Governor Otti Hints on Ambitious Plan for 1.5 Million Housing Units in Abia, Drawing Inspiration from China’s Mass Housing Model
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has concluded a groundbreaking initiative to construct 1.5 million housing units across the state, aiming to tackle its acute housing deficit while bolstering economic growth. The plan, inspired by China’s large-scale housing strategies, seeks to transform Abia’s real estate sector and stimulate job creation, signaling a bold departure from conventional approaches to urban development in Nigeria.
China’s Blueprint: A Model for Abia
Governor Otti’s vision is shaped by China’s success in housing its 1.4 billion population through state-coordinated mass housing projects. “If China can accommodate 1.4 billion people, why can’t we solve housing for 1.5 million Abians? When I served as Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank, I realized the transformative power of ambitious planning. Now, as governor, we’re adopting proven strategies,” Otti stated during a chat in Umuahia.
China’s National Bureau of Statistics reports that the country built over 80 million affordable housing units between 2008 and 2020 under its “13th Five-Year Plan,” lifting 170 million people out of substandard housing. Similarly, Abia’s plan targets 500,000 units annually over three years, prioritizing low-cost homes for civil servants, traders, and rural communities.
Addressing Abia’s Housing Crisis
With a population of 4.3 million (2023 National Population Commission estimates) and a housing deficit exceeding 1.2 million units, Abia’s demand for affordable housing has surged. The state’s urban centers, including Aba and Umuahia, face overcrowding, with 40% of residents in informal settlements, according to the Abia State Ministry of Lands. Otti’s plan aims to reduce the deficit by 70% by 2030, with units priced between ₦5 million ($3,300) and ₦15 million ($9,900).
Economic Revival Through Construction
The project is projected to create 250,000 direct and indirect jobs in construction, cement production, and ancillary services. Abia’s Commissioner for Works, will have alot on his hands, as this initiative aligns with the state’s “New Abia Urban Renewal Masterplan,” which prioritizes integrated townships with schools, hospitals, and markets.
To fund the scheme, the government plans public-private partnerships (PPPs) and collaborations with international developers, including Chinese firms like China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which has built over 12,000 housing units in Nigeria since 2018. This will definitely entail a delegation from China’s Ministry of Housing recently visiting Abia to discuss technology transfers and modular housing designs.
Challenges and Skepticism
Critics, however, question the feasibility of 1.5 million units in a state with a annual average budget of ₦567 billion ($375 million). In putting this paper together, we consulted a Housing expert Dr. Ifeoma Nwankwo, who warned that, “Land acquisition and infrastructure gaps could delay progress. Abia must avoid the pitfalls of Nigeria’s 2013 National Housing Program, which delivered only 10% of its target.”
Governor Otti remains undeterred, citing China’s use of prefabricated materials and centralized land-use planning. “We’ve allocated billions for pilot projects in Isiala Ngwa and Ohafia,” he affirmed.
A New Dawn for Abia?
The initiative will position Abia as a model for subnational housing development in Africa. As China’s experience shows, mass housing drives GDP growth—real estate contributes 29% to China’s GDP, compared to Nigeria’s 5%. For Abia’s millions of unemployed youths, this plan offers more than shelter—it promises hope.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from Yakubu Gowon University Nigeria
