From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
In a strategic move to tackle Nigeria’s housing challenges, the Federal Government has announced the formation of a Joint Steering Committee tasked with evaluating the country’s housing deficit and identifying dilapidated structures. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive database on housing conditions, addressing both substandard and inadequate structures across the nation.
Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, led the inauguration of the committee, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate data. “Our lack of reliable, scientific data on housing is one of our most significant challenges,” Dangiwa stated. “Without this data, we cannot properly assess the scale of our housing problems, allocate necessary resources, or develop effective strategies for improvement”, he added.
The committee will focus on evaluating housing against international standards set by the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes assessing the habitability, safety, security, comfort, sanitation, accessibility, infrastructure, social amenities, and socio-cultural adequacy of residential properties.
Dangiwa highlighted the critical role that adequate housing plays in national development, noting that it serves as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
He pointed out that an efficient housing market is essential for a nation’s stability and prosperity.
He also acknowledged that while Nigeria faces significant housing deficits and the challenge of meeting the needs of a growing population, the lack of verified data has hindered effective planning and policy-making. “We have relied on speculative estimates for far too long,” he said. “This must change, and we are treating it as a national emergency.”
The newly formed Joint Steering Committee represents a collaborative effort among major stakeholders in the housing sector.