The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide scientific and verifiable data on the housing deficit in Nigeria and improve access to affordable housing. This resolution was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, following a motion titled “Provision of Affordable Housing in Nigeria,” sponsored by Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, the representative of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.
Ukpong-Udo emphasized the importance of accurate data for effective planning and execution of housing policies. He highlighted that the housing sector in Nigeria suffers from a significant deficit, but lacks reliable data for strategic planning. According to the World Population Review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with limited access to proper housing and basic amenities.
The House expressed concern that Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest homeless populations, leading with 24 million people. The motion also noted that the country currently relies on World Bank reports for housing data, which is insufficient for national planning.
Following the adoption of the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the House Committee on Housing and Habitat to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the lack of credible data on housing and ensure access to affordable housing.
