Abia State has formalised a partnership with the Federal Government (FG) to deliver over 1,200 housing units under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, signalling a renewed push to expand access to affordable housing in the state.
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Governor Alex Otti disclosed this in Umuahia during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) project, stating that his administration remains open to collaborations with any FG agency that presents practical and impactful development initiatives. According to him, improving the welfare and living standards of Abia residents remains a central policy focus.
Otti said his government would prioritise tangible outcomes over political considerations, noting that issues such as ethnicity, religion and partisan interests must not override governance objectives. “Everything, call it politics, call it ethnicity, call it religion, all those are distractions. The important thing to our people is the welfare of our people. And no matter what happens, our attention will continue to remain on the welfare of our people. That’s why we are here,” he said.
The project, located at Ubani-Ibeku Village along the Ubani–Uzuakoli Road in Umuahia North LGA, is being implemented through a collaboration between the FG, via the FHA, and the Abia State Government. It is designed to significantly improve housing supply in the state and reduce affordability gaps for low- and middle-income earners.
Otti explained that the initiative aligns with the state’s broader housing strategy, revealing that discussions with the FHA leadership predated the formal launch. He noted that the FHA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer approached the state with a proposal at a time when his administration was already developing frameworks to address housing deficits.
“I want to underscore the point that while we are working on our own to provide affordable housing for our people, Honorable Ojo reached out to me and said, I want to come to your State. That was two years ago, 2024. And I said, please come. I’m always happy to receive my friends and brothers. And he came. And the request was for land. And I said, consider it done. But we didn’t know it would happen so quickly,” Otti stated.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, describing the initiative as a necessary intervention in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit. He also acknowledged the FHA leadership for its commitment to executing the project in Abia.
A key component of the project involved land acquisition and compensation. Otti disclosed that the state government ensured due process by directly engaging verified landowners rather than dealing with community representatives. Approximately 100 hectares of land were secured for the development.
“These lands are owned by families and individuals. So, we didn’t deal with communities. We dealt with families and individuals, the original owners of the land,” he said.
He further revealed that over 900 claimants were identified during the verification process, with more than 800 already fully compensated. According to him, outstanding cases are largely due to discrepancies such as incorrect bank details or disputes over ownership.
“At the last count, anybody that has not been paid, it means there is a problem. That means it’s either that your account number is wrong or there are more than two or three families and individuals claiming the land. Over 800 out of the around 900 claimants have been settled in full. So, the remaining less than 100 people, please resolve your problem so that you can take your money. The money is sitting in the bank and is not earning interest for the State,” Otti added.
Stakeholders at the event described the project as a long-awaited intervention, noting that it revives a housing initiative that had remained dormant for nearly two decades. Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, alongside Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Meregini, and Federal Character Commissioner representing Abia, Chief Victor Ikeji, commended both the President and the governor for facilitating the project’s take-off.
They emphasised that the commencement marks a significant milestone after 18 years of inactivity, expressing optimism that the development would stimulate economic activities and improve living conditions in the state.
In his remarks, FHA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, said the project forms part of a nationwide rollout of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme. He described Umuahia as a strategic starting point for the South-East, citing the cooperation received from the Abia State Government.
“Our choice of kick starting this project in the eastern part of the country from Umuahia is very deliberate. Your Excellency, the hospitality and warm reception you gave to our management on Tuesday, 10th May, 2024, when we were visiting state Governors, soliciting for land for this programme remains indelible in our memory,” Ojo said.
He added that the governor’s prompt allocation of land and commitment to supporting off-take arrangements demonstrated alignment with the programme’s objectives. Ojo also reiterated that the directive from the President was clear that the initiative should be implemented without political bias.
“Mr. President’s charge that the programme should be apolitical, irrespective of political affiliation was very clear and unambiguous,” he noted.
Commissioner for Housing, Mr Chiemela Uzoije, and Commissioner for Lands, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, in separate remarks, highlighted that the housing project was originally conceptualised about 18 years ago. They expressed satisfaction that it is now being executed under the current administration.
Both commissioners called for sustained collaboration between the state and the FG, describing the partnership as a practical approach to addressing housing shortages. They also underscored the potential of the project to create jobs, stimulate local supply chains and improve urban development planning.
Representing host communities, Hon. Ugochukwu Ibe, speaking on behalf of the Presidents-General, appreciated both the FG and the Abia State Government for siting the project in the area. He expressed confidence that the development would bring economic benefits and infrastructural improvements to the communities.
He urged all stakeholders to ensure the timely execution of the project, adding that residents are hopeful it will be completed within schedule.
The Renewed Hope Housing Programme is part of broader FG efforts to tackle Nigeria’s estimated housing deficit through large-scale, state-backed developments. The Abia project underscores an emerging model of federal-state collaboration aimed at accelerating infrastructure delivery while ensuring local participation and accountability.
