Health Physicians Unveil Secretariat, Housing Project In Abuja

The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) has unveiled plans for the construction of its national secretariat and a housing estate for members, as part of activities marking World Health Day.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday in Karshi, FCT-Abuja was conducted in partnership with Solap Group, the project developer. The association described the initiative as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening public health practice and improving members’ welfare.

Speaking at the event, APHPN President, Terfa Kene, said the estate project reflects the association’s commitment to enhancing the well-being and cohesion of its members.

“As we break this ground today, we are not merely commencing construction; we are building a legacy, strengthening our association, and securing the future of public health in our country,” he said.

Kene explained that the estate is structured to have 70 per cent ownership for members and 30 per cent for non-members, a model he said would promote access to healthcare professionals within the community.

He commended development partners, including Akosu Paul, as well as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and members of the association for their support, while calling on stakeholders and philanthropists to further support public health initiatives.

The groundbreaking was performed by Chief Mike Ejiogu, Chief Executive Officer of CityGate Group who lauded the collaboration between the association and the developer, noting that housing development involves complex processes such as land acquisition, design, regulatory approvals and financing.

He said, “I understand how challenging it is to deliver housing projects, especially in securing approvals and funding. It is not an easy task.”

Ejiogu noted that the project’s funding structure comprising support from mortgage institutions, financial institutions and contributions from association members provides a solid foundation for successful delivery.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Solap Group, Akosu Paul, said the initiative would contribute to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at over 20 million units.

“For an association of medical doctors to come together with the aim of making housing accessible to its members is highly commendable,” he said.

He disclosed that the project is expected to deliver about 200 housing units within a two-and-a-half-year timeframe, primarily for medical professionals, with a limited allocation for other subscribers.

Akosu called for increased government support, particularly for low-income earners who may face challenges accessing housing loans, and emphasised the need for policy stability to manage rising construction costs.

“What developers need is an enabling environment. Rising costs can affect affordability, which is the core objective of projects like this,” he said.

He added that sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors remains essential to expanding access to affordable housing and improving living standards across the country.