The Country Director of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Markus Wagner, says that GIZ is ready to support the Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development with technical assistance, climate finance access, and policy development.
Speaking during the meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Housing, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, in Abuja, Mr. Wagner noted that the German-Nigeria Energy Partnership dated back to 2008.
“The initiative will build the Ministry’s capacity to integrate energy efficiency into building design, construction, and operation,” Wagner said.
He disclosed that there would be energy audit in 14 tertiary healthcare facilities and energy efficiency support to Kano State in May.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Housing minister told GIZ officials during the meeting that the ministry would collaborate with the German Development Cooperation to pilot a Green Mortgage Scheme in Nigeria.
Dangiwa, noted that that there was strong potential to adapt a similar green mortgage model within the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria under the National Housing Fund Scheme.
The plan, according to him, is to drive the supply and uptake of energy-efficient affordable homes under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme of the government.
He noted that the partnership forms part of the broader Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings and that a GIZ programme that supports energy-efficient improvements in the building sector.
According to him, Nigeria has now been identified as a key partner under the initiative and that the scheme aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to create sustainable, climate-resilient communities.
“It is essential to meet national climate goals and ensure a livable future for generations to come. Nigeria could benefit from international models like Mexico’s INFONAVIT, which successfully integrates green mortgages to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental sustainability,” he said.
The minister emphasised that as part of the collaboration, the ministry plans to embed energy-efficient standards in all housing projects.
“This includes ongoing initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme. I have already directed that all future housing designs incorporate green and climate-smart features. The ministry will also review the National Building Code, establish Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs, and upgrade the National Urban Renewal Programme to embed green infrastructure into slum redevelopment,” Dangiwa said,
GIK/APA