Emmanuel OchayiThe Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Gbenga Ashafa emphasized the pressing need for at least N500 billion to alleviate homelessness in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference during the 50th anniversary of the Federal Housing Authority in Abuja, Ashafa highlighted the agency’s achievements and challenges.
Ashafa, while acknowledging the agency’s work of constructing approximately 149,000 housing units over the past five decades, stressed the urgency to address the housing deficit, citing amendments to the agency’s operation that shifted it from a fully government-owned entity to a partially funded institution.
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“We’ve contributed significantly by providing 49,000 units directly and partnering for an additional 100,000 units,” Ashafa stated. “However, to make a substantial impact and cater to the housing shortfall, a significant investment is imperative. We are not in the federal government’s budget, and an amendment to our act is crucial for access to necessary funding.”
Expressing concern over the ambiguity of the exact housing deficit figures, Ashafa underscored the agency’s commitment to expanding its rent-to-own scheme to mitigate homelessness. “Our aim is to make housing more accessible,” he affirmed.
The impending 50th-anniversary event, slated to be attended by notable dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, Ministers Ahmed Dangiwa and Abdullahi Gwarzo, will feature a keynote address by former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
While celebrating past accomplishments, Ashafa emphasized the need for a renewed approach and increased support to tackle Nigeria’s persistent housing challenges, setting the tone for the agency’s ambitious endeavors in the years to come.
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