Ata takes Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda to global forum in Russia

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, is currently in Kazan, Russia, representing Nigeria at the 2025 International Property Market Exhibition and Conference.

The high-level event, which runs from May 15 to 16, is part of the annual Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum—an influential gathering of global leaders, investors, and urban development experts.

Recognized as a premier platform for real estate and housing discourse, the Kazan Forum focuses on sustainable urbanization, cross-border investment, and innovative housing solutions. Since its inception, it has served as a strategic bridge between Russia and member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), fostering economic and developmental partnerships.

According to a statement released Thursday by the Minister’s aide, Seyi Olorunsola, this year’s theme—“Russia–Islamic–Kazan Forum”—underscores efforts to deepen collaboration across the Islamic world. “This year’s theme, ‘Russia – Islamic – Kazan Forum’, emphasizes fostering economic partnerships across the Islamic world—a context in which Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of the largest Muslim populations globally, plays a significant role,” the statement said.

As part of his engagements, Minister Ata is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the International Economic Forum, where he will outline the goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme. The initiative aims to tackle Nigeria’s longstanding housing deficit, broaden access to homeownership, and spur economic inclusion through infrastructure and job creation.

“This visit is a strategic move to position Nigeria’s housing sector as an attractive destination for global investment,” the Minister stated ahead of his departure. “We are showcasing a bold vision that aligns with international standards and aims to provide millions of Nigerians with access to safe, affordable housing,” the statement said.

The Minister will also participate in a high-level roundtable with global investors, developers, and urban infrastructure experts. Discussions will focus on how international collaboration can unlock funding, technical expertise, and innovation for Nigeria’s housing sector.

This marks Ata’s first official foreign assignment since assuming office on November 3, 2024—a symbolic move that underscores the Federal Government’s intent to elevate the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda on the world stage.

“Nigeria’s participation in this exhibition is a signal to the world that we are open for housing investment and ready to collaborate for mutual benefit,” Hon. Ata said. “We are determined to attract partnerships that will not only deliver homes but also strengthen our economy and uplift millions of lives.”

The statement further emphasized Nigeria’s strategic objectives at the Kazan Forum, noting that the country aims to: Showcase its national housing strategy and public-private partnership models; Attract foreign direct investment into affordable housing projects; Engage with countries facing similar urban challenges; and Reinforce confidence in President Tinubu’s housing reforms as a catalyst for national growth.

With over 40 countries and thousands of delegates expected, the 2025 International Property Market Exhibition and Conference reaffirms its standing as a major event on the global real estate calendar.

Nigeria’s presence signals a broader message: under the Renewed Hope Agenda, housing development is not just a national priority—it is now positioned as a key pillar of international engagement and economic diplomacy.