The Delta State Government has announced a new plan to build more than 500 affordable housing units across the state to help bring down the high cost of rent. This move is part of a partnership between the government and the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN).
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Asaba, the state capital, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Godknows Angele, explained that the project is being carried out through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The main goal is to make housing more accessible and affordable for civil servants and other residents of Delta State.
“As a government, we are engaging in PPP to crash the rising house rents, and by God’s grace, we shall build a low-cost housing scheme in my time,” Angele said.
Ongoing Projects in Different Locations
Mr. Angele also gave updates on current housing efforts already underway. According to him:
- 30 one-bedroom apartments are almost ready at the 181 Amphibian Battalion in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, in collaboration with a Federal Government agency.
- 50 housing units each are being built in Ozoro, Kwale, and Owa-Oyibu. These were originally started by the previous administration under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for civil servants.
Angele said that when he assumed office, they reviewed the housing plans and realized that each 50-unit project could serve up to 200 families. Because of this, they decided to add important infrastructure like schools, markets, and electricity to the housing areas to make them livable.
Plan to Regulate House Rents and Agents
To help fight rising rent prices, the ministry has also started registering housing agents in the state. This will help the government regulate their activities and protect renters from unfair charges.
“We will soon inaugurate a task force against agents who charge exorbitant accommodation rents in the state,” he added.
The commissioner also mentioned that the government plans to send a bill to the Delta State House of Assembly that will regulate rent prices, especially in city areas. They may also apply moral persuasion on landlords to help reduce rental costs.
Renovation and Other Housing Support Projects
The Delta State Government has also:
- Renovated the INEC office in Asaba within the last two months.
- Worked on a two-storey building with 40 self-contained apartments at Admiralty University, Ibusa—a project started during Governor Okowa’s administration.
In all, the new housing plans and regulations are part of a bigger effort by the Delta State Government to make life easier for residents, especially in terms of accommodation.
