High construction costs, weak land administration systems and limited access to affordable financing are major factors slowing Nigeria’s housing supply, the Federal Government has said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, disclosed this on Wednesday at the 14th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development (NCLHUD) held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to Belgore, persistent land documentation challenges, rising prices of building materials, inadequate mortgage structures and skills gaps across the construction value chain continue to widen Nigeria’s housing deficit.
He explained that the separation of the Housing Ministry from the Ministry of Works was a deliberate policy decision aimed at repositioning the housing sector for improved focus, efficiency and impact.
Belgore reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policy harmonisation, institutional coordination, and stronger public-private partnerships as critical strategies for accelerating housing delivery and sustainable urban development nationwide.
“Achieving sustainable housing delivery requires sound policies, coordinated implementation across all tiers of government, and active private sector participation,” Belgore said.
He noted that the National Council serves as the highest statutory advisory body in the housing sector, providing a platform for aligning federal and state policies to address common challenges.
The permanent secretary also revealed that the ministry is supporting the establishment of local building materials manufacturing hubs to reduce construction costs, promote local content and create employment opportunities.
In his remarks, Kwara State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Segun Ogunsola, said managing rapid urbanisation amid population growth remains a key challenge for states.
Ogunsola assured that the Kwara State Government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to bridge housing gaps and strengthen urban planning frameworks.
