World Habitat Day: AHCN Calls for Federal-State Coordination to Tackle Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

As the world commemorates World Habitat Day 2025, the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) has urged the Federal Government and state authorities to strengthen policy coordination and institutional collaboration to address the nation’s growing housing crisis.

Delivering the State of the Nation’s Housing Address in Abuja, themed “Urban Crisis Response,” AHCN President ESV. Eno Obongha described Nigeria’s urban housing situation as a “pressing emergency” driven by rising costs, inadequate supply, and rapid urban migration.

Rising Urban Pressures and Economic Constraints

Obongha noted that economic pressures including inflation, rising unemployment, and shrinking household incomes have deepened the affordability crisis across major Nigerian cities. He explained that these factors are forcing many citizens into informal settlements and substandard housing conditions.

“The global economic strain has heightened urban poverty. Many households are unable to afford rent or secure mortgages, while youth unemployment continues to limit access to stable housing,” Obongha said.

He urged federal and state governments to “act decisively and collaboratively” to implement housing policies that promote affordability, sustainability, and economic inclusion.

Synchronizing the Renewed Hope Agenda with State Delivery

The AHCN President called for stronger alignment between the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Housing Programme and state housing corporations. According to him, this harmonisation would accelerate housing delivery and unlock large-scale job creation in construction and allied sectors.

“The Renewed Hope Housing Agenda must be synchronised with state housing efforts. State housing corporations should be empowered as key delivery agents to expand affordable housing access nationwide,” he said. “If effectively executed, this strategy could stimulate economic recovery and create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians.”

Addressing Building Collapses and Urban Planning Gaps

On the issue of recurring building collapses and unregulated construction, Obongha stressed the need for strict enforcement of planning laws and proper building approvals. He identified non-compliance and fraudulent approvals as major causes of structural failures and demolitions.

“Most collapsed buildings were either erected without approval or on restricted zones. Urban planning regulations exist to safeguard lives and property, and authorities must ensure full compliance,” he stated.

Commending Housing Sector Reforms

Obongha commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, for achieving measurable progress through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme. He cited the completion of over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT within two years, figures that exceed the previous administration’s eight-year delivery record of 3,500 units.

He also acknowledged reforms at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), including the introduction of single-digit mortgage schemes and the mobilisation of over ₦70 billion in private capital for affordable housing.

A Call for Sustained Collaboration and Land Access

Concluding his address, Obongha appealed for continued support of housing initiatives through the provision of land banks, as well as stronger coordination between the FMBN and Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL) to scale nationwide housing delivery.

“Our collective goal should be to make housing the engine of national growth. Through stronger institutional synergy and effective implementation, Nigeria can reduce its housing deficit and build cities that are livable, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.