Efforts to bridge Nigeria’s considerable housing deficit have received a major boost in the South-East region. A pan-Igbo consortium, Igboebinie Plc, has formally signed an agreement with Hand of God Construction Company Limited to deliver 100,000 mixed housing units across the area within the next ten years.

This ambitious project is valued at an estimated $10 billion (N15 trillion). The agreement was signed in Enugu, with representatives from participating governments present.

The scheme covers the five core South-East states—Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Anambra—along with the inclusion of Delta and Rivers states in the South-South zone. The initiative aims to address Nigeria’s estimated 28 million housing deficits. It also intends to drive regional economic growth and significant urban renewal.

Governors of the participating states have already committed to the project. They have begun allocating substantial parcels of land to support the scheme, which will be jointly funded by the two private organisations. Enugu State Commissioner for Lands, Patrick Okolie, confirmed the state has earmarked about 50 hectares of land for the initial phase. He assured that more land would be provided if necessary.

The proposed estates will redefine urban development. They are tailored to create smart cities built to international standards, featuring infrastructure designed to promote trade, commerce, and industrialisation. The development includes 30 high rising buildings and a World Trade Centre to be located in Anambra.

The breakdown shows that Enugu State will receive the largest share, with 50,000 units across 400 hectares in three locations. The remaining units and land will be distributed among the other six states.

When completed, the massive scheme is expected to create approximately three million job opportunities. This will significantly enhance the living standards of residents.

Imo State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, confirmed the structure of the deal. He said the project “exemplifies effective public-private partnership (PPP)” and will help tackle housing shortages in the state. He also described the programme as one that signals “a very positive change to what we have and I thank Igboebinie because this is a different strategy to Igbo development than going into the bush and shooting ourselves.”

Prince Chinedu Nsofor, President of Igboebinie Plc, said the project symbolises a new vision for the region driven by unity and economic empowerment. He stated: “Ndigbo have all it takes to create massive wealth in Igboland, Nigeria, and Africa, thereby ending unemployment, poverty, and insecurity through gainful trade, commerce, education, technology, and a clean environment.”

Nsofor explained that the consortium had introduced a novel “zero construction mechanism” designed to reduce costs and ensure affordability across all income levels. He reiterated the call for people in the diaspora to invest back home.

Pastor David Nwachukwu, Managing Director of Hand of God Construction Company Limited, confirmed the partnership was inspired by the South-East REDAN Cities Initiative and a 2024 visit to the United Kingdom. He is also Vice President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) South-East zone.

He stated: “Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly, but the housing sector faces a huge deficit. The South-East needs sustainable solutions to bridge the gap.”

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Lands, Nwaobashi Matthew, described the project as timely. He used the platform to urge regional leaders to address the persistence of the Monday sit-at-home order, noting its negative impact on economic activity.