Introductory Remarks by the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Mohammed Bala Saulawa at the 13th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development hold in Gombe - Gombe state from Monday, 11th to Friday, 15th November, 2024
Protocol
1. Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed professional and honoured guests, I am delighted and indeed privileged to welcome you to this historic meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Today, we convene under the timely theme “Housing the future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilient and Urban Development”. This year’s Council meeting promises to be pivotal, as we delve into eight (8) critical sub-themes, each accompanied by comprehensive memoranda for vigorous deliberation. Over the next few days, we will engage in insightful discussions, share expert expertise and forge innovative solutions to propel our Nation’s housing sector forward.
2. As you are aware, the National Council is the highest body that deals with the initiating of policy formulation, adoption and ensuring the implementation of the key decision of the Council Meeting. Also, we recognize the significance of this document in shaping the future of our housing sector and today, we have an opportunity to review and provide input on this critical document.
3. It is imperative to note that the 13th Meeting of the Council is structured into these dimensional Sessions:
- Technical Meeting of the Directors whilst to review the Memoranda and fine-tune the recommendations for onward presentation to Permanent Secretaries Sessions.
- The Permanent Secretaries Session is an avenue to discuss further on the recommendations made by the Technical Meeting of the Directors, and Ministerial Session.
- The Council which is to be presided over by the Honourable Minister with the attendance of Commissioners of 36 States in Housing Sector.
4. These Sessions are expected to bring about housing policies that will alleviate the difficulties of providing the affordable houses in Nigeria, provide equilibrium in demand and supply of housing market and tackle rapid increase of building collapse in Nigeria. The housing sector policy in Nigeria is crucial for addressing the country's significant housing needs. Housing is considered the second most important human need, after food, and is essential for human survival. Despite this, Nigeria's housing sector contributes a mere 0.38% to the country's GDP.
Effective housing policies can have far-reaching benefits, including:
- Economic Growth: A well-developed housing sector can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase GDP.
- Social Stability: Access to affordable housing can improve living standards, reduce poverty, and promote social stability.
- Infrastructure Development: Housing development can drive infrastructure growth, including roads, utilities, and community facilities.
5. To achieve these benefits, Nigeria's housing policy should focus on the following key aspects:
- Affordable housing by providing options for low-income earners.
- Accessibility and inclusivity by ensuring housing is accessible to all, including the less privileged, the old, and those with disabilities.
- Sustainable development by Promoting sustainable housing development practices and environmentally friendly materials.
- Regulatory frameworks
- Public-private partnerships
As professionals in the housing sector, your insights and expertise are vital. I encourage open and constructive dialogue to ensure this policy aligns with our shared vision.
Our objectives are clear:
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- Improving access to affordable housing
- Enhancing quality of life for our citizens
- Fostering sustainable and inclusive communities
- Supporting economic growth and development
Also, as we deliberate, let us consider the following questions:
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- How can we balance affordability with quality and sustainability?
- What innovative solutions can we adopt to address housing challenges?
- How can we ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all?
6. By prioritizing these areas, Nigeria's housing sector policy will play a vital role in improving the lives of its citizens and driving national development. However, various dimensional experts, professionals and other stakeholders are expected to get their buy-in ideas for housing policy development. Your contributions will shape the future of our housing policy by engaging in productive discussions to produce meaningful outcomes.
7. In view of the utmost importance of this National Housing Council, I enjoin all of you to display high level of professionalism, expertise and your technical reservoir knowledge on housing sector.
8. I want to align my expectations on the confidence reposed on our esteem Directors, stakeholders, Secretariat as well as other participants who are here to enrich our meeting with valuable contributions towards a successful outcome of the Council.
9. On this note, I wish to assure you that the Ministry in collaboration with the Gombe State Government has made adequate preparation for the smooth conduct of this great Council meeting.
10. Before I conclude, I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his kind support in all ramifications, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as well as Gombe state Government for hosting the event and providing enabling environment for the Meeting.
11. Thank you all for your concerted effort.
