Former Nigerian leader, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has called on African governments to make affordable housing a central part of their development plans.
At the 19th edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) held on Tuesday, the 29th of July, 2025, in Abuja, Gowon, who was represented by Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, ex-TETFund Executive Secretary, made this appeal.
The event, themed “Re-imagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy”, was convened by Festus Adebayo, CEO of AIHS.
Gowon described the housing deficit across Africa as a major challenge and highlighted the direct link between decent housing and improvements in health, education, and economic output.
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He said leaders must push for policies that support sustainable cities and promote inclusion.
He was quoted as saying that African governments must collaborate to ensure housing policies were not only effective but also equitable and inclusive.
He added that innovation, investment, and implementation were key to meeting the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing population.