Perturbed by the increasing homelessness among Nigerians, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has called on the Federal Government to take a more pragmatic approach to the housing situation in the country.
The group urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the housing industry, adding that the call has become necessary amidst looming accommodation crisis in the country.
The plea by HDAN comes on the heels of the discovery by the Lagos State Government several dwelling places beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the Executive Director of HDAN, Mr Festus Adebayo, these under-bridge apartments comprised 86 partitioned rooms, measuring “10×10 and 12×10” in size, with occupants paying an average annual rent of N250,000 each.
Justifying the call, he said the discovery by the Lagos State Government mirrored the housing deficit in Nigeria.
“The above scenario is but a tiny silver of such dwellings that are spread across the country. Economic downturn has further added pressure to the housing industry, as citizens are now subjected to difficult, inhumane conditions,” the housing advocates,” he said.
The HDAN’s executive director also condemned the creation of numerous bottlenecks for estate developers to navigate before obtaining building approval.
Additionally, HDAN criticised the requirement of multiple payments, which is a barrier to the delivery of affordable housing.
“This may explain why many estate developers resort to evasive measures and manipulations to reduce costs,” the group said.
HDAN called on the Lagos State government to enhance efforts in creating enabling environments for estate developers operating within the state.
“This glaring fact that individuals are now compelled to reside underneath bridges mirrors the stark reality of the prevailing poverty within the country, underscoring the situation of housing in the country. Urgent government’s intervention is needed to stem this tide and bridge the gap, so as to enable citizens have access to decent living conditions,” HDAN said.
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