Dangiwa Urges Dangote Cement to Partner FG on Affordable Housing Drive

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, visits the Exhibition Stand of the Dangote Cement Plc at the ongoing Africa International Housing Show in Abuja…Tuesday.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has commended Dangote Cement Plc for its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy and called on the company to collaborate with the Federal Government to address the country’s growing housing deficit.

Dangiwa made the appeal on Tuesday during a visit to the Dangote Cement exhibition stand at the ongoing Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja. He emphasized the importance of private sector participation in solving the country’s housing crisis, estimated at over 20 million units.

“Dangote Cement plays a vital role in our economy. We believe that with their strength in the building materials industry, they can be a major partner in delivering affordable housing to Nigerians,” the Minister said.

Dangiwa noted that the Ministry is actively seeking partnerships to implement low-cost housing projects, especially in urban centers experiencing rapid population growth and infrastructural pressure.

Speaking during the event, AIHS Coordinator, Bar. Festus Adebayo, echoed the Minister’s call, stressing the need for public-private partnerships to close the housing gap. He urged companies to include housing development in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agendas.

“The private sector must step up. Housing is not just a government issue — it’s a national priority,” Adebayo said.

Dangote Cement Plc is one of the major sponsors of the AIHS 2025, which is currently taking place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. According to a statement by the company, it is not only sponsoring but also actively participating in the 19th edition of the event.

The statement added that the show — which has attracted participants from 21 countries — presents an opportunity for the company to engage stakeholders across Africa’s housing value chain.

This year’s theme, “Reimagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy,” aligns with Dangote Cement’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction sector.

The company has also scheduled a special session titled “Dangote Day” for Thursday, July 30, where it will showcase its housing-related initiatives and sustainable solutions for infrastructure development.

With Nigeria’s housing deficit continuing to rise, both the government and stakeholders at the housing show agree that only coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors can deliver real progress.