Towards developing a holistic and encompassing blueprint in the delivery of affordable housing to the teeming Nigerian population, the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has engaged in dialogue with relevant and critical stakeholders in the housing industry in a 2-day Summit aimed at profiling a lasting solution to the housing deficit in the country.
The summit is anchored on five key pillars to include: lands; concessions/incentives; housing finance; off-takers strategy and general skills development and technology for affordable housing.
While delivering his keynote address, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, said the Ministry has reviewed some methods for the implementation of the National Housing Policy, such as initiatives by the Federal Housing Authority and PPP initiatives, through Development Lease Agreements (DLAs). He however opined that some of the initiatives will be retained with modifications to evolve something new and different in reducing the housing deficit.
The Minister reiterated the need to standardized fittings such as doors, windows, tiles, roof boards and other accessories to be locally produced by manufacturers as a way of supporting the local industries, SMEs, and diversify the economy to create jobs opportunities for Nigerians.
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Fashola appreciated the collaboration of development partners, volunteer support of the Nigerian consortium of architects and planners and most importantly the professionals in the housing sector of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing for their resilience in developing a design, planning and costing of housing delivery that will reflect the Nigerian culture.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, represented by the Permanent Secretary (Works and Housing), Engr. Abubakar Magaji, noted that the summit’s discussion would be focused on examining the key constrains and challenges militating against the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria, with attempts to proffer a sustainable solution and developing strategic blueprint for affordable housing delivery in Nigeria.
According to Shehuri, the summit will also provide a veritable platform and enormous opportunity for private developers and other industry service providers to showcase their capabilities as well as proposed housing stock, building materials and innovative technologies for stakeholders in the industry.
The Summit was also graced with the presentation of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federal, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, who presented a paper on the Strategic focus on the off-taker: A Paradigm Shift in Affordable Housing Delivery in Nigeria and; the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun who also delivered a paper on the topic: Linking the Capital Market to Access to Finance for Affordable Housing Delivery.
There were goodwill messages from Mr. Torsten Schlink, Head of SEDIN Programme-German Development Cooperation (giz), and CEOs of sponsors in the built industry including a cream of panel of discussants. It is expected that at the end of these brain storming workshop, a communiqué on the blueprint for affordable housing delivery in Nigeria will emerge.
John Olatunji
Senior Information Officer
