Nigeria's housing deficit hits 20 million units as costs soar
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria's housing deficit has exceeded 20 million units, worsening the accommodation crisis across the country. Rising construction costs and limited financing continue to push property prices and rents higher, especially in Abuja and other major cities.
Real estate developers are urging the Federal Government to intervene urgently. They want a reduction in the cost of building materials, better access to affordable land, and expanded housing finance to ease the burden on millions of Nigerians.
Amos Gbadewole, Vice Chairman of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) in the Federal Capital Territory, spoke at a youth entrepreneurship programme in Abuja. He said the rising prices of essential construction materials have significantly increased the cost of developing homes.
According to him, prices of cement, steel reinforcement bars, sand, and other building inputs have climbed sharply in recent years. This makes it difficult for developers to deliver affordable housing projects.
“Nigeria is a capitalist economy, and the cost of inputs determines the cost of output,” Gbadewole said. “Government regulations and incentives are needed to reduce the prices of building materials and make housing more affordable.”
The increase in development costs has directly affected rental prices. Residents of Abuja, Lagos, and other fast-growing urban centres face record-high rents amid an insufficient supply of homes.
Nigeria's population is now estimated at over 250 million. Demand for housing continues to outpace supply at an alarming rate. Rapid urbanisation and migration into cities such as Abuja and Lagos have intensified pressure on available housing stock.
Gbadewole noted that developers face challenges beyond the cost of materials. He identified difficulties in acquiring land, inadequate access to long-term financing, and shortages of skilled labour as major obstacles.
Proposed legislation aims to regulate the real estate sector, enhance transparency, and protect buyers from fraud. Developers hope this will create a more stable environment for investment and growth.