Abuja, July 25 (Viewpoint Housing News) – The Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu yesterday at the 17th edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja, said the 10th House is disposed to work with housing professionals and stakeholders in meeting the housing needs of Nigerians.

Represented by his Chief of Staff,Hon. Toby Okechukwu, he also urged for collective efforts of all in the built sector to fix the huge already existing housing deficit.

“I would like to start with a look at the current state of housing in Nigeria. As you know, it is self evident that we have a huge housing deficit presently in the country, he began.

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“According to a study by researchers at the African Development Bank in the ‘Housing Market Dynamics in Africa’, there is a housing deficit of up to 16.9 million units. According to the World Bank, Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, and Abuja, has a 20 percent rise in housing needs yearly.

Mr. Kalu also said the current total output in the formal housing sector is estimated at no more than 100,000 units and added that while well corroborated data does not really exist, it is clear that the formal sector is only producing a fraction of the total number of urban units needed each year. “This is a major problem, as it has a negative impact on our economy and on the quality of life of our citizens”, he said.

“There are a number of factors that have contributed to the housing deficit in Nigeria. These include rapid urbanization, population growth, and a lack of affordable housing finance.

“The housing deficit in Nigeria is a major challenge that needs to be addressed. The 10th House of Representatives, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, is committed to working with stakeholders to find solutions”, he stated.