By Angela Atabo

The National Assembly and the Federal Government have noted the urgent need to leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

This was highlighted at the Renewed Hope Housing PPP Summit on Monday in Abuja, organised to foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders to address the country’s 17 to 20 million housing deficit.

Sen. Aminu Tambuwal, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, acknowledged that while housing was a fundamental human need and crucial for economic growth, the housing deficit remained a pressing challenge.

“This shortfall is not just a statistic; it represents families in need, unfulfilled aspirations, and lost economic opportunities.

“Addressing this challenge requires innovative strategies, multi-sectoral collaboration, and a strong commitment to harnessing the strengths of both the public and private sectors.

“PPPs offer a unique and effective mechanism to bridge the housing gap by integrating the efficiency and innovation of the private sector with the regulatory oversight and policy frameworks of the public sector.

“Through well-structured PPPs, we can unlock sustainable financial models, deploy cutting-edge technologies, and implement scalable solutions that address the diverse housing needs of Nigerians.”

Tambuwal called for innovative strategies, collaboration, and a strong commitment to leverage both public and private sector strengths to bridge the housing gap through well-structured PPPs.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting progressive policies and legislative frameworks for sustainable housing development.

Similarly, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, pointed out that inconsistent implementation, lack of political will, and poor coordination had hindered progress.

He stressed that bold action and the adoption of PPPs across the housing value chain were essential to solve the housing crisis.

Dangiwa highlighted the administration’s prioritisation of housing as a key driver of economic growth and social inclusion, adding that the ministry was leveraging PPPs to optimise federal assets, including dilapidated properties and underutilised land.

He also revealed plans for a Housing and Urban Development Special Purpose Investment Vehicle, to fund affordable housing projects.

Dr Johnson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Regulatory Commission (ICRC), emphasised that providing housing was a matter of right and necessity for every Nigerian.

He commended the summit for its timely focus on PPPs in housing development.

The convener of the summit, Dr Olayemi Rotimi-Shodimu, called for a collective effort among all stakeholders to address the housing deficit.

“We cannot rely solely on the government to drive this growth. Instead, the government should focus on creating an enabling environment, while we, as stakeholders, work together to build a thriving industry.

“For too long, our collective inaction and misguided approach have contributed to the widening national housing deficit. It is time for a paradigm shift.

“If countries like Kenya and Indonesia can make significant strides in addressing their housing challenges, why can’t Nigeria?

“Let us join forces to transform the Nigerian housing industry, leveraging our expertise, resources, and collaborative spirit to create a brighter future for all Nigerians.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru