At the 18th Africa International Housing Show in Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa highlighted Nigeria’s significant housing deficit, which requires the construction of 550,000 housing units per annum over the next 10 years, amounting to about ₦5.5 trillion annually. The theme of the event was “Financing the House We Need,” aligning with the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.
Dangiwa acknowledged that while the government’s plan to deliver 50,000 units is ambitious given Nigeria’s history in housing stock development, it is still a small fraction of the required annual 550,000 units. He emphasized the need for public-private partnerships and collaborations with housing development finance institutions, investors, and partners to bridge this gap. A demand-driven approach has been adopted to avoid issues of abandoned or unsold buildings, and an online housing portal has been launched, which has already recorded over 28,000 applications.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Victor Umeh, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, reiterated the commitment of the 10th Assembly to ensure that every Nigerian has access to housing. Akpabio emphasized the importance of inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of Nigerians and expressed concern over the frequent building collapses in the country, urging professionals in the built environment to address this issue.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, stressed that adequate housing is crucial for addressing many of Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, social stability, job creation, health, education, economic productivity, cultural preservation, and civic participation. He advocated for comprehensive policies focusing on both housing demand and supply, including direct government funding, public-private partnerships, tax breaks, subsidies for developers, and improvements in land acquisition and administration.
Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, Chairman of Makarios: The Luxury Place, advised Nigerians to engage in land banking while being mindful of land laws and avoiding government-reserved lands. He called on the government to facilitate easier access to housing through mortgages.
Suleiman Zarma, Chairman of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), noted that the 2024 event was the 18th edition aimed at finding sustainable solutions to Africa’s housing challenges. He highlighted the exhibition of revolutionary products, materials, designs, and processes for housing provision, emphasizing the need for a renewed political will to combat the continent’s housing crisis amidst global economic and political challenges.