The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Africa’s leading housing advocacy organisation, has criticised the persistent poor performance of Nigeria’s mortgage sector, warning that millions of Nigerians remain unable to access affordable homeownership.

The organisation, HDAN raised the concern during the Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria (MBAN) Mortgage Finance Roundtable held recently in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, lamented the sector’s inability to support Nigerians who need mortgage financing the most. He said the system has not met the desired expectations over the years despite many years of consistent advocacy.

According to him, “Nigeria’s mortgage sector is not delivering for the people who genuinely need it. Too many Nigerians are shut out because the system is not structured to support affordability or accessibility.”

He noted that even those who qualify for mortgage loans face interest rates ranging between 18 and 30 percent, a burden that consumes nearly half of a family’s monthly earnings and makes homeownership unrealistic for most.

He added that the challenges extend far beyond high interest rates. Land titling remains deeply entangled in bureaucracy, slowing down housing transactions and discouraging investors.

Foreclosure laws, he said, are unreliable and slow, making long-term lending unattractive to mortgage banks because they cannot recover their investments easily if borrowers default.

Adebayo stressed that addressing these issues requires more than public declarations. He said the government must rebuild critical pillars of the housing finance system by strengthening the federal mortgage bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and ensuring that long-term capital is available to support lower-interest mortgage products.

He also highlighted the importance of government-backed initiatives such as the Family Homes Fund and MREIF ,which, if properly supported, could significantly expand affordable housing for Nigerians.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s macroeconomic instability, driven by high inflation and a volatile currency, makes mortgage pricing unpredictable and discourages banks from offering long-term loans.

He explained that the country urgently needs de-risking tools such as mortgage insurance and government guarantees to restore confidence in mortgage lending.

Discussing affordability, Adebayo noted that even households earning around ₦500,000 monthly continue to struggle with mortgage repayment. He said this reality forces many Nigerians to resort to self-financing and incremental construction, rent-to-own schemes, and cooperative housing contributions.

He added that the country must begin to adopt more flexible homeownership models used globally, including shared-equity systems, income-linked repayment plans, and hybrid rental–ownership arrangements, if it hopes to close the affordability gap.

Looking ahead, Adebayo outlined several steps required to reposition the mortgage sector for improved performance. He said the country must expand refinancing opportunities and long-term capital sources, stabilise the economy, digitise land administration systems, attract private and institutional investment, and create flexible mortgage products tailored to informal workers and young people.

According to him, these reforms are essential if the mortgage industry is to support sustainable homeownership and contribute meaningfully to reducing Nigeria’s housing deficit

The post HDAN Decries Poor Performance of Nigeria’s Mortgage Sector, Calls for Recapitalisation and Mortgage Guarantees appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The event themed “Re-imagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy,” marked the beginning of four days of global exhibitions and high-level conversations aimed at transforming Africa’s housing landscape.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, declared the event open and outlined the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda, which he described as a three-tier initiative designed to provide large-scale urban housing, mid-density estates, and deeply affordable social housing across the country.

“We are determined to change the narrative of housing in Nigeria. Through our Renewed Hope Cities, Estates and Social Housing programmes, we will deliver affordable homes and unlock access to long-term mortgages through the new MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund,” Dangiwa said.

Adding prestige to the occasion, the Special Guest of Honour and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who was represented by Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, described the Africa International Housing Show as “a wonderful showcase for innovation and partnership,” and called for housing to be prioritized as a pillar of economic growth, health, and education.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State was represented by his Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, TPL Mohammed Inuwa, while Sokoto State Governor Dr. Aliyu Sokoto was represented by his Deputy, Mohammed Kabiru, who said that “the housing sector is a business where gold and diamonds are mined, if you want to get rich, join housing development, not politics. If you want peace of mind, join housing, not politics.”

Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of AIHS 2025, Mr. Fola Adeola, who was represented by Mohammed Garuba, co-founder of CardinalStone Partners Limited, highlighted Africa’s staggering 50 million housing deficit, noting that more than half of this shortfall is in Nigeria. He emphasized that solving Nigeria’s housing challenges requires viewing real estate as a viable investment option rather than merely a social responsibility. He warned that, given the global housing trends exacerbated by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many young people aged 30 to 35 may be forced to rent homes for much longer than usual due to their inability to afford the high down payments required to purchase available houses, a situation worsened by prolonged periods of low housing production.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chair of the AIHS Advisory Board, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma who is also a former minister of environment, reaffirmed the show’s commitment to reimagining housing solutions and thanked participants for their support.

