The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called for urgent reforms in housing policy, land administration and mortgage financing to make adequate and affordable housing accessible to Nigerians.
The institute made the call as Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Habitat Day 2026, with the theme, “Adequate Housing for All.”
In a statement issued and signed by its National President, Dr Chime Ogbonna, the institute said the theme was particularly relevant to Nigeria, where millions of citizens still struggle to secure decent and affordable accommodation.
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Ogbonna said housing was more than shelter, describing it as a foundation for human dignity, family stability, health, security and economic prosperity.
He identified rising land prices, increasing costs of building materials, rapid urbanisation, inflation and limited access to affordable housing finance as factors making home ownership and decent accommodation increasingly difficult for many Nigerians.
“Across our cities and communities, many people are forced to live in overcrowded conditions, informal settlements and slums,” Ogbonna said.
He warned that the situation had become a broader development challenge affecting public health, social inclusion and national productivity.
The NITP President urged governments at all levels, the private sector, financial institutions and development partners to adopt decisive measures to address the housing crisis, including reviewing existing housing policies and reforming the Land Use Act.
He also called for measures to reduce the cost of building materials, strengthen mortgage financing for low-income earners and promote the use of affordable, locally produced construction materials.
Population Census
Ogbonna further urged the government to conduct a timely and credible population census to provide reliable demographic data for effective housing planning and delivery, while providing incentives to attract greater private-sector investment in affordable housing.
He said the success of Nigeria’s housing policy should be measured not by the number of luxury estates developed, but by the number of citizens able to access safe and decent homes.
“As we mark World Habitat Day 2026, let us renew our commitment to making adequate housing a reality for all Nigerians. The time for action is now,” he said.
Ogbonna added that coordinated action was necessary to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit, build inclusive communities and ensure that citizens could live with dignity, security and hope.
