Newsie Events:—
Mr Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of House of Representatives has observed that the North has the highest share of the 17 million housing deficit in the country.
Speaking at the closing of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition on Thursday, the Speaker emphasized that housing is a fundamental right for all citizens and urged all levels of government to promote affordable housing initiatives to address homelessness.
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Abdulmumini Jibril, the Speaker noted, “Available data shows that Nigeria has a housing deficit of 17 million units in urban centers, with Northern Nigeria having the largest share of this deficit.”
He stressed the necessity for Nigerians to find innovative and sustainable solutions to bridge the significant gap in housing provision.
The exhibition’s theme, “Kaduna Sustainable Housing Development: A Model for Northern Housing,” aligns with the current challenges faced by Nigerians, especially in the North.
The Speaker pointed out that adequate housing is not only a basic human need but also a fundamental right crucial for sustainable development and social cohesion.
He added that sustainable housing development goes beyond constructing buildings; it involves creating environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and economically viable communities.
He explained that housing exhibitions have a long history dating back to the late 19th century, initially organized by governments or real estate developers to showcase new housing projects, urban planning initiatives, and architectural innovations.
These exhibitions have served as platforms to demonstrate progress in housing development and inspire future advancements.
The Speaker called on governments at all levels to develop policies promoting affordable housing, improve urban planning strategies, enhance infrastructure development, combat homelessness through social welfare programs, protect vulnerable populations from forced evictions, and ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all citizens.
He further advocated for collaboration with stakeholders, including private sector entities, civil society organizations, academia, and international partners, to foster innovative solutions to housing needs.
He stressed the importance of a multi-faceted approach to ensure every individual has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.
This approach should include increasing the supply of affordable housing and addressing issues such as property rights, building standards, infrastructure development, and urban planning.
Shamsudeen Yusuf, Chairman of the Board of Kaduna International Housing Exhibition Limited, highlighted that the exhibition represents a collective effort and commitment to addressing the housing deficit and challenges in Kaduna State and beyond.
He noted that the event offers a unique opportunity for Nigerians to explore innovative solutions and foster collaboration among stakeholders in the housing sector and built environment.
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