Africa’s housing deficit grappling with $1.4trn finance gap — Minister

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa says Africa is grappling with a housing deficit estimated at 50 million units, with an estimated $1.4 trillion housing finance gap.

Alhaji Dangiwa who gave the assurance during the 7th Africa Housing Awards – the Industry End-of-Year Dinner and awards night held in Abuja, Friday night organized by Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), warned that without accelerated solutions, the continent’s housing deficit could rise to about 130 million units by 2030.

While noting that, Nigeria’s housing deficit is conservatively estimated at over 17 million units, he however assured that the Federal Government is responding with scale and systems.

He said: “In Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed, we have embraced a clear philosophy under the renewal of the Africa Council, which is that housing must be a part of the state agenda. Housing must move from isolated projects to a structured national program and from policy declarations to measurable delivery.

“Our national realities are therefore stark. Nigeria’s housing deficit is conservatively estimated to be over 17 million units, but we are responding with scale and systems. In the last two years, we have commenced over 10,000 housing units across 14 states, and the FCT, and through our urban renewal and slum upgrades efforts, we have already impacted more than 150 communities with critical infrastructure.

“But no country can solve this challenge alone. We can’t solve it alone, and no government can do it without a full ecosystem. That’s why the African Housing Agenda must be treated as a continental productivity agenda, anchored on land governance reforms, bankable housing finance, stronger local building materials value chain, and climate-smart construction and disciplined urban planning.”

In his opening remarks, Executive Director of Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Barrister Festus Adebayo reiterated commitment towards collaboration with the National Assembly, Federal Capital Territory, Federal Ministry of Housing, Lagos State Government, and other regulatory agencies with a view to ensuring that appropriate regulations are in place in the country’s housing sector.

Barrister Adebayo who declared zero tolerance against all forms of unethical practices in the built environment, observed that the housing and construction sector remains a major driver of growth, job creation, and national development.

While eulogising the contributions of all stakeholders toward building stronger communities and a more prosperous Africa, he said: “This evening, we applaud the organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and integrity throughout the year. Your commitment has not only delivered quality projects but has also inspired higher standards across the industry.

“However, as we celebrate, we must also stay vigilant and proactive. Our sector is evolving—new technologies, shifting regulations, global economic pressures, and environmental challenges continue to influence the way we work. It is important that we recognize these changes early, monitor industry trends, and position ourselves to respond swiftly and strategically.

“For us in HDAN, we are committed to excellence and we shall continue to monitor the activities of all stakeholders to ensure professionalism in service delivery with zero tolerance for any form of unethical practices in the sector to ensure that the sector is devoid of scammers and fraudsters that take advantage of the innocent public. We would not hesitate to expose any fraudulent malpractices that have been given bad names in the sector even if you are our award recipient.

“We are collaborating with the National Assembly, Federal Capital Territory, Federal Ministry of Housing, Lagos State Government, and other regulatory agencies to ensure appropriate regulations are put in place like what is obtainable in Dubai.

“Let us continue to strengthen partnerships, embrace innovation, and uphold professionalism. By staying informed and adaptable, we can ensure sustainable growth and maintain Africa’s rising momentum in the housing and construction landscape.”

While congratulating all our nominees and award recipients, Barrister Adebayo who doubles as CEO of Housing TV Show described the awards as an acknowledgement of “hard work and a reminder that excellence never goes unnoticed.

“For those who are not recognized with awards this night, this is not to say that you have not done well but it is a call to us to put more effort into our activities and service delivery to enable us to qualify for recognition awards in the very near future.”

In her remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, called for stronger collaboration between Journalists and stakeholders in the housing sector in the bid to improve access to decent housing for media professionals.

Comrade Ike praised the organiser of the Africa Housing Awards and CEO of Housing TV Show, Barrister Festus Adebayo, for his consistent advocacy and support for journalism, saying the platform had amplified public discourse on affordable housing.

She specifically paid tribute to the host and Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Barrister Adebayo, whom she described as an indefatigable housing advocate whose unwavering support for journalism has amplified our voices on issues that matter.

“Through platforms like Housing TV Show, the concerns of journalists and ordinary Nigerians on housing have found visibility,” she stressed.

She also eulogised the Minister of Housing and Urban Development,” whose excellence in developing housing schemes can never go unnoticed, we look forward to your continued leadership.

“And to the MD of Federal Mortgage Bank, we see you not just as financiers, but as partners in progress. Journalists shape public discourse; lend us your expertise to make homeownership a reality for media professionals who serve the nation tirelessly.

“As we convene tonight, I am excited to announce that NUJ FCT is rebranding its projects to drive even greater impact in housing advocacy and media empowerment. This strategic push positions us to innovate and expand our initiatives, and we eagerly await collaboration from our distinguished partners seated here tonight. Join us in this renewed journey to amplify our shared mission and promote a renewed hope for a renewed NUJ FCT.

“Your Excellency, the Honourable Minister of Housing, we gather tonight with hope renewed. You promised the Journalists’ Village—a beacon of dignity for journalists who expose truths, from FCT governance to national development. That promise ignited dreams across newsrooms. Now, we make a passionate appeal not to abandon us. Our dream is to see your promise come to fruition in 2026.

“With the support of the Mortgage Bank, this village can rise—equipping journalists with stable homes to focus on ethical reporting and peace-building.
Fellow journalists, our pens build nations; let’s unite with these leaders to turn promises into structures.”

In his address, Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, who received the Minister for Housing of the Year 2025 award averred that Africa has reached a point where it must recognise and celebrate its own development efforts.

Dangiwa, emerged as Africa’s most transformational Minister of Housing and Urban Development 2025 for reforms targeting affordability, local materials, and private sector participation.

Kano Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf was named Housing and Infrastructure-Friendly Governor of the Year for policies supporting mass housing delivery and urban renewal initiatives, while Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, received the Minister for Housing of the Year 2025 award.