Surv. Suleiman described AIHS, co-hosted by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, as a vital platform for the built industry and stressed the urgency of collaboration, scalable solutions, and innovations such as 3D housing development while calling for legislative reforms, stronger partnerships, and relationship-building among stakeholders to address the housing crisis and unlock new opportunities.

Parliamentary delegations from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa joined the ceremony, underlining the pan-African stature of AIHS, while international agencies including UN-Habitat also attended. UN representatives reminded participants that 2.8 billion people globally lack access to safe and affordable housing, with Africa disproportionately affected. “The housing crisis is not just about shelter, it is about human rights, economic inclusion and climate resilience,” they stressed, urging African governments to rethink land use laws, housing finance structures and urban planning.

Honourable Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee on Works and Housing commended the Coordinator of AIHS, Festus Adebayo for his consistency and described the show as key to driving investment into Africa’s housing and construction sector.

Also speaking was Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to tackle the root causes of unaffordable housing by strengthening local production of building materials. He added that the housing sector must be adequately funded to drive down construction costs and make homes accessible to more citizens.

Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the National Bureau of Statistics, highlighted the economic potential of housing, revealing that real estate and construction now contribute 15.9 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, surpassing crude oil. “Housing is not just about shelter, it is an engine for jobs, industrial growth and urban productivity,” he said.

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) Managing Director, Shehu Usman Osidi, announced new financing products including a Non-Interest Mortgage Loan, Diaspora NHF Mortgage Loan, Rent Assistance Product and Rent-to-Own Scheme, which he said would “bridge the affordability gap and cater to diverse income levels and ethical banking preferences.”

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms Committee, spoke on tax reforms needed to unlock housing sector growth. “The housing sector is the new gold,” he said, announcing incentives such as VAT and stamp duty exemptions on rent, tax holidays for building material manufacturers and reduced withholding tax on construction.

He called for urgent land reforms, describing Nigeria’s land titling process as “a nightmare full of fraud, bureaucracy and delays,” and urged simplification and transparency to attract investment.

International experts from Egypt, Rwanda and Hong Kong shared best practices on public-private partnerships, affordable housing delivery and climate-resilient construction. Mrs. May Abdel Hamid of Egypt’s Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund explained how her country had delivered over 650,000 homes since 2014, resettling three million people.

“Housing for all requires government commitment, private sector participation, data-driven targeting and access to jobs and services,” she said.

As goodwill messages poured in, stakeholders agreed that Africa must invest in housing-specific data, institutional reforms and infrastructure to unlock affordable housing at scale.

“We cannot build sustainable cities without tackling land reform and improving access to finance,” one delegate noted.

Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, through his representative, also urged participants to see housing as a catalyst for Africa’s future. “Our collective efforts have the power to create lasting change,” he said.

In attendance were the crème de la crème of the built industry, including the Chairman of the AIHS Board of Trustees, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, represented by an entourage led by High Chiefs; past and present ministers; parliamentarians, commissioners from various states; representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Prof Ada Fung, Former Deputy Director of Housing, Hong Kong Housing Authority; Alassane Ba, Former Managing Director/CEO, Shelter Afrique; presidents of REDAN and other leading professional associations.

Their presence, alongside other industry leaders, underscored AIHS 2025 as a truly national and international gathering of housing and construction heavyweights.

The four-day event will feature exhibitions from over 400 leading brands, panel sessions on innovation, financing and sustainability, and opportunities for delegates to forge strategic partnerships.

The event was declared open with a call for unity of purpose: “AIHS is more than a conference, it is a movement that will shape the future of housing in Africa for generations to come.”

By Prince Folorunsho Adegoke
News Editor at Housing TV Africa.

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In a strategic move that highlights the growing regional collaboration on housing and infrastructure, Honourable Vincent Oppong Asamoah, Chairman of Ghana’s Parliamentary Committee on Works and Housing, led a delegation of lawmakers to Nigeria, affirming Ghana’s commitment to learning, networking, and striking business partnerships at Africa’s largest housing and construction platform.

Accompanying the chairman are Hon. Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, Vice Chairman of the Committee; Hon. Martin K. Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Ranking Member; Hon. Emelia Ankomah, Member; and Mr. Ephraim Amu, the Committee Clerk.

Speaking during a facility inspection tour at the venue Transcorp Hilton, Hon. Asamoah said the Ghanaian delegation was invited by Adebayo and was impressed by the scale of preparations so far.

