Stakeholders in the housing sector, on Monday, converged in Gombe for the 13th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development conference to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and stem perennial building collapse.

The meeting, billed to be held from November 11 to 15, would enable the participants to deliberate on problems and solutions towards enhancing access to affordable housing in the country.

Mohammed Saulawa, the director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, told journalists on the sidelines of the meeting that the participants would review about 60 memos submitted by government and private bodies during the technical session.

He said this would contribute to a robust agenda on housing improvement, adding that critical issues had been identified, including the prevention of building collapse.

“Eight major issues have been outlined for urgent attention within Nigeria’s housing sector, most notably the increasing frequency of building collapse. Building collapses pose risks not only to structures but to human lives as well. If we value lives, then we must address the issue of building safety and collapse prevention,” he said.

He said President Bola Tinubu had prioritised proactive measures to address the problem, to which the Minister of Housing set up a committee to investigate building collapses in the country.

Commenting on recent incidents of building collapse in Jos, Lagos and Abuja, Saulawa attributed it to non-compliance with building standards, use of substandard materials and other factors.

“The Nigerian government is advancing policies to significantly reduce building collapses. The minister has emphasised the importance of sanctions in every meeting.

“He recently inaugurated the Housing Tribunal that emphasises strict enforcement of standards to prevent future collapses,” he said.

The director said the ministry was collaborating with the National Population Commission to gather accurate data on housing deficits in the country.

“The minister has set up a committee to work with approximately 10 agencies, tasked with providing accurate data on housing deficits across Nigeria,” he added. “This committee is expected to submit its report by the end of 2024, following a comprehensive housing survey that will accurately map the housing deficit.”

Maijama’a Kallah, Gombe’s works commissioner, said the meeting would enhance efforts towards providing affordable housing nationwide.

“Gombe is leading the charge with 550 housing units already near completion through partnerships with Family Homes and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC),” Mr Kallah said.

He said the houses were built to high standards, adding that it would be allocated to eligible individuals.

“Every Gombe resident is entitled to a house as long as he meets the government’s guidelines,” he said. 

(NAN)