Kingsley U.N Chikwendu
With revealing statistics stating that the housing sector ranks as one of the top seven contributing industries to the growth of the Nigerian economy, decent affordable housing provision still remains an unfilled goal by the governments for an average Nigerian, a low income earner. It remains a vocal problem curtailing the growth and development of the needy.
The government, past and present have failed to utilize what seems a problem to the country but, in the other way round, could be used as resources. They include rapid urbanization and increased population growth rate.
Also read: Increase in cost of building materials affects the delivery of decent affordable housing
Despite being regarded as one of the big countries in the continent of Africa in terms of population size and numerous resources, the country still has an unimpressive low home ownership rate as compared to other African countries, even compared to countries outside the continent. This is evident in the huge housing deficit gap that has existed for some years and counting. Some reasons that can attributed to this are; improper housing financial policies favourable to an average income earner, lack of good organizational structure for strict implementation and lack of good ethical grounds for carrying out the implementation of good policies created.
Also read: FMBN funded projects in FCT: Anthem estate
Families earning less or regarded as low or average income earners make up the majority of persons residing in areas with unhealthy living conditions because, the incomes they earn cannot leverage getting a decent shelter, as such, they have to live in slums that lack the basic amenities of good living. Maybe, the ruling authorities need to revisit some of the housing policies that have been in existence for decades, used in regulating housing activities till date. The evidence is, housing deficits still exist today, despite the coming of different administrations with their different plans for the real estate sector.
