Industry stakeholders are once again sounding the alarm on Nigeria’s housing deficit, stressing that affordability remains the most critical challenge confronting millions of citizens. Despite real estate being a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), homeownership rates remain below 10%, leaving a vast majority of Nigerians unable to afford decent housing.
Speaking at the Big 5 Construct Nigeria Exhibition in Lagos, Patrick Ogunleye, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Housing and an architect by training, highlighted the limits of government-led housing solutions.
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“It is not possible for government alone to deal with housing solution in the country. Government cannot do everything. That’s why there is need for private public partnership and also private investment,” Ogunleye said.
He noted that affordability issues often persist because many developers approach mass housing projects primarily as business ventures rather than social solutions designed to provide affordable shelter.
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Untapped Housing Initiatives
Ogunleye added that while the Federal Government has initiated several housing projects and funding schemes across the country, many remain underutilised simply because citizens are unaware of them.
“Let me ask you, how many of us really know the mass housing project the federal government has? Many of us don’t even know. Meanwhile, they are there. It’s just for you to go and find out,” he said, urging Nigerians to explore mortgage opportunities and available programmes.
Housing and Health Go Hand-in-Hand
The Housing Ministry official also stressed the importance of healthy living spaces, warning against poor planning, the use of substandard materials, and lack of ventilation.
“The more we go natural, the healthier it is for us. Because the way the world is going, everybody is going natural. Even in our eating, we are going organic. We need to incorporate natural elements, like natural lighting and fresh air coming into our spaces,” he advised.
Technology and Policy as Enablers
The exhibition brought together over 160 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, showcasing solutions and innovations aimed at transforming Nigeria’s housing sector.
Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President at dmg events, explained that the exhibition was not just about new products and technologies but also about knowledge transfer and education.
Abraham Uloko, Senior Manager of Business Development at C. Woermann Nigeria Limited, pointed to the use of substandard equipment as a major driver of construction costs. “If you buy cheap, you buy twice,” he warned, revealing that discussions are ongoing with manufacturers to begin local assembly of equipment in Nigeria.
Azuh Emeka, Technical Adviser at 7Fifteen Capital, called for the review and strengthening of government policies to stabilise construction costs. He also urged greater support for Nigerian professionals, insisting that local builders can match global standards if given proper recognition.
How Krent is Bridging the Gap for Nigerians
The housing deficit is one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges—but while government policies and large-scale investments are crucial, access and awareness at the individual level are just as important.
Krent is building a trusted property marketplace that connects Nigerians to verified rental and housing opportunities. We understand the frustration of navigating Nigeria’s complex housing market—from affordability concerns to transparency issues—and we’re making it simpler by:
Listing only verified properties, so renters and buyers avoid falling victim to fraud or non-compliance.
Providing easy-to-use search tools and filters, making it simple to find homes that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Offering a secure platform for property owners and agents, ensuring their listings reach the right audience.
While stakeholders work to fix Nigeria’s housing deficit at a policy and investment level, Krent is ensuring that ordinary Nigerians can access safe, transparent, and affordable housing options right now.
Because at the end of the day, owning or renting a home in Lagos—or anywhere in Nigeria—should not feel impossible. And with Krent, it doesn’t have to.
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