Brigadier General Olufemi Olorunyomi of the Nigerian Army. And retired Master Warrant Officer Johnson Onu of the Nigerian Air Force have voiced their worries about the increasing number of people struggling to secure decent housing, particularly after retirement.

Speaking at a book launch in Abuja over the weekend, the two veterans urged military personnel and civil servants to plan for their housing needs before retirement. They warned that failing to do so could lead to homelessness or financial instability in their later years.

According to them, Nigeria’s large and rapidly growing population makes it nearly impossible for the government to provide housing for all citizens at once. While acknowledging the government’s efforts, they emphasized that the housing crisis remains a major challenge for both military and civilian populations. They called for continuity in housing policies, stating that inconsistent government initiatives often lead to abandoned projects and failed housing schemes.

Brigadier General Olorunyomi highlighted the increasing awareness of homeownership in Nigeria. He noted that more people now see housing as a crucial investment, pointing to the rapid rise of estates in Abuja and other cities.

However, he warned that waiting until retirement to secure a home is a risky approach. Many retirees struggle to afford decent housing due to limited financial resources. He advised active workers to start investing in real estate while still in service to ensure they have a stable home after retirement.

Retired Master Warrant Officer Johnson Onu shared his personal struggles with housing after serving in the Nigerian Air Force for 27 years. He admitted that he had not planned for his retirement home, which left him in a difficult situation after leaving active duty.

His pension was insufficient to build a house, forcing him to live in rented accommodation for seven years—a situation he described as extremely challenging. He urged workers, especially those in the military and civil service, to buy land and develop it gradually while still earning a stable income. He emphasized that this approach would make the transition into retirement smoother and prevent financial hardship.

While both men acknowledged the government’s role in promoting homeownership, they insisted that individuals must take primary responsibility for securing their housing. They encouraged workers to explore mortgage plans, cooperative societies, and other financing options to acquire property before retirement.

At the event, author Grace Garbson addressed another critical issue—the declining reading culture in Nigeria. She lamented that many Nigerians do not prioritize reading, which has contributed to a lack of knowledge about essential life planning, including housing and financial management. She referenced a popular saying: “If you want to hide wealth and knowledge from Africans, place it inside a book.” She urged individuals to embrace a reading culture, arguing that access to knowledge is key to making informed decisions about long-term planning, including homeownership.

As Nigeria grapples with an ever-growing housing deficit, the message from these retired military officers is clear: waiting until retirement to secure a home is a costly mistake. With proactive planning, consistent government policies, and a commitment to financial education, more Nigerians can achieve homeownership before leaving the workforce.

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