Edun Seeks Investor Support for Mass Housing and Agric Settlement Project as MOFI, Niger State Sign MoU
The federal government has called on developers, financial institutions, pension fund administrators, and agribusiness investors to participate in a proposed mass housing and agricultural settlement project. The appeal was made as the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Niger State Government to advance the initiative.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, made the call in Abuja, urging private sector stakeholders to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities under the partnership. He said the project is designed to unlock value from government assets while addressing housing deficits and boosting agricultural productivity.
The MoU between MOFI and Niger State signals the beginning of formal collaboration to develop integrated housing and farm settlements. The initiative is expected to combine residential development with structured agricultural clusters aimed at enhancing food production and rural economic growth.
Edun emphasised the importance of private capital in delivering large-scale infrastructure and agricultural projects. He noted that pension funds, institutional investors, and real estate developers have significant roles to play in mobilising long-term financing required for such ventures.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the federal government’s broader economic reform agenda focused on inclusive growth and job creation. By leveraging public assets through MOFI, the government aims to catalyse private investment in key sectors.
The proposed mass housing scheme is expected to help bridge Nigeria’s substantial housing gap. Authorities have repeatedly highlighted the need for innovative financing models and public-private partnerships to deliver affordable homes at scale.
In addition to housing, the agricultural settlement component is intended to support commercial farming, agro-processing, and value chain development. The integrated model seeks to create self-sustaining communities where residents can both live and engage in productive agricultural activities.
Officials said Niger State was selected due to its vast arable land and strategic location. The state government is expected to provide land and other enabling support to facilitate project implementation.
MOFI, which manages federal government investments and assets, is playing a central role in structuring the transaction framework. The agency has recently intensified efforts to optimise government-owned assets and attract private sector participation.
Edun stressed that transparency, bankable project design, and clear governance structures would be critical to gaining investor confidence. He assured potential partners that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment that reduces risks and enhances returns.
Stakeholders at the event noted that the combination of housing and agriculture presents an opportunity to address multiple socio-economic challenges simultaneously. Beyond improving accommodation, the project is expected to generate employment and stimulate rural development.
Financial experts observed that tapping pension funds and other long-term domestic capital pools could significantly reduce reliance on external borrowing. They said structured investment vehicles could make the project attractive to institutional investors seeking stable returns.
The federal government has consistently encouraged collaboration between public institutions and private investors to close infrastructure gaps. The MoU with Niger State is seen as part of efforts to decentralise development and unlock regional economic potential.
Observers believe that effective implementation, land titling clarity, and infrastructure support will determine the success of the mass housing and agric settlement project. Clear timelines and financing frameworks are expected to emerge as the partnership progresses.
With the formal signing of the MoU, both MOFI and the Niger State Government are set to begin detailed planning and feasibility assessments. The federal government’s outreach to investors signals its intention to move the project from concept to execution in the coming months.
