Our Stand (42) —
We are aware of the current housing crisis affecting majority of the Nigerian populace, with plenty of grounds left to cover in order to bridge the housing deficit facing the country. It may seem that the government and other housing bodies may be lacking in ideas of creating affordable housing policies, however, the main problem lies in implementation and strict monitoring of these housing policies.
Despite expecting more from the government and housing bodies in the country to improve housing situations, there is no quick fix to housing affordability issues that have begrudged the country for many years. Before the government can get solutions to building affordable homes, they must realize the huge importance housing plays in the development of man and his environment before thinking of the policies to be mapped.
What is needed is for the authorities to create long-term plans for housing, maybe, overhaul some related housing policies or regulations that have been in existence for long.
Housing as a pride for every owner, brings some sense of prestige and satisfaction, looking at the efforts it took for one to develop a structure. Many in the country would love to be identified as a homeowner but, with the many encumbrances associated with the process, it has made it difficult for such dream to be realized by the majority of citizens in the country.
Trying to get to the root of housing affordability issues in the country, one may say that one of the causes of it is poor remuneration of an average Nigerian worker who earns less but spends more than his earnings. Even the few who can boast of a steady income still find it almost difficult to buy or rent affordable homes that will still allow space to attend to other family needs.
Most rents/houses remain terribly high especially in cities and out of line with incomes, forcing many unwise ones to spend more than 50% of their income on housing. Those who chose not to spend more of their income on housing, find themselves in places where they can afford which are mostly indecent houses in slums.
