The Federal Government plans to deploy innovative construction technologies through a proposed partnership with Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited to accelerate affordable housing delivery and reduce reliance on traditional building methods.
The collaboration, led by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is focused on integrating modern building technologies, promoting sustainable construction practices, and strengthening local manufacturing of building materials.
At the centre of the proposed partnership is SinoBoard Fibre Cement Technology, a prefabrication-based construction system designed to support faster building timelines and improved durability.
With Nigeria’s real estate sector valued at over ₦58 trillion and the construction sector contributing more than ₦19 trillion to GDP, the government says technology adoption is critical to addressing the country’s housing deficit.
Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, says the government is prioritising technology-driven solutions to improve housing affordability.
“We want a situation where the average Nigerian worker can achieve home ownership with his salary within the period of his service. That is why we are particularly interested in innovation and technology that can make housing more affordable,” he says.
The Minister also highlights the importance of construction speed in addressing housing supply challenges.
“If you are given land to deliver one hundred houses, how many days will it take you to complete them? These are important questions because speed in construction is critical in addressing the housing deficit in Nigeria,” he adds.
As part of its housing strategy, the Federal Government is planning to establish building materials manufacturing hubs across the country to support local production and reduce construction costs.
According to the Minister, companies that demonstrate scalable solutions could be integrated into the hubs.
“If you are able to deliver these products effectively, your factory could become part of the materials manufacturing hubs we are promoting to support mass housing construction in the country,” he says.
The government is also exploring Public–Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks to integrate technology providers, developers, and financiers into housing delivery.
Under the proposed arrangement, the government may provide land, while private sector partners supply construction technology, machinery, and financing.
The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is expected to play a role by purchasing completed housing units and recovering costs through mortgage schemes.
“Under such arrangements, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) can purchase completed houses on behalf of beneficiaries and pay developers upfront while recovering the costs gradually through mortgage schemes,” Dangiwa says.
According to Sinoma, SinoBoard Fibre Cement Technology uses dry construction methods and is designed to provide resistance to moisture, fire, termites, and harsh weather conditions.
Zhang Hui, Chairman of the company, says the technology can support mass housing delivery in Nigeria.
“Housing development should not only be seen as a social necessity but also as a key economic driver capable of creating jobs, strengthening industries, and stimulating national development,” he says. “Our technology can significantly enhance the delivery of mass housing projects across Nigeria.”
The company also indicates plans to establish local manufacturing facilities and support the development of a domestic building materials ecosystem.
Industry data shows that about 70% of building materials used in Nigeria are imported, exposing the construction sector to exchange rate volatility and supply chain disruptions.
Rising costs of materials such as cement and steel have continued to impact project delivery and housing supply across the country.
The Federal Government says the proposed partnership forms part of broader efforts to integrate technology into housing delivery and improve access to affordable housing in Nigeria.
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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured travellers and other airport users that enhanced health surveillance measures have been activated across the country’s international airports following renewed Ebola concerns in parts of Central Africa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FAAN said the measures were introduced in collaboration with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention(NCDC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness and prevent possible health risks.
According to the authority, surveillance and passenger monitoring have been intensified, particularly for travellers arriving from high-risk regions.
“Passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with established national and international health protocols,” the statement said.
FAAN noted that additional emergency response procedures have also been reinforced while airport personnel have undergone increased sensitisation as part of precautionary efforts.
The authority stressed that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria but said it remains vigilant in safeguarding public health and ensuring safe airport operations.
“FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations,” the agency stated.
Passengers were also advised to remain calm, cooperate with health screening procedures and report any symptoms to health officials at the airports.
The development comes as health authorities across parts of Africa continue to monitor Ebola-related concerns and strengthen border surveillance to prevent cross-border transmission.
Nigeria’s aviation and health authorities have previously activated similar emergency screening measures during periods of global and regional disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier Ebola scares.
Your shot at VC access, global visibility, TechCrunch coverage, and $100,000 in equity-free funding is gone in a week.
Startup Battlefield 200 applications close May 27. If you’re building a breakout startup — or know a founder who is — this is the moment to act.
Apply todayfor the opportunity to take the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, October 13-15, alongside 200 of the world’s most promising early-stage startups.
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The clock is ticking for early-stage founders
Pre-Series A founders, consider this your final countdown reminder: the strongest startups are already entering the arena, and the application window is closing fast.
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Know a startup that deserves the spotlight? Nominate them now so they still have time to apply before May 27.
The companies that define categories rarely start polished
Some of the most consequential companies in tech history didn’t launch with splashy fundraising announcements. They started with a pitch.
Dropbox demoed to a room full of skeptics. Cloudflare took the stage before most people understood what edge networking meant. Discord was still a scrappy gaming startup called Hammer & Chisel.
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Who should apply?
We’re looking for ambitious early-stage startups building innovative, potentially category-defining products.
Applications are open globally across all industries. Most selected companies are pre-Series A, though select Series A startups may qualify on a case-by-case basis.
To apply, startups should have:
Founders with vision, execution, and real traction
Thousands apply every year. Only 200 are selected. Just 20 finalists pitch live on the Disrupt Stage. One startup takes the crown and wins $100,000 in equity-free funding.
One week left to make your move
The founders who wait until they feel ready often wait too long. You do not need to be polished. You need to be promising.
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