“There’s a lot to learn from this exhibition,” he stated. “So, we accepted the invitation, and what we’ve seen so far gives a clear testimony that something big is about to happen. Starting from Tuesday, we’ll be part of the opening ceremony and all the exhibitions.”

The Ghanaian legislators expressed keen interest in meeting Nigeria’s business community, noting that they are not just in Nigeria for observation, but also to actively engage in deal-making and business development that could benefit both countries.

“In spite of the fact that we are leading a delegation from Ghana’s Parliament, we are also here to do business,” Hon. Asamoah emphasized.

Festus Adebayo, who welcomed the delegation to Nigeria, hailed the visit as a landmark moment in AIHS history.

“This is a testimony that AIHS is not just a Nigerian event, it is truly continental. Having the Parliament of Ghana with us this year elevates our platform and signals strong regional interest in housing and infrastructure collaboration, cross-border investment, and policy exchange,” he said.

The presence of Ghana’s lawmakers is expected to spark new investment discussions and multi-country partnerships during the Show, which has earned a reputation over the years for connecting developers, investors, and policymakers across Africa and beyond.

Adebayo also reiterated that this year’s edition is set to feature transformational sessions on housing finance, green housing and sustainability, construction technology, diaspora collaboration, investment, alternative building materials and methods, and policy development, with participants from over 21 countries already confirmed.

“We are set to witness one of the most impactful editions of AIHS ever,” Adebayo noted. “The conversations and deals that will happen this week will shape the future of housing on the continent.”

The 19th AIHS officially begins Tuesday, July 29, 2025, and will run through the week in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria.

By: Prince Folorunsho Adegoke
News Editor at Housing TV Africa.

The post AIHS Convener Welcomes Ghana Parliament, Says Huge Business Deals Will Be Sealed at 19th Edition appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has commended the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for his commitment to inclusive housing, especially his recent pledge to support Nigerian journalists through the Journalist Village housing initiative.

Executive Director of HDAN, Festus Adebayo, praised the minister’s proactive engagement with media professionals, describing it as a bold and commendable step toward equitable access to housing.

Adebayo made this known in a statement issued in Abuja today, following the minister’s reception of the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

During the courtesy visit led by NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Grace Ike, the minister assured the union of the ministry’s readiness to integrate journalists into the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda of the current administration.

Dangiwa stated that the government recognizes the media’s indispensable role in national development and will ensure journalists are included in housing projects through cooperative schemes under the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

“We recognize the role journalists play in nation-building. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring they benefit from our housing programs, including the Journalist Village project through cooperative housing,” said Arc. Dangiwa.

In her remarks, Grace Ike expressed appreciation to the minister for his achievements in actively leading the construction of over 50,000 new homes, describing it as a major confidence booster for the dream of affordable housing in Nigeria.

She also made a passionate appeal for the completion of the NUJ Pentagon building and the construction of a multipurpose hall to accommodate over 2,000 journalists in the FCT.

Ike emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between the ministry and media professionals, noting that journalists deserve a sense of inclusion in national development initiatives.

HDAN’s Executive Director further encouraged other stakeholders in the housing sector to emulate the minister’s inclusive approach, reiterating that affordable housing should be accessible to all, including media workers who play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and holding the government accountable.

The meeting marks a significant step in the federal government’s effort to align its housing programs with the needs of professional groups and underserved communities, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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You are more than a professional; you are a great father, a builder of people and dreams, a voice for the voiceless, and a bridge between the government, private sector, and the common man. Your unwavering commitment to affordable housing, your deep sense of responsibility, and your ability to stay consistent through decades have set you apart as a leader par excellence.

As I honor your new age, I raise my voice in gratitude for your impact, and in prayer for strength, good health, more wisdom, and even greater exploits. Daddy, may your days be long, your legacy stronger, and your dreams for housing justice fulfilled. Happy birthday, Sir, the world is better because of your light.

The post Happy Birthday to a Trailblazer, Visionary, and True Champion of Affordable Housing – My Daddy, Mr. Festus Adebayo! appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

With a legacy of promoting innovation and inclusivity, AIHS is once again shining a spotlight on the women who are shaping the future of the industry, overcoming challenges, driving change, and paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable housing sector.

Women have long played a crucial role in the real estate, construction, and housing development landscape. However, despite their undeniable contributions, gender disparities persist in leadership roles, access to funding, and career advancement opportunities.

AIHS acknowledges these challenges and continues to advocate for policies and interventions that will foster greater female participation in the sector.

