North Has Larger Share Of 17 Million Housing Deficit In Nigeria – Speaker Abbas Admits

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has pointed out that the Northern part of Nigeria is home to the largest portion of the country’s 17 million housing deficit.

During his remarks at the conclusion of the inaugural Kaduna International Housing Exhibition on Thursday, the Speaker emphasized that housing for every citizen is a basic right and issued a strong call to all levels of government to unite and support affordable housing efforts to address the issue of homelessness.

Abbas, who was represented by the House Committee on Housing and Housing Affairs Chairman, Abdulmumini Jibril, pointed out that the available statistics indicate a housing shortfall of 17 million units across urban areas, with Northern Nigeria bearing the brunt of this crisis.

He underscored the need for innovative and lasting solutions to bridge the significant gap in providing shelter for the populace, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to resolving the housing crisis.

The exhibition’s focus, ‘Kaduna Sustainable Housing Development: A Model for Northern Housing,’ strikes a chord with the current challenges faced by Nigerians, especially those in Northern Nigeria.

Abbas stressed that access to proper housing is not merely a basic necessity but a cornerstone of sustainable growth and community unity, arguing that sustainable housing development involves more than just erecting structures but also building communities that are eco-friendly, socially welcoming, and economically sustainable.

Abbas highlighted the historical significance of housing exhibitions, tracing their origins back to the late 19th century. Initially organized by governments or real estate developers, these exhibitions aimed to showcase new housing projects, urban planning initiatives, and architectural innovations.

He emphasized that these exhibitions play a crucial role in demonstrating progress in housing development and inspiring future advancements in the field.

Abbas stressed the importance of governments at all levels formulating policies to promote affordable housing initiatives, improve urban planning strategies, enhance infrastructure development, combat homelessness through social welfare programs, protect vulnerable populations from forced evictions, and ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all citizens.

He also underscored the necessity of collaboration with stakeholders, including private sector entities, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners, to foster innovative solutions to effectively address housing needs.

It is essential for all Nigerians to work together to ensure that every individual has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.

This, according to the House Speaker, requires a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on increasing the supply of affordable housing but also addresses issues such as property rights, building standards, infrastructure development, and urban planning.

On his part, the Chairman of the Board of Kaduna International Housing Exhibition Limited, Shamsudeen Yusuf, highlighted that the exhibition reflects collective efforts and commitment towards addressing the prevalent issue of housing deficit and challenges in Kaduna state and beyond.

He emphasized that it also offers Nigerians a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions and foster collaboration among stakeholders within the housing sector and built environment.