Give Us 30% of Federal Houses, Female Architects Tell Tinubu Government

The Female Architects of Nigeria, FAN, has asked the federal government to reserve 30 percent of houses under its housing programmes for women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable Nigerians.

The demand was made when the leadership of the association, led by its Chairperson, Arc Ene Agada, visited the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, in Abuja.

FAN said the 30 percent reservation will ensure inclusion in housing delivery and guarantee that disadvantaged groups benefit from government intervention.

The association also proposed a partnership with the federal government to build affordable and climate-friendly houses designed specifically for female-headed households and vulnerable groups.

Beyond housing, the female architects called for closer collaboration with the ministry in building resilient and accessible schools, as well as vocational training and skills acquisition for women and youths.

They proposed training for women and young people in modern construction methods, sustainable building, digital design and interior architecture, noting that such training will help close the manpower gap in the built environment and create jobs.

The group further sought government support for mentorship and internship opportunities for young female architects and builders.

Speaking during the visit, Arc Agada commended the minister for his leadership in housing delivery and urban development and said FAN is ready to deploy its expertise to support federal government programmes.

In his response, the Minister, Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, urged female architects to back their demand for more participation with competence, saying gender should not determine appointments and opportunities.

He advised women professionals to push beyond perceived barriers and prove their capacity to handle bigger responsibilities.

According to the minister, women should not allow themselves to be excluded, adding that anyone who seeks inclusion with competence will be included regardless of gender.

Darma noted that the ministry already has female architects serving as directors and deputy directors who are contributing significantly to its mandate.

He however asked FAN to submit a formal proposal with specific initiatives that can be jointly implemented with the ministry to improve women’s participation in the built environment.

He urged the association to come back with a progress report in its next engagement so that discussions can move to implementation.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said the visit came at the right time, shortly after the minister inaugurated a ministerial committee to fast-track reforms in the housing sector.

Belgore said the reform presents an opportunity for professional bodies like FAN to contribute ideas and expertise to improve housing delivery nationwide.

FAN said the 30 percent proposal is part of its wider campaign for inclusive housing policy that prioritizes women, persons with disabilities and vulnerable Nigerians, while promoting mentoring for young female professionals and sustainable cities.