- Vice President Kashim Shettima urged African nations to adopt domestic strategies for sustainable housing.
- Minister of Housing, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, outlined plans for building materials hubs and housing reform task teams.
- The African International Housing Show focused on innovative financing strategies, land banking, and collaborative efforts.
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on African nations to adopt domestic strategies for sustainable housing. Speaking at the 18th African International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja, Shettima, represented by Minister of Housing and Urban Development Arc Ahmed Dangiwa, emphasised housing as a fundamental right. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector to address Nigeria’s housing gap.
Shettima stressed the need for Africa to implement ground-up housing strategies. He highlighted the continent’s financial constraints and unique housing needs. “Access to housing depends on individuals’ financial capabilities and the government’s ability to create an enabling environment,” he said.
The Vice President noted Africa’s dual challenge: inadequate housing supply and sub-standard conditions. Recent surveys indicate that 75% of Nigeria’s 42 million housing units fail to meet standards.
Minister Dangiwa outlined the government’s strategy since August 2023, focusing on a value-chain approach. He announced the creation of housing reform task teams to improve land governance, strengthen federal housing agencies, and increase affordable housing units.
Dangiwa also discussed plans to establish building materials manufacturing hubs across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to reduce construction costs. The government seeks partnerships for these hubs, inviting capable institutions to collaborate.
The Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme has commenced, aiming to deliver 50,000 housing units. The program targets all income brackets, offering options from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom duplexes. Officials have already broken ground for 6,612 homes in 13 locations.
Dangiwa emphasised sustainability, incorporating green design measures in the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme to ensure climate-smart developments. He invited investors to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s housing gap.
The AIHS, led by Festus Adebayo, featured exhibitions, forums, and networking opportunities for housing industry stakeholders. Themed “Financing the Housing We Need,” the event discussed strategies to overcome financial challenges in housing development.
Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, Chairman of Makarios: The Luxury Place, urged participants to adopt innovative financing strategies. He highlighted land banking as a viable funding source and shared his successful experiences in Lagos and Ogun States.
House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Abdulmumin Jubrin, identified gaps and regulatory deficiencies as barriers to reducing the housing deficit. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Victor Umeh, called for collaborative efforts to ensure housing as a fundamental right, emphasising the Senate’s commitment to inclusive housing policies.
The AIHS concluded with a call for reforms and partnerships to drive Africa’s housing sector forward and address current and future challenges.