The Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to elevate housing to a national economic priority.
It argued that the sector holds the key to job creation, poverty reduction, industrial growth and sustainable economic development.
The call was made ahead of the 20th anniversary edition of the Africa International Housing Show, scheduled to hold from July 13 to 18, 2026, in Abuja, under the theme, “Housing Solutions for Low Income and Informal Workers in Africa.”
In a statement signed by its chief executive officer, Festus Adebayo, AIHS said affordable housing should no longer be treated merely as a social welfare programme but as a strategic economic sector capable of driving inclusive growth and improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Adebayo said countries that have achieved sustainable economic development placed housing at the centre of their national development agenda.
“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,” he said.
Describing Nigeria’s huge housing deficit as both a challenge and an opportunity, Adebayo said the sector could become a major driver of economic transformation if supported by the right policies.
To achieve this, AIHS presented a 10-point policy agenda to the federal government, beginning with a recommendation that housing be formally recognised as a strategic sector for economic diversification, employment generation, wealth creation and industrial development.
The organisation also called for the establishment of a Presidential Council on Affordable Housing Delivery to coordinate reforms involving relevant ministries, state governments, development finance institutions, the private sector, professional bodies, cooperatives and representatives of informal workers.
Other recommendations include reforms to land administration through digitised land registries and simplified title registration processes, expanded access to affordable housing finance, scaling up the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, promotion of locally produced building materials and modern construction technologies, stronger public-private partnerships, improved housing data, and targeted housing policies for informal sector workers.
AIHS further urged the government to recognise housing investment as a tool for advancing national security, public health, education, productivity, climate resilience and social stability.
Adebayo said the six-day conference would bring together ministers, governors, lawmakers, development finance institutions, investors, developers, academics, manufacturers, diplomats and international organisations to develop practical solutions to Africa’s housing challenges.
“Our objective is not merely to discuss housing challenges but to develop practical, implementable solutions that will improve the lives of millions of Africans.
