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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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.
Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.
The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.
He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.
Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.
“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.
Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.
Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.
APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.
A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.
He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.
Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.
Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.
Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.
During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.
The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.
His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.
Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.
The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.
For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.
Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.
With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.