“Creating an enabling environment for women is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of progress,” said Festus Adebayo, Convener of the Africa International Housing Show.

“Women bring unique perspectives, resilience, and expertise that are essential for the growth of the housing sector. AIHS remains committed to ensuring that female voices are heard, their impact is recognized, and their influence continues to shape policies and innovations that will define the future of affordable housing and construction,” he added.

At AIHS, women are not just participants, they are changemakers. Through expert panels, keynote discussions, and leadership forums, AIHS provides a platform for female real estate developers, architects, engineers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to share insights, exchange ideas, and inspire the next generation of female professionals.

The event also underscores the need for government and private sector collaboration to break down barriers preventing women from excelling in the housing industry. From financing solutions to capacity-building programs, AIHS continues to champion initiatives that will equip women with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

As AIHS prepares for its 19th edition in 2025, the commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment remains a top priority. The upcoming expo will feature leading female voices in real estate, affordable housing, building materials, and urban development, ensuring diverse representation and inclusivity in industry conversations.

Join AIHS in celebrating the remarkable achievements of women in housing and construction. Be part of the movement shaping the future of the industry from July 27 – August 1, 2025 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Register now: www.africahousingshow.com/aihs-2025.

Together, we build a future where women thrive, lead, and transform the housing sector for generations to come!

The post Accelerated Action: AIHS Celebrates, Honors Women Leading Housing and Construction on IWD 2025 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The senator, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and a member of the Senate Committee on Housing, made this declaration when Festus Adebayo, The founder of Housing tv Africa—First Housing Television on Startimes paid him a courtesy visit in his National Assembly office in Abuja.

Senator Izunaso stressed the importance of housing as a fundamental human need, noting its critical role in the productivity and well-being of citizens.

“Housing is one of the cardinal things of life. If you don’t have a roof over your head, your productivity will be low, and you might even fall ill. Housing is something that everybody should be involved in promoting, especially affordable housing delivery for our people,” he stated passionately.

The senator expressed dissatisfaction with the current budgetary allocation for housing in the 2025 appropriation, describing it as insufficient to address the housing deficit. He highlighted the significant reduction in funding for the Renewing Hope Housing Development Project, which he had championed in earlier budget cycles.

“In 2023, the supplementary budget allocated 100 billion for this project. In 2024, it was reduced to 90 billion. Shockingly, in 2025, only 37 billion has been allocated, and only a fraction of that is dedicated to the Renewing Hope Housing Project,” Izunaso lamented.

To address the shortfall, Senator Izunaso called on the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to “think outside the box” by leveraging private-public partnerships (PPPs) and attracting resources from private sector players, international financiers, and other stakeholders.

“The ministry cannot rely solely on budgetary allocations. We must create an enabling environment for private developers and attract international organizations willing to invest in affordable housing. This is crucial to bridging the funding gap and ensuring the delivery of at least 20,000 housing units annually,” he explained.

The senator also criticized outdated housing laws, including the Federal Mortgage Bank Act, Federal Housing Authority Act, and the National Housing Fund Act, describing them as obsolete and incapable of addressing current challenges. “These laws can no longer stand the test of time. They need to be repealed and reenacted. I am committed to leading the legislative push for these reforms to establish a modern housing framework,” he declared.

Izunaso underscored the need for a robust mortgage system to make homeownership accessible to Nigerians, emphasizing long-term payment plans.

“Housing delivery must be mortgage-backed, as is the practice worldwide. Nigerians should be able to own homes and pay over 30 years through a proper mortgage system. Anything less is unsustainable,” he argued.

As part of his recommendations, Izunaso called for a review of the National Housing Policy and advocated for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to intervene in the housing sector as it does in agriculture.

“We can declare a housing crisis in Nigeria and involve the CBN as an intervention agency. Interest rates from commercial banks are too high, making housing unaffordable for most Nigerians. We must find creative solutions to these challenges,” he added.

Festus Adebayo commended the senator’s proactive approach and commitment to housing reforms, urging other lawmakers to prioritize affordable housing. Festus Adebayo, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Pioneer Housing Civil Society on Housing (HDAN), pledged its continued support in mobilizing stakeholders and advocating for increased government attention to the sector. He said the distinguished senator is the most housing-friendly senator in Nigeria today. I have records of his achievements as chairman of of the House Committee on Housing some years ago, Adebayo said.

