Industry experts have urged the Nigerian government to prioritise the housing sector as a major driver of youth employment and economic growth.

Nigeria’s housing deficit is estimated at 20 million units, with the gap widening due to rapid population growth and urbanisation. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development says its “Renewed Hope” housing programme has already created over 252,000 jobs, showing the sector’s potential to generate mass employment if scaled.

According to construction professionals, each housing unit creates about 25 direct and indirect jobs from masons and plumbers to transporters and suppliers. Expanding affordable housing delivery could therefore employ millions of young Nigerians, while addressing the nation’s severe accommodation shortfall.

However, high building costs, limited mortgage access, and a shortage of skilled artisans continue to slow progress. Experts are calling for stronger public–private partnerships, vocational training, and local material production to cut costs and boost efficiency.

They also recommend a clear annual target – building at least 300,000 housing units yearly – backed by transparent monitoring of job creation and project delivery.

“If the government wants real, inclusive growth, housing is the place to start,” one industry executive said. “When you build homes, you build jobs.”

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