The Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), organisers of Africa’s largest housing and construction exhibition, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to elevate affordable housing to a national economic priority, noting that the sector holds the key to job creation, poverty reduction, industrialisation, and inclusive economic growth.
The call comes as the 20th Africa International Housing Show is ongoing at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, under the theme “Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa”.
Speaking ahead of the event, Festus Adebayo, chief executive officer of AIHS, urged the Federal Government to move beyond treating housing as a social welfare programme and instead position it as a strategic economic sector capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy.
“Housing is far more than the construction of buildings. It is an engine of economic growth. It creates jobs, stimulates manufacturing, supports financial services, promotes urban development, improves public health, strengthens family stability, and contributes significantly to national productivity,” Adebayo said.
He noted that despite Nigeria having one of the world’s largest housing deficits, the challenge presents a significant opportunity to stimulate investment, expand homeownership and accelerate economic development if backed by the right policies.
