The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, expressed concern on Monday over the significant housing affordability crisis in Nigeria, stating that 80% of Nigerians cannot afford housing due to financial constraints.
This issue is a major contributor to the country’s housing deficit, Dangiwa noted during his keynote address at the inaugural Kaduna International Housing Exhibition held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Kaduna.
Dangiwa highlighted the critical need for affordability in addressing housing sustainability, pointing out that almost half of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million lives in poverty with weak purchasing power.
He stated, “In fact, of the 43 million households, over 85% have less than N1.1m purchasing power. Of this, 40% (about 17.2 million households) fall into the poverty income group and 47% (about 20.2 million) fall into the low-income group. On the whole, statistics reveal that Nigeria is a low-income country as it has only 13% of its population as middle class. The recent macro-economic challenges including inflation have made things worse.”
In response to this crisis, the minister announced that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, plans to establish a National Social Housing Funds (NSHF). This initiative aims to provide decent shelter for Nigerians with no income, low income, and those in vulnerable brackets.
“Some of these units will be delivered at no cost. We have developed the concept note that is undergoing review. Once concluded, we will present it to the Federal Executive Council for approval and legislation. Social housing is not only a necessity; it is also a security insurance for the rich and the poor. Because housing is capital intensive and the government has limited funds, we must find alternative collective avenues to help our brothers and sisters who are underprivileged. It is for our collective good,” Dangiwa explained.
He emphasized the importance of social cohesion, understanding, and peace, noting, “In this way, the underprivileged will know that we are one; that we are our brother’s keeper and that will help social cohesion, understanding, and peace. This is because home ownership gives individuals a sense of belonging and a stake in the community.”
The minister also commended the efforts of the Uba Sani-led government for its inclusive and pragmatic vision for housing delivery, which led to the organization of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit in Kaduna State in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He highlighted the state’s holistic approach, which includes partnerships with local and international investors.
“Qatar Charity in partnership with the Kaduna State Government is constructing Mass Housing for the Less Privileged and Kaduna Economic City, all in Millennium City, Kaduna. I recently performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the 3319 Hectares Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa New Extension Layout. This project is being executed through a public-private partnership. Nuru Suraj and Kaduna State Government are working together to develop 35,000 plots for our people,” Sani said.
The governor also noted the introduction of the Social Housing Scheme to provide affordable accommodation as a social service for low-income earners.
“Efficient design and construction methods, which are key indicators that drive the affordability target of the scheme, were employed.”
Abubakar Rabiu-Abubakar, Managing Director of the Kaduna State Development and Property Company, announced the launch of two social initiatives: ‘the Arewa Construction Academy and the KSDPC Housing Cooperative Society,’ aimed at demonstrating the state’s commitment to social investment, skill development, and addressing the housing needs of low and middle-income families.