FG to partner states on affordable housing

The Federal Government has called for collaboration and cooperation with states to achieve affordable housing in the country.

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who made the call at the meeting of the National Council of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in Abuja, said this has become necessary in delivering houses for low-income earners. 

According to him, the basic requirement for building and owning a house island, which is owned and controlled by the states, adding that urban development and planning is also a matter within the jurisdiction of states.

“In our rural areas there is no housing deficit, no traffic and waste management issue. These are mostly prevalent in urban centres. This year’s council is step to interface with states counterparts as foundation for prosperity,” he said.

He emphasised that housing projects could add value to Buhair Administration’s vision of lifting over 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years by creating access to opportunities, income, nutrition, and shelter.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister, Mohammad Bello noted that the meeting came at the right time to consider housing deficit challenge facing the country, and to tackle issue of funding.

Bello also called on financial institutions to provide funds to property developers in cities, because one of the fastest growing urban centres in the world, and Abuja has a major problem of shortage of housing.

On certificate of occupancy, the FCT minister assured developers that the process of land administration will be transparent, adding that Federal Capital Territory Administration is working to ease its collection.

In a goodwill message, the chairman, Senate Committee on housing, Sam Egwu maintained that providing houses is the responsibility of government, adding, “we are ready to work on housing bills.”