According to reports on DAILY POST, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has highlighted that the northern region of Nigeria bears the brunt of the country's housing deficit, which totals 17 million units.
Abbas made this observation at the closing ceremony of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable housing initiatives.
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Abdulmumini Jibril, Abbas stressed that the provision of housing is a fundamental right for all citizens.
He appealed to governments at all levels to prioritize and promote initiatives that ensure affordable housing for the homeless.
"Available 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," Abbas stated.
He underscored the importance of finding innovative and sustainable solutions to bridge the significant gap in shelter provision for the population.
The theme of the exhibition, “Kaduna Sustainable Housing Development: A Model for Northern Housing,” resonated deeply with the current challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly in the north.
Abbas noted that adequate housing is not only a basic human need but also a fundamental right that supports sustainable development and social cohesion.
He added that sustainable housing development involves creating communities that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and economically viable.
Abbas highlighted the historical significance of housing exhibitions, which date back to the late 19th century.
Initially organized by governments or real estate developers, these exhibitions showcased new housing projects, urban planning initiatives, and architectural innovations.
They served as platforms to demonstrate progress in housing development and inspire future advancements in the field.
The Speaker called for the formulation of 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 emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders, including private sector entities, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners, to foster innovative solutions to address housing needs effectively.
He highlighted that the event provides a unique opportunity for Nigerians to explore innovative solutions and foster collaboration among stakeholders within the housing sector and built environment.