The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Shehu Usman Osidi, has called for stronger policies and partnerships to empower women in the housing and construction sector, noting that their growing participation is vital to sustainable economic development.
Osidi made the call while delivering a keynote address at the maiden edition of the Africa Women in Housing and Construction Conference and Business Expo 2026 held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Work, Wealth and Worth: Redefining Work, Building Wealth and Elevating Worth,” FMBN MD/Chief Executive, who was represented by the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Jadesola Gbago, noted that redefining work means dismantling barriers that limit women’s access to opportunities in the built environment.
Osidi observed that Nigerian women have made significant strides in the workplace over the past decade, particularly through increased participation in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship and science-based professions.
“Across Nigeria, women architects, engineers, artisans, developers, policymakers, financiers and community leaders are meaningfully shaping our cities and rural communities,” he stated.
The Managing Director/CE further declared that “Many construction sites are now dotted with women not only working on site as artisans but playing the more central roles of on-site supervisors and technical professionals.”
Highlighting the growing influence of women in real estate, he said women are increasingly transitioning from passive investors to active developers and property managers, while more female-headed households are now making key housing and investment decisions.
He however noted that challenges such as gender discrimination, limited political representation and access to finance still hinder women’s full economic participation, but assured that collaborative financing models such as cooperative societies are helping women overcome barriers to homeownership.
Reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment, Osidi reasserted FMBN’s openness to collaboration and partnerships that expand access to affordable housing and mortgage financing for women.
“When women are valued, society prospers; when women lead, development becomes more sustainable and people-centred,” he said.
Osidi further commended the Convener of the Conference and Founder, Africa Women in Housing and Construction Network, Flora Anne, for creating a platform for amplifying the voices, value and visibility of women in Africa’s built environment.
Day 1 of the two-day conference, which focused on institutional power, policy, finance and access, drew participation from housing sector experts, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Muhammad Belgore; key female Directors of the Ministry; a representative of the President and Chairman of Council of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), HRM Oba Akintoye Adeoye; as well as representatives of Architects, Town Planners, Surveyors and other professionals across the built environment value chain.
FMBN was also represented by the Group Head, Strategy and Performance Management, Mr. Oladapo Fakeye, as well as the Zonal Manager, Abuja Zonal Office, represented by Mrs. Grace Enyeting and the Branch Manager, FCT 1, Mr. Danladi Garba who participated in the Finance Fireside Chat, a panel session focused on unlocking mortgage access for women and first-time homeowners.
The practical session provided a platform for the representatives to take participants through the steps of accessing a mortgage facility from the Bank.
The conference ended on Tuesday, 17th March, 2026 with a focus on ownership, structure, wealth and legacy.
