The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called for a collective, innovative, and locally driven approach to addressing Africa’s housing challenges.

NSE President, Margaret Oguntala, made the call at the 2025 Africa International Housing Show (AIHS) in Abuja.

Oguntala, who was the special guest of honour, described the theme: ‘Re-imagining Housing – Overcoming Challenges to Opportunities through Innovation, Collaboration and Policy’, as both timely and visionary, especially in the context of the continent’s growing housing deficit and rapid urbanisation trends.She said: “Access to adequate housing is not only a fundamental human right but also a key driver of sustainable development,” she noted.

“To achieve this, governments at all levels must confront the housing crisis head-on through increased investments, policy reform, and enabling partnerships.”

With changing times, many countries are deploying innovative approaches to housing construction. Essentially, countries are adopting sustainable, affordable, and efficient building methods such as the use of prefabrication, modular construction, 3D printing, and the use of sustainable materials like recycled plastics and carbon-storing materials. In terms of financing models, initiatives such as co-ownership, crowdfunding of housing projects and socio-technical innovations are considered.

She assured that the society is committed to promoting the use of cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and locally adaptable housing technologies. Oguntala advocated for the increased use of local content in construction, explaining that such an approach reduces costs, stimulates local economies, and generates employment opportunities.

Oguntala further highlighted the need to embrace stronger collaboration among government agencies, developers, policymakers, financiers, and international partners, stating that real transformation in the housing sector would only be possible through sustained synergy, innovation, and shared responsibility.