GIZ: 10,000 Nigerians to Benefit as FG Launches Eco Mortgage Drive

By Sharon Zachariah

Editor

Sharon Zachariah

Posted: May 1, 2025 at 1:47 pm, Updated: May 1, 2025 at 5:26 pm

10,000 Nigerians to Benefit as FG Launches Eco Mortgage Drive

10,000 Nigerians to Benefit as FG in Collaboration with GIZ Launches Eco Mortgage Drive

The Federal Government is stepping up its fight against climate change with an ambitious Green Mortgage Scheme aimed at reshaping how homes are built in Nigeria.

In a strategic move to drive sustainability and affordable housing, the government has teamed up with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) to promote climate-smart, energy-efficient buildings across the country.

This initiative, powered by the Renewed Hope Housing Programme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is set to introduce a fresh model of housing that not only reduces energy bills for homeowners but also drastically cuts greenhouse gas emissions.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, revealed this during a key meeting with GIZ representatives in Abuja.

Dangiwa stressed the urgent need to rethink Nigeria’s building habits. He pointed out how traditional construction methods continue to hurt the environment and strain the energy grid.

According to him, the proposed Green Mortgage Scheme, backed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) under the National Housing Fund (NHF), could change that narrative.

He praised Germany’s support and highlighted that Nigeria has now been selected as a key partner in the globally respected Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB).

This program, also spearheaded by GIZ, has already delivered promising results in countries like Vietnam, Tunisia, and Mexico—where green mortgages have helped thousands of families move into energy-saving homes.

Dangiwa expressed hope that Nigeria could replicate Mexico’s success by tailoring green mortgage models to local needs.

“The building and construction sector is a major contributor to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting energy-efficient practices and green building designs is crucial for achieving our national climate goals and securing a livable environment for future generations,” he said.

To ensure this plan works on the ground, the Ministry has begun working closely with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through its EDGE platform.

Together, they are training government engineers, private developers, and project managers on modern green building techniques that meet international standards.

That’s not all. The government is also reviewing the National Building Code. The aim is to embed green standards into Nigeria’s legal construction framework.

Alongside this, new Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs are in the pipeline to boost access to affordable, eco-friendly materials.

These hubs are expected to cut costs for developers and encourage large-scale adoption of green housing designs.

Meanwhile, the Ministry is also planning to refresh the National Urban Renewal Programme.

The goal is to upgrade existing urban areas with smart infrastructure like solar-powered lighting, water-saving systems, and tree-lined streets to improve quality of life.

Dangiwa shared other areas where the Ministry hopes to partner with GIZ. These include technical assistance, public education campaigns, and advisory services for unlocking international climate finance.

Some of the funds they’re targeting include the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund, and GIZ’s in-house resources.

In response, Markus Wagner, GIZ Country Director, reiterated Germany’s strong commitment to Nigeria’s sustainable growth.

He said the partnership is grounded in decades of collaboration, referencing a 1974 economic agreement and the ongoing Nigerian-German Energy Partnership signed in 2008.

He also spotlighted the ongoing Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), a GIZ-led project that’s helping Nigeria switch to energy-efficient building designs and low-emission construction. Wagner praised Nigeria’s efforts and invited Minister Dangiwa to be the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of the PEEB Cool Enabling Facility in Nigeria, scheduled for June 2025.

As part of its May 2025 agenda, GIZ will also carry out targeted energy audits in 14 public hospitals and support energy-saving upgrades in buildings across Kano State.

These efforts mark a bold step toward embedding sustainability into Nigeria’s public infrastructure.

While the full impact of the Green Mortgage Scheme will unfold over time, the federal government’s partnership with GIZ could put Nigeria on the map as a regional leader in green housing.

If successful, it promises to reshape not only the nation’s housing industry but also improve the daily lives of thousands of citizens—one green home at a time.