Corruption in government approval processes is fuelling the rise of illegal housing projects across Nigeria, according to the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN). The group warned that the recent wave of demolitions of completed estates and houses amounts to economic waste, as the root causes of the problem remain unaddressed.
HDAN’s Executive Director, Festus Adebayo, accused authorities of negligence and complicity. He argued that corrupt officers within the approval system enabled many of the illegal structures that are later demolished. “Authorities allowed buildings to rise unchecked, only to demolish them after completion,” he said. “This behaviour is wasteful and must stop.”
Adebayo stressed that accountability should not end with developers alone. He called for the dismissal or sanction of corrupt officials who approved or ignored illegal developments, insisting that until such officers are punished, demolitions will remain a one-sided and ineffective exercise. The group also faulted professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) for their silence, saying urban planning institutions must speak up to defend their standards.
At the fifth edition of Big 5 Construct Nigeria, held in Lagos, experts also raised concerns about the growing challenges in the construction industry. Emeka Azuh, Technical Adviser at 7Fifteen Capital Limited, said escalating fuel costs and weak regulation are increasing project expenses and discouraging investment. He noted that while policies exist, the real issue is poor implementation. “Regulators must be empowered to enforce building standards effectively,” he said, adding that Nigerian professionals already meet and often exceed international standards, but the sector needs stronger institutional support.
From a design perspective, Patrick Ogunleye, an architect at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, urged greater attention to health in building design. He warned that poor ventilation, inadequate natural lighting, unsafe materials, and excessive noise compromise both physical and mental wellbeing. He identified substandard materials, poor planning, and weak maintenance culture as recurring mistakes that must be corrected to create healthier living spaces.
Meanwhile, Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President of DMG Events, described Big 5 Construct as Nigeria’s largest construction exhibition. She said the event, which hosted over 160 exhibitors from countries including Turkey, Italy, Germany, and China, provides a platform for innovation, partnerships, and solutions aligned with Nigeria’s long-term housing and infrastructure goals.
