Housing deficit: North has 17 million housing deficit – Speaker Tajudeen

By Christiana Ekpa

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has observed that the North has the highest share of the 17 million housing deficit in the country.
The Speaker stated this while speaking at the closing of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition on Thursday saying that the provision of housing for all citizens is a fundamental right and appealed to governments at all levels to promote affordable housing initiatives to cater to the homeless.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Chairman House Committee on Housing and Habitant, Abdulmumini Jibril, remarked, “vailable data shows that Nigeria has a housing deficit of 17 million housing units in urban centres and Northern Nigeria has the largest share of this deficit.”
He noted that it makes it imperative for Nigerians to find innovative and sustainable means of closing the huge gap in the provision of shelter to the people.
The theme of this exhibition, “Kaduna Sustainable Housing Development: A Model for Northern Housing” resonates deeply with the challenges Nigerians are facing today, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The Speaker observed that the provision of adequate housing is not just a basic human need but a fundamental right that underpins sustainable development and social cohesion, adding that sustainable housing development is not just about constructing buildings but encompasses creating communities that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and economically viable.
Housing exhibitions of this nature, according to him, have a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century, saying that initially, the exhibitions were primarily organized by governments or real estate developers to showcase new housing projects, urban planning initiatives, and architectural innovations.
He stated that they served as platforms to demonstrate progress in housing development and to inspire future advancements in the field.
According to him, governments at all levels must formulate 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 further suggested that collaboration with stakeholders including private sector entities, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners is essential in fostering innovative solutions to address housing needs effectively.
The Speaker said that it is imperative that Nigerians work together to ensure that every individual has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing, stressing that it requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only increasing the supply of affordable housing but also addressing issues such as property rights, building standards, infrastructure development, and urban planning.
The Chairman Board of Kaduna International Housing Exhibition Limited, Shamsudeen Yusuf explained that the exhibition is testament to collective efforts and commitment towards addressing the prevalent issue of Housing deficit and challenges in Kaduna state and beyond.
He said it also provides Nigerians with a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions and foster collaboration among stakeholders within the Housing sector and built environment.