Ministry, firm to address housing needs, promote local production

The promoter of Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) has announced a strategic collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which is focused on ensuring sustainable housing and affordable home solutions for low-income earners.

A statement by the AIHS Coordinator, Festus Adebayo, said the collaboration with the ministry will provide a significant boost to the nation’s housing industry and exhibition scheduled at the nation’s capital Abuja, next month.

He said the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, an architect, will be the event’s chief host. The programme will bring together the continent’s top stakeholders in the housing and construction sectors to address the issues under the theme, “Financing the Housing We Need,” which includes tackling the challenges of green building, and climate change.

He stated that the housing and construction industry has been awaiting the establishment of an independent ministry focused on housing and urban development, which has now finally been realised. According to him, this development enables greater collaboration in addressing the housing deficit.

“The housing we need is of different categories, we need sustainable housing, and housing for low-income earners. The 2024 AIHS will be used to promote local production, as all attendees from outside Nigeria will meet and network with the head of free zones in Nigeria towards signing a memorandum of understanding towards local production, and job creation in the continent. This year’s event is going to be unique as 21 countries have confirmed their participation,” he asserted.

Speaking on the importance of securing the backing of political leaders and policymakers, Adebayo explained that “Governors, as custodians of land, and commissioners from all 36 states will play a vital role in addressing the housing deficit.”