Challenges facing the provision of affordable housing in Nigeria

As Nigeria strives to meet the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, the issue of affordable housing continues to be a critical concern in the country. Urbanization is a key factor driving the demand for housing, and addressing the challenges of providing affordable housing requires a comprehensive understanding of the urban landscape and effective planning strategies. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Omar O'Doumbaku, a Human Settlement Officer of the Regional Office for Africa at the United Nations Habitat, shared insights on the major organizational challenges facing Nigeria in the realm of affordable housing. The key theme that emerged from the discussion is the critical importance of planning in addressing the housing needs of Nigeria's growing urban population. O'Doumbaku emphasized the need for a clear definition of urban areas and highlighted the lack of comprehensive planning in the country. With the classification of settlements with a population over 20,000 as urban, the majority of Nigeria's settlements fall under this category, underscoring the urgent need for strategic planning to provide essential services like healthcare and education. Three key points were highlighted during the interview: 1. The Importance of Data in Planning: O'Doumbaku stressed the significance of accurate data in urban planning. She pointed out the discrepancies in population data for cities like Lagos, emphasizing the need for reliable quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making. Without reliable data, planning for housing, infrastructure, and other essential services becomes challenging. 2. Shift Towards Private Sector-Led Housing Provision: O'Doumbaku highlighted the role of the private sector in catering to the housing needs of the population, with 90% of housing provision coming from private sources. She advocated for policies that enhance and strengthen the private sector's role in housing provision, rather than relying solely on government-funded projects. By empowering individuals to invest in their housing needs, the market can better respond to demand, potentially reducing housing costs. 3. Rethinking Affordable Housing Strategies: The interview touched on the misconception of affordable housing and the need for a nuanced approach to defining affordability. O'Doumbaku questioned the government's focus on providing housing directly to citizens, suggesting that enabling environments and incentives for private developers could lead to more sustainable housing solutions. She also highlighted the mismatch between the type of housing being built and the actual demand, emphasizing the importance of aligning housing projects with the needs of the population. In conclusion, O'Doumbaku challenged traditional approaches to affordable housing in Nigeria and called for a holistic reevaluation of housing strategies. By prioritizing data-driven planning, leveraging private sector investments, and redefining affordability, Nigeria can begin to address the complex challenges of housing provision in rapidly urbanizing environments. The path to affordable housing may require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts between government, private sector stakeholders, and urban planners.