As Nigeria marks World Habitat Day 2025, the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN), led by its President, ESV. Eno Obongha, has called on the Federal Government, state governments, and relevant authorities to take bold and coordinated steps toward addressing the challenges confronting the nation’s housing sector.

Delivering the State of the Nation’s Housing Address themed “Urban Crisis Response” in Abuja, Obongha described the situation as an unfolding urban emergency that has left millions of citizens struggling with unaffordable rents, the rapid expansion of informal settlements, and deteriorating living conditions in major cities.

“The global economic crisis, which has culminated in inflation and a high cost of living, has taken a toll on our urban centres, with many city dwellers facing severe financial challenges. The loss of jobs and rising unemployment among the youth have resulted in unstable incomes and the inability to pay rent,” he said.

Obongha further urged the Federal Government, state governments, and other relevant agencies to take swift, practical action to bridge the country’s housing deficit. He also emphasized the need for proper harmony and synchronization between state governments and the Renewed Hope Housing Agenda to elevate housing delivery nationwide.

“The Renewed Hope Housing Agenda needs to be properly harmonized and synchronized with state governments, using state housing corporations as agents of delivery to take the agenda to the next level. This will no doubt open up the economy and help drive our recovery by creating employment opportunities for our teeming unemployed youth. Our young people deserve a future free of uncertainty. We envision a new Nigeria where housing becomes the engine of economic growth and that dream is achievable if harmonization is well coordinated and executed.”

Addressing the recurring issues of building collapse, demolition, and illegal construction, Obongha underscored the importance of enforcing building regulations and securing proper approvals before any construction work begins to prevent disasters.

“Most of the buildings that collapse were constructed without approval. Some had fraudulent approvals, while others were built on flood plains. The Town and Country Planning Law specifies zoning for buildable and non-buildable areas, but many people, out of frustration, ignore these rules and later face demolition or flooding. Regulations must be strictly enforced,” he cautioned.

The AHCN, however, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for the ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, which has delivered more than 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT in just two years, a milestone the association noted surpasses the previous administration’s eight-year record of 3,500 units.

Obongha also praised the reforms at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), noting that both institutions have expanded single-digit mortgage schemes, attracted over ₦70 billion in private capital, and introduced new initiatives to enhance homeownership among Nigerians.

Concluding his address, the AHCN President called on the government to support ongoing housing initiatives through the provision of land banks, and to strengthen financial and institutional collaboration between the FMBN and the Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) in order to significantly reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit.

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Addressing attendees, Dangiwa underscored the government’s emphasis on policy frameworks benefiting lower-income groups, including the National Social Housing Fund, which provides affordable housing access to low-income Nigerians.

“The Federal Government is actively working to reduce the housing deficit, with current investments in housing and infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Program,” he noted, adding that phase one of the program targets 50,000 housing units across 14 states.

The event aligns with the United Nations-designated World Habitat Day, which promotes sustainable urban futures. This year’s theme, “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future and Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities,” emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in building resilient and climate-conscious cities.

Dangiwa highlighted the recent launch of a policy focused on integrating youth perspectives into urban planning, fostering inclusive and sustainable cities.

Further reinforcing climate resilience, Dangiwa mentioned a workshop on green building practices, conducted in collaboration with the World Bank, to incorporate eco-friendly designs into housing projects. He added that government policies are being developed to enhance urban regeneration, improve housing finance systems, and strengthen the National Urban Governance Framework.

Echoing the federal government’s commitment, Mr. Shehu Osidi, Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), assured that the bank would continue to provide affordable housing loans to young Nigerians, supporting both individuals and institutions dedicated to transforming urban centers across the nation.

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