The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the German Development Cooperation (GDC) have initiated plans for a pilot Green Mortgage Scheme in Nigeria to promote environment-friendly housing projects and create sustainable, climate-resilient communities.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa, who gave the hint that the initiative was taken during the Nigerian government team’s recent meeting with GIZ officials in Abuja, explained that the partnership formed part of the broader Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings, a GIZ programme that supports energy-efficient improvements in the building sector.
The minister said: “We see strong potential to adapt a similar green mortgage model within the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria under the National Housing Fund Scheme. The plan is to drive the supply and uptake of energy-efficient affordable homes under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.”
“It is essential to meet national climate goals and ensure a livable future for generations to come. Nigeria could benefit from international models like Mexico’s INFONAVIT, which successfully integrates green mortgages to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental sustainability,” he added.
Dangiwa explained that as part of the collaboration with the GDC, the ministry planned to integrate energy-efficient standards in all housing projects, including ongoing initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.
He further clarified: “I have already directed that all future housing designs incorporate green and climate-smart features. The ministry will also review the National Building Code, establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs, and upgrade the National Urban Renewal Programme to embed green infrastructure into slum redevelopment.”
Commenting on the partnership, the Country Director, GIZ, Markus Wagner, recalled that the German-Nigeria Energy Partnership dated back to 2008, and promised the GIZ’s readiness to support the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with technical assistance, climate finance access, and policy development.
Wagner explained: “The initiative will build the Ministry’s capacity to integrate energy efficiency into building design, construction, and operation.”