Senator Izunaso reiterated his dedication to championing legislative and policy reforms that will make housing more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians, stating, “The journey to affordable housing is challenging, but with the right strategies, commitment, and partnerships, we can achieve it.”

HDAN, which boasts a membership of over 5,000 professionals across the housing and construction industry, has consistently championed innovative solutions to Nigeria’s housing challenges. The organization’s efforts range from advocating for housing reforms to organizing platforms that foster collaboration between stakeholders.

The post Senator Osita Izunaso, HDAN Vow to Lead Legislative Reforms for Affordable Housing in Nigeria appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

This alarming figure underscores the growing struggle of a nation where the population has surged to 220 million, with an annual growth rate of 2.5%. As urbanization accelerates, the United Nations has sounded the alarm: by 2030, 60% of Nigerians could find themselves crammed into cities, adding immense strain to an already burdened housing sector.

Across the country, vast estates stand eerily empty, their high prices making them inaccessible to the average citizen. Meanwhile, abandoned housing projects dot the landscape, grim reminders of promises unfulfilled by both the government and private developers. Real estate experts estimate that bridging this housing gap will require nothing short of a miracle—N5 trillion annually to build 2.7 million homes every year for the next decade.

At the recent Africa International Housing Show in Abuja, stakeholders painted a sobering picture. They revealed that the housing shortfall, which requires at least 550,000 new units annually, could grow even more dire without urgent intervention. For investors, this challenge also presents a golden opportunity—a N5.5 trillion market waiting to be tapped. But the stakes are high, and the clock is ticking.

Nuel Osilama, Vice President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) for North Central, provided a stark assessment. He argued that if the country is to bridge this gap within a decade, each state must commit to producing a minimum of 56,000 housing units annually. While this vision seems ambitious, Osilama insists it’s achievable if state governments create the right environment and embrace forward-thinking strategies.

Yet, the realities on the ground tell a different story. The value of the Naira has plummeted, driving up the cost of construction materials, most of which are imported. Projects that were initially budgeted at N1 billion now require more than double that amount to complete. This economic volatility has left countless housing projects abandoned. Osilama advocates for government intervention, urging support for local manufacturing of building materials and innovations from bodies like the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NIBRI). Without such support, he warns, Nigeria’s housing sector may remain trapped in a cycle of stagnation.

Adding to the complexity is the paradox of empty luxury homes amid a sea of homelessness. These high-end properties, often built as investments or status symbols, are far beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. Festus Adebayo, an advocate for affordable housing, laments that developers are building for those who already own multiple homes, leaving the real needs of the population unmet. He highlights the high vacancy rates in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, where abandoned estates have become a common sight.

Government efforts to address the crisis, though commendable, fall woefully short. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, announced plans to deliver 50,000 housing units, but this barely scratches the surface compared to the 550,000 units needed annually. While initiatives like the Online Housing Portal and the proposed National Social Housing Fund offer hope, their impact remains to be seen.

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, speaking at the same housing show, emphasized the need for innovative financing solutions. Citing the World Bank’s recommendation for Nigeria to build 700,000 units annually over 20 years, he pointed out that achieving this goal would require a staggering N59 trillion investment. Ashimolowo, a seasoned real estate investor, stressed that housing is a “financing game,” with developers needing capital to build and buyers requiring affordable mortgage options.

Insecurity further compounds the problem, particularly in states like Imo, where kidnappings and violence deter investors and developers. Estates that once promised modern living now lie abandoned, overtaken by weeds and serving as hideouts for criminals. Developers plead for improved security and better infrastructure to encourage investment in rural areas, which could help ease the pressure on urban centers.

The story of Nigeria’s housing crisis is not new, but its urgency has never been greater. From abandoned estates in Imo to the dilapidated Shagari Housing Estate in Ondo, the evidence is clear: the nation must act swiftly and decisively. Whether through public-private partnerships, innovative financing, or policy reforms, the time for bold action is now. For millions of Nigerians, a safe and affordable home remains not just a dream but a fundamental human right—one that the country cannot afford to ignore any longer.

The post Nigeria’s Housing Crisis: A 21-Million-Unit Deficit That Demands Urgent Action appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, under the leadership of Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the ministry recorded remarkable milestones that addressed housing deficits, enhanced urban development, and promoted economic growth.

In January, the ministry inaugurated four Reform Task Teams focusing on strengthening housing institutions, streamlining land administration, fostering multi-agency collaboration, and establishing building materials manufacturing hubs across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. These teams have produced actionable reports that guide ongoing reforms, marking a significant departure from past administrations’ unimplemented recommendations.

