SAN FRANCISCO, June 01, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday revealed that his government earmarked N40 billion in the 2016 capital budget to implement a comprehensive housing programme in the country.
He made the disclosure at the 35th annual general meeting (AGM) and International Symposium of Shelter Afrique with the theme: “Housing Africa’s low income urban population.”
The President, who was represented at the occasion by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, stated that Nigeria required one million houses annually to reduce its current national housing deficit estimated at about 17 million.
“The government intends to directly supply housing stocks in urban areas across all the geo-political zones under its comprehensive housing programme,” he said.
“The Federal Government would also continue to prosecute overall housing policy stand which recognizes the government as active facilitator of private sector-driven housing sector.
“I expect that this meeting will come up with a consolidated strategy that would assist national governments across Africa to develop robust systems to deliver affordable housing to the low income on sustainable basis.”
In his speech, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, tasked the stakeholders to brainstorm and find lasting solution to housing challenges in Africa.
Story by David Oputah
