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.
Home
