HDAN Seeks Reforms To Provide Affordable Housing For Nigerian Workers

The Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) has called for decisive and urgent action to address the housing challenges faced by Nigerian workers.

The group said workers bear the weight of the country’s worsening economic conditions.

In a statement released in Abuja to mark Workers’ Day, HDAN Executive Director Festus Adebayo commended the resilience and dedication of Nigerian workers and described them as the engine room of the national economy.

Despite their critical role, Adebayo lamented that millions of workers still lack access to decent and affordable housing—a situation worsened by inflation, poor wages, and a deeply flawed housing delivery system.

“The Nigerian worker is bearing the brunt of skyrocketing inflation, poor wages, and an inaccessible housing system. Housing is not a luxury; it is a necessity and a right. Sadly, that right has been denied for too long,” he said.

Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated between 17 and 28 million units, paints a bleak picture for low- and middle-income earners, many of whom have been unable to benefit from government-backed initiatives such as the National Housing Fund (NHF), the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) programme.

Adebayo blamed systemic corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies for undermining these schemes.

He stressed that while workers make monthly contributions to the NHF, many are unable to access the housing benefits intended for them.

“These funds belong to workers. It is important that, as they are deducted monthly, there should be access to housing benefits. Corruption and negligence must not be allowed to erode public trust in these institutions,” he said.

Despite these setbacks, HDAN acknowledged recent improvements under the new leadership at the FMBN.

“In 2024, the bank disbursed over N12.18 billion in NHF refunds within ten months—a record-breaking achievement in its 32-year history. During the same period, the bank registered 166,926 new contributors, bringing the total to nearly 5.9 million.

“These are positive signs that show the potential of the NHF scheme when managed effectively.

“But we must bridge the gap between contributions and impact. Workers have kept their part of the bargain; now they deserve a system that works for them,” he said.

He also welcomed recent reforms in the housing sector, particularly the establishment of an independent Ministry of Housing and Urban Development led by Architect Ahmed Dangiwa.

“The ministry has initiated several reforms, including the creation of task teams and a National Housing Data Steering Committee to develop frameworks for closing the housing gap”, Adebayo noted.

HDAN expressed support for these reforms but called for deeper structural changes such as recapitalisation of housing institutions, digitisation of loan processes, and a review of outdated housing laws.

Adebayo further urged more state governments to take an active role in housing delivery, highlighting ongoing efforts in Lagos, Enugu, Plateau, and Ekiti States as examples.

He also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding the affordable housing stock.

“Private sector innovation, when combined with government support, can drastically improve the housing supply,” Adebayo said.

He reiterated his solidarity with Nigerian workers, hailing their resilience in the face of adversity.

“You are the true foundation of our economy. As you battle rising costs and housing insecurity, know that we are with you in advocacy, in action, and the fight for a better tomorrow,” Adebayo said.

HDAN Seeks Reforms To Provide Affordable Housing For Nigerian Workers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper