Minister Ata and a Russian official

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh

The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, is currently showcasing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda in Russia at the 2025 International Property Market Exhibition and Conference.

Russia is hosting over 40 participating countries and thousands of delegates, solidifying the Conference’s reputation as a top-tier event in the global real estate calendar.

Ata is in Kazan, Russia, to represent Nigeria at the Conference, a premier global platform for real estate, housing, and urban development, scheduled to hold from May 15 to 16, 2025.

The annual conference, is hosting in Kazan as part of the Russia–Islamic World: Kazan Forum.

Our Correspondent reports that the Conference is renowned for convening global policymakers, investors, urban planners, and housing experts to deliberate on sustainable urbanisation, investment in real estate, and innovative solutions to housing challenges.

Since its inception, the Conference has served as a bridge between Russia and OIC countries, offering a space for cross-border dialogue and investment collaboration.

This year’s theme: “Russia – Islamic – Kazan Forum”, emphasised fostering economic partnerships across the Islamic world—a context in which Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of the largest Muslim populations globally, plays a significant role.

Ata is billed to deliver a keynote address at the International Economic Forum, where he will spotlight President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme—a transformative initiative designed to address Nigeria’s inherited housing deficit, democratize homeownership, and stimulate economic inclusion through job creation and infrastructure development.

“This visit is a strategic move to position Nigeria’s housing sector as an attractive destination for global investment,” Ata stated before his departure to Russia.

He added that:  “We are showcasing a bold vision that aligns with international standards and aims to provide millions of Nigerians with access to safe, affordable housing.”

In addition to his keynote address,  Ata will engage in a high-level roundtable discussion with global investors, developers, and urban infrastructure experts, focusing on how international partnerships can unlock capital, innovation, and technical expertise for Nigeria’s housing sector.

According to him, as his first official foreign engagement since assuming office on November 3, 2024, “this milestone reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to elevating the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda to the global stage—building confidence among citizens and international stakeholders alike.

“Nigeria’s participation in this exhibition is a signal to the world that we are open for housing investment and ready to collaborate for mutual benefit.

“We are determined to attract partnerships that will not only deliver homes but also strengthen our economy and uplift millions of lives.

“By leveraging the platform in Kazan, Nigeria aims to: showcase its nationwide housing blueprint and public-private partnership frameworks; attract foreign direct investment into large-scale affordable housing projects.

“Exchange ideas with countries facing similar urban development challenges, and build confidence in President Tinubu’s housing reform as a cornerstone of national development.”

Our Correspondent reports that the 2025 International Property Market Exhibition and Conference is expected to host over 40 participating countries and thousands of delegates, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier event in the global real estate calendar.

A Statement by Seyi Olorunsola, a Media Aide to the Minister, indicated that: “Nigeria’s engagement at this level sends a clear message under the leadership of President Tinubu that housing is not just a domestic policy—it is a strategic international priority.

“The Renewed Hope Housing Agenda is no longer just a national vision; it is now an international commitment.”