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.

The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has attributed the recent collapse of a two-storey building at Saint Academy in Jos to the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices.

Samson Duna, Director General of NBRRI, made this disclosure during a news conference on Tuesday in Jos. The tragic incident, which occurred last Friday at approximately 8:30 a.m., took place at the Busa-Buji community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Housing TV Africa reports that the collapse led to the death of 22 individuals, while 132 others sustained severe injuries.

In response to the disaster, NBRRI constituted a committee to investigate the incident, headed by Professor Fredrick Job of the University of Jos. Duna revealed that the committee’s preliminary investigation indicated that the structure was already in a state of distress prior to its collapse.

READ ALSO: Why Nigeria still suffers poor quality roads — NHITE, NBRRI

“The committee discovered that the quantity of concrete used was questionable due to a lack of bond between the concrete and the steel reinforcement,” Duna stated. “Additionally, the slab reinforcement anchorage was inadequate, and the sizes of the foundation footings were smaller than the required 1200 mm x 1200 mm.”

The committee, approved by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, aims to uncover the causes of the collapse and identify those responsible for the structural defects.

READ ALSO: Building Collapse: Plateau Government To Demolish Structures That Fail Integrity Test

Based on interviews with eyewitnesses and experts, the committee’s preliminary report highlighted critical issues in construction practices that contributed to the building’s failure.

Duna assured the public that NBRRI is committed to ensuring accountability and will work tirelessly to bring those responsible for the collapse to justice. He emphasized that the findings of the committee would be crucial in preventing similar tragedies in the future.

The post Substandard Materials and Poor Construction Blamed for Jos School Building Collapse appeared first on Housing TV Africa.