By Chukwuma Umeorah,danivert

Copyright thesun

By Chukwuma Umeorah

Industry stakeholders have stressed the need for stronger public-private partnerships to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, citing affordability as the most critical challenge confronting citizens.

They observed that although real estate remained one of the leading contributors to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), this growth has not translated into higher homeownership rates among citizens.

Speaking at the Big 5 Construct Nigeria Exhibition in Lagos, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Housing and an architect by profession, Patrick Ogunleye, noted that while the construction sector contributed significantly to the economy, homeownership rates remain less than 10 per cent, leaving millions unable to afford decent housing.

“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,” he said. Ogunleye added that affordability challenges arose largely because many developers approached mass housing schemes primarily as business ventures rather than social solutions.

He explained that while government had initiated several housing projects and established funds across the country, many remained underutilised due to limited public awareness. “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 individuals to explore mortgage options and existing government programmes to access housing.

Ogunleye who also spoke about the importance of healthy living spaces in shaping national well-being cautioned that poor planning, use of substandard materials, and lack of ventilation often compromise health. “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.

The event gathered over 160 exhibitors from more than 20 countries to showcase innovations and solutions. Organisers, dmg events, said the forum was designed not only to provide technology and product showcases but also to create a platform for education, knowledge sharing and policy dialogue.

Senior Vice President at dmg events, Josine Heijmans, said the Big 5 exhibition was in its fifth edition in Nigeria, bringing together suppliers, buyers and policymakers to strengthen the sector. “It’s not just about providing the latest products, technologies, we really also offer a very comprehensive educational program where stakeholders from the industry can get the latest industry information being around project management, sustainable building solutions,” she explained.

Private sector players also underscored the role of equipment and technology in driving costs. Senior Manager of Business Development at C. Woermann Nigeria Limited, Abraham Uloko, said affordability issues in construction often stem from poor choices of equipment. “If you buy cheap, you buy twice,” he warned, emphasising the need to invest in durable, high-quality machinery that can withstand project demands. He further revealed that discussions were ongoing with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to begin local assembly in Nigeria.

On the policy front, Technical Adviser at 7Fifteen Capital, Azuh Emeka, urged government to review existing policies and strengthen regulatory frameworks to stabilise construction costs. “There are some policies, I believe, that can positively benefit the industry. It’s just ensuring implementation. And for those that do not exist, just being conscious of developing or reviewing what we have in a way that can positively impact the industry,” he said. He also stressed the need to promote local content and support Nigerian professionals, noting that local builders are capable of matching global standards if given proper recognition and support.