Family Homes Funds Limited says the absence of reliable housing data remains a major obstacle to effective planning, policymaking and regulation in Nigeria’s housing sector.

The executive director for operations, FHFL, Emeka Inegbu, said this during the ongoing stakeholders validation workshop on the National Housing Data Programme in Abuja.

Mr Inegbu described data as a critical driver of development programmes, saying global experience showed that planning became difficult where reliable information was unavailable.

“Data has remained one of the key drivers of development. Our experience across different institutions and programmes worldwide shows that where data is missing, planning becomes impossible,” he said.

He said the National Housing Data Programme would provide policymakers and regulators with the information needed to make informed decisions and strengthen sector governance.

According to him, accurate and well-organised data will enable government and stakeholders to address housing challenges more effectively.

“When data is properly organised, it supports policymaking and, more importantly, makes regulation easier,” he said.

Mr Inegbu expressed satisfaction with the work of the committee responsible for developing the programme.

He said the initiative would strengthen evidence-based policymaking and improve regulatory oversight in the housing sector.

“We are satisfied with the work done by the committee and commend the progress made in bringing this programme to fruition,” he said.

Mr Inegbu also commended the workshop participants and organisers.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would improve housing governance and support sustainable housing development across Nigeria.

FHFL finances affordable housing projects in Nigeria, mobilising capital and supporting developers to increase access to decent homes for low- and middle-income households.

Its mission is to expand affordable housing, while its vision promotes inclusive communities and sustainable development.

FHFL’s importance lies in reducing housing deficits and improving homeownership opportunities.

(NAN)