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Concerns Arise as Informal Settlements Persist Decades After Independence in Sub-Saharan Africa

 
A prevailing issue in the Nigerian housing sector is the unsettling reality that nearly 70 percent of mid-low income individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa continue to reside in informal settlements, even after almost a century of independence. This significant demographic lacks access to affordable, quality housing, highlighting the pressing need for change in the housing landscape.
 
This apprehension was expressed by housing sector operators following a four-day conference at the Africa International Housing Show in Abuja. The operators' collective Declaration emphasizes their dedication to ensuring affordable housing accessibility for all Africans.
 
The 17th edition of the annual housing show attracted professionals and stakeholders from both public and private sectors in 32 African countries. The lack of data emerged as another alarming concern, hindering the housing sector's development. This data deficiency obstructs investment opportunities and impairs the efficiency of Africa's housing market.
 
Festus Adebayo, CEO of the Africa International Housing Show, stressed the need for progress beyond discussions, underlining the limited advancements in terms of actual home construction and acquisition via formal sectors. Adebayo also highlighted the lack of awareness regarding eco-friendly housing practices, crucial given the escalating impact of climate change, especially on low and medium-income households.
 
The operators' recommendations encompass several key points. They urged the Nigerian federal government to embrace the National Housing Strategy launched in May 2023 and oversee a clear implementation plan via a Presidential Delivery Unit, involving state governments and relevant agencies such as the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Additionally, the stakeholders called for collaborative efforts to establish a dependable housing database. Entities like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mortgage Bankers Association of Nigeria (MBAN), Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and Nigeria Population Commission (NPC) should collectively manage this housing database, headed by NMRC.
 
In terms of construction practices, the operators advocated for sustainable and environmentally-friendly approaches. They urged both public and private sector developers to commit to net-zero targets in new housing projects.
 
Furthermore, the operators directed their attention to President Bola Tinubu, urging a conducive environment for local construction material manufacturing. They assert that the success of this endeavor is pivotal to achieving his administration's pledge of improving affordable housing accessibility.
 
Source: TheGuadian 

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