February saw the launch of the Nationwide Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme at the Karsana District in the Federal Capital Territory led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa. This ambitious initiative, aiming to construct 50,000 housing units in its first phase, leveraged various funding sources, including budgetary allocations, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, and Public-Private Partnerships. Tangible progress has already been made in several states, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering affordable housing.

In May, the ministry inaugurated the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) governing council, led by Arc. Dipo Ajayi, to tackle issues such as building collapses and professional accountability. Similarly, in July, the ministry hosted a UK delegation during the Africa International Housing Show to discuss boosting housing investments, showcasing Nigeria’s openness to international partnerships.

In July, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Dangiwa, engaged in a series of key activities:

International Collaboration: He hosted the UK Delegation who came for the 18th Africa International Housing Show, the largest housing event in Africa, fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange. He also attended a dinner hosted by the UK Ambassador to Nigeria for the delegation to further strengthen bilateral relations.

Domestic Policy Focus: The Minister received the progress reports from housing sector reform task teams which he established, demonstrating his commitment to addressing critical issues within the housing sector.

These activities highlight the Minister’s dedication to advancing the housing sector through international collaboration, policy review, and strategic engagement with global stakeholders.

By August, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of the National Housing Data Steering Committee. Speaking at the event, Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa emphasized that fixing Nigeria’s housing data problem is a top priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The 13-member committee was tasked with establishing a framework for a National Housing Data Centre (NHDC), improving data gathering and distribution, and setting up a mortgage exchange. This initiative aims to provide credible and verifiable data to support the housing market and foster economic development.

In September, the ministry announced a groundbreaking partnership with the World Bank to address Nigeria’s unregistered and untitled lands, unlocking an estimated $300 billion in dormant capital. This collaboration includes a National Land Registration and Titling Programme in partnership with state governments, aimed at boosting economic opportunities and enhancing real estate investments.

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development also made significant strides in resolving land disputes with the Lagos State Government. A tripartite committee was established to address issues surrounding land administration, including disputes over the former Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi.

Additionally, the ministry took proactive steps to combat quackery in the building industry with the establishment of the Builders’ Disciplinary Tribunal and reinforced its commitment to disability-friendly housing by implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. This included structural adjustments like ramps and elevators in ministry buildings to ensure accessibility.

Another achievement of the Minister was global engagement with his participation in the World Urban Forum, utilizing this platform to meet with the Executive Secretary of UN Habitat and actively pursue investment opportunities for the Nigerian housing industry.

Other key achievements included the allocation of completed houses under the National Housing Programme, partnerships with Shelter Afrique to deliver 5,000 housing units, and collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) to end building collapses.

These accomplishments reflect the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s unwavering commitment to tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit, promoting sustainable urban development, and fostering economic resilience.

Under the leadership of Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the ministry has set a benchmark for excellence in addressing critical national housing and urban development challenges.

The post 2024: Landmark Achievements of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The WUF12 opening ceremony marked the start of a week of events co-led by UN-Habitat and its partners.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Anáclaudia Rossbach and Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, delivered remarks at the ceremony, encouraging participants to take back insights and solutions to their communities.

Together, they announced the official opening of the five-day Forum, which will bring local and global perspectives on sustainable urban development.

Ahead of the official opening, five Assemblies convened to spotlight the perspectives of key stakeholder groups: grassroots organizations, children and youth, local and regional governments, women, and business and foundations. These assemblies gathered diverse voices to shape solutions for urban challenges, ensuring that the policies discussed at WUF12 represent the needs of people from all backgrounds.

Speaking for the Women’s Assembly, Kalpana Viswanath, CEO of Safetipin, reflected on how the WUF theme resonates with women. She emphasized that home is where resilience starts, noting that safe, inclusive homes foster well-being and build stronger, more equitable communities.

Ann Wanjiru Mbuthia, Coordinator of Mathare Legal Aid, who spoke on behalf of the Grassroots Assembly, highlighted the essential role of grassroots women as first responders within their communities. She discussed the importance of housing security, saying: “Housing is more than just a roof.” She explained that addressing housing will also address the issues of provision of basic services, livelihoods, climate change, adaptation, and building resilient communities.

Representing the Business and Foundations Assembly, Nasra Nanda, CEO of the Kenya Green Building Society, underscored the private sector’s power to catalyse sustainable urban change. She encouraged business leaders to support governments in creating long-term solutions, noting that “private-sector investment is essential for helping cities thrive.”

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