The Federal Government has revealed a staggering reality regarding the country’s housing sector. Approximately 15.2 million residential units across Nigeria are currently structurally unsafe.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, disclosed these findings on Monday. During the presentation of the National Housing Data Initiative, he explained that millions of homes fail to meet basic habitability standards. Consequently, this data highlights a qualitative crisis that affects every region of the country.
Understanding the “Inadequacy” Problem
The government’s research confirms that Nigeria’s housing challenge is two-fold. While there is a lack of new houses, the bigger issue is the quality of existing ones. These 15.2 million “inadequate” units are physical structures that fall below acceptable safety levels.
According to the Ministry, these homes often lack:
- Durability: Use of substandard or decaying building materials.
- Basic Services: Poor access to clean water and sanitation.
- Structural Safety: Risk of collapse or severe environmental damage.
- Proper Space: High levels of overcrowding that exceed health standards.
Notably, Kano State recorded the highest number of these inadequate units. In contrast, Bayelsa State recorded the lowest, showing a significant regional disparity in housing quality.
A New Data-Driven Solution
To tackle this crisis, the Federal Government is establishing the National Housing Data Centre. This facility will be located within the Ministry in the short term. Furthermore, the goal is for the centre to be fully operational by mid-January 2026.
The centre will serve as a permanent institution for policy planning and investment. By providing accurate data, the government aims to improve investor confidence and help bridge the “affordability gap” for everyday Nigerians.
“Data is no longer peripheral to housing delivery but central to it,” Minister Dangiwa stated. “With this initiative, we are better positioned to plan more accurately and deliver housing more effectively.”
Strengthening the Renewed Hope Agenda
This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By identifying unsafe neighborhoods, the government can now focus on upgrading existing stocks rather than just building new ones.
Minister Dangiwa formally accepted the report, calling it a major milestone in Nigeria’s urban development reform. He also acknowledged the support of the World Bank in ensuring the data meets international standards. Ultimately, the government intends for these findings to guide more equitable housing outcomes for all citizens.
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