80% of Nigerians Cannot Afford Housing, Minister Reveals

On Monday, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, revealed that 80% of Nigerians face significant financial barriers to affording housing, a key factor contributing to the country’s housing deficit.

Speaking at the inaugural Kaduna International Housing Exhibition, held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna, Dangiwa highlighted the critical issue of affordability as central to delivering sustainable housing solutions. He pointed out that nearly half of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people live in poverty, severely limiting their purchasing power.

“In fact, of the 43 million households, over 85% have less than N1.1 million purchasing power,” Dangiwa stated. “Of this, 40% (about 17.2 million households) fall into the poverty income group, and 47% (about 20.2 million) fall into the low-income group.”

To address this crisis, the Tinubu administration plans to establish a National Social Housing Fund (NSHF), pulling resources from the government, philanthropic organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to provide housing for those with no income, low income, and vulnerable groups.

“Some of these units will be delivered at no cost. We have developed the concept note that is undergoing review. Once concluded we will present it to the Federal Executive Council for approval and legislation,” Dangiwa added. He emphasized that social housing is not only necessary but also a security measure that fosters social cohesion and peace.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, echoed these sentiments, stressing that affordable housing is a key priority of his administration. He mentioned ongoing projects in partnership with local and international investors, such as the Qatar Charity’s mass housing initiative and the Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa New Extension Layout, which aims to develop 35,000 plots.

Additionally, Abubakar Rabiu-Abubakar, Managing Director of Kaduna State Development and Property Company (KSDPC), announced initiatives like the Arewa Construction Academy and the KSDPC Housing Cooperative Society to boost social investment and skill development. He also detailed future projects, including an ultramodern mechanics village, a private university, and a 5-star hospital, all aimed at facilitating the construction of 2,000 housing units in Kaduna over the next five years.

“This exhibition is a testament to our efforts to transform aspirations into tangible results, ensuring that Kaduna State remains a beacon of progress and opportunity for all its residents,” Rabiu-Abubakar concluded.