Ata returns from Russia, secures investment commitments for Nigeria’s housing sector

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, has returned to Nigeria following a high-level international engagement in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, where he represented the country at the Kazan International Islamic Forum.

The forum, a major global platform that convened leaders, policy makers, and investors from across the Islamic world and beyond, served as an opportunity for Nigeria to promote its economic and investment potential—particularly within the housing sector—as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking to journalists upon his arrival at the Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday, Ata described the visit as “fruitful” and “a major milestone in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Nigeria.”

“We were at the Kazan International Islamic Forum, invited by the Russian Federation. The gathering brought together a diverse range of global leaders, including the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Minister of Agriculture from Jordan, and several ministers from Russia, including the Minister of Construction and the Minister of Agriculture,” a statement signed by his aide, Seyi Olorunsola, quoted the minister as saying.

Ata noted that Nigeria’s participation was not merely ceremonial but aimed at forging strategic partnerships that could spur development in the housing sector.

According to him, “We held very engaging and productive discussions with our counterparts. Most importantly, we spotlighted the immense investment opportunities in Nigeria’s housing ecosystem—ranging from large-scale construction, affordable housing schemes, to smart urban infrastructure development.”

The minister revealed that the forum resulted in significant progress, including a commitment to initiate concrete follow-up engagements between relevant ministries and private sector stakeholders from the Russian Federation.

“We are extending a formal invitation to the Russian Minister of Construction for a reciprocal visit to Nigeria. This visit will serve as a launch pad for activating investment collaborations that will catalyze development and reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit,” he noted.

He also commended President Tinubu for creating a conducive investment climate through initiatives such as the National Social Housing Programme, Land Reforms, and the Ease of Doing Business drive.

Ata assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development would continue to use international platforms to attract investments that deliver tangible benefits to citizens. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering on President Tinubu’s housing agenda.

“The journey has begun. Nigeria is rising, and under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are rebuilding trust, attracting capital, and creating opportunities for all,” he said.