an exemplary model of public-private partnership (PPP) that would help tackle housing shortages in the state. "Imo has been affected by housing deficits, but our government has strengthened collaboration with federal agencies and developers to promote mass housing delivery," Onuegbu stated.
The housing estates will feature smart city designs built to international standards, with infrastructure designed to promote trade, commerce, industrialization, and investment opportunities. This comprehensive approach aims to position the South-East as a hub for sustainable, inclusive housing and investment in the coming decade.
