Stakeholders at the ongoing Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS) have identified Dangote Cement Plc as a major driver of affordable housing in Nigeria.
They cited the company’s sustained support for government initiatives aimed at reducing the nation’s housing deficit and expanding access to quality building materials.
The stakeholders also commended the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, for his unwavering commitment to Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation, describing his investments as a catalyst for sustainable development across the continent.
Speaking on the sidelines of the AIHS, Festus Adebayo, event’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, described Dangote Cement Plc as a dependable partner whose sustained support has remained instrumental to the success of the annual housing exhibition.
He expressed appreciation to Dangote Industries Limited and other strategic partners for their support and contributions to the growth and continued success of the AIHS through sustained partnerships and collaboration.
He said: “Dangote Industries Limited is a principal sponsor of the 20th edition of the Africa International Housing Show (AIHS).
“In addition, Dangote Cement Plc, renowned for setting the benchmark for cement quality in Nigeria and across Africa, is showcasing its products and innovative solutions at the landmark 20th anniversary edition of the exhibition.”
He identified the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s housing sector as a shortage of skilled artisans, unrealistic building standards, limited access to housing finance, ineffective policy implementation, non-compliance with building regulations, and the use of substandard construction materials.
Similarly, Dr Muttaka Darma, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the company, the AIHS, and other key stakeholders to address Nigeria’s housing challenges.
The minister said there is the need to expand access to affordable housing, while lauding the theme of this year’s exhibition, “Housing Solutions for Low-Income and Informal Workers in Africa,”.
He said it aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to promote inclusive, accessible, and affordable housing for all Nigerians.
His remarks echoed the views of participants and industry experts, who emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships to bridge the nation’s housing deficit.
Speaking, Dolapo Alli, National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc, who was represented by Director Cement North central, Bankole George, called for a proper housing that impacts the dignity, social stability, economic productivity and inclusive development of the people.
He commended the organisers of the Show for the selection of a theme that speaks directly to one of the most important development issues confronting the continent.
According to him, housing is not merely about shelter, it is about dignity, health, security, opportunity and the ability of families to plan with confidence.
“Across Africa, the informal sector is large, dynamic, and indispensable.
“It includes market women, artisans, drivers, security guards, cleaners, food vendors, technicians, domestic workers, many of whom are not captured in informal payroll systems and often earn irregular incomes.”
He, however, noted the challenges of housing deficit to include high land costs, insecure tenure, expensive building materials, and limited mortgages, weak rental systems and planning rules.
He proffered viable solutions to the challenges, while indicating that the designing of a housing finance for low-income and informal workers.
He said these include financial inclusion, the provision of housing finance products that reflects real income patterns like micro mortgages, rent-to-own schemes, cooperative saving, employer-assisted housing and incremental loans.
The United Nations has warned that the global housing gap is widening with billions of people lacking adequate housing and more than one billion living in informal settlements and slums.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, rapid urbanisation continues to place intense pressure on land, infrastructure, services, and household budgets.
Earlier, Aminu Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, called on parliamentarians across Africa to champion legislative reforms and policy initiatives aimed at addressing the continent’s housing deficit.
Also speaking, former President of the Senate, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, urged financial institutions, policymakers, and development finance experts to devise innovative financing mechanisms to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap and improve access to affordable housing across Africa.
According to Anyim, the growing number of people forced to seek shelter in shops, market stalls, and motor parks is a stark reflection of the continent’s housing challenges.
He warned that the situation undermines human dignity and poses serious social and security risks.
He described the AIHS as a timely and strategic platform for advancing policy dialogue, fostering partnerships, and mobilising practical solutions to the housing challenges confronting Nigeria and the African continent.
The exhibition has attracted thousands of visitors, exhibitors, policymakers, investors, housing professionals, and delegates from several countries, making it one of Africa’s largest gatherings dedicated to housing and urban development.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz