HDAN Urges Government to Build Houses for Vulnerable Citizens
…As Nigeria Ranks First with 25 Million Homeless People – UN Habitat Estimate
…Says Nobody Should Have to Live on the Streets
…Every Citizen Especially Low-Income Earners Deserve Access to Affordable Housing
The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called on the government to urgently address the housing deficit in Nigeria, emphasizing that “nobody should have to live on the streets – every citizen should have a residence.”
This strong appeal was made by Festus Adebayo, Executive Director of HDAN, in a press statement released today.
Adebayo highlighted the dire situation of inadequate shelter globally, citing a 2024 Habitat for Humanity estimate that 1.53 billion people around the world live in inadequate housing. Shockingly, Nigeria ranks first with 25 million homeless people, followed by India with 18 million.
“Nigeria’s housing policy is not being effectively implemented at all levels of government,” Adebayo asserted. “Poverty and homelessness rates are increasing daily, and there are no real solutions in sight. He lamented the poor impact of some state government in the area of housing on citizens, which he described as negligible. According to him the government often forgets the most vulnerable who need access to low-income homes.”
Adebayo noted that the housing crisis is a global issue, affecting Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America. However, he stressed that the effectiveness of government responses varies significantly. “To emphasize the housing challenge, state governments often promise land in remote areas without the necessary infrastructure, leading to high costs for the end product,” he said.
He emphasized that Nigeria must make a critical decision regarding its citizens who cannot afford market rents. “Will it let them die on the streets, or will it use some of its wealth to ensure people can live with dignity, regardless of their poverty?” Adebayo asked. He underscored that Nigeria is wealthy enough to ensure that no citizen has to live on the streets.
Adebayo said Nigeria should study countries like Japan, Thailand, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Slovenia, and Costa Rica, which have successful housing policies that could be replicated.
“The housing crisis requires urgent and effective action,” Adebayo concluded. “Every Nigerian deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home.”
