Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Commences Collaboration with National Population Commission (NPC) to Establish Credible Housing Data
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has initiated a landmark collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) to address one of Nigeria's most critical data challenges: accurately assessing the extent of the housing deficit in the country.
In a meeting held on Monday, September 11, 2023, the Honorable Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, welcomed a delegation from the National Population Commission, led by Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, to formalize this groundbreaking partnership.
For years, Nigeria has struggled with conflicting and unverified figures regarding its housing deficit, with estimates ranging from 17 million to 28 million. These discrepancies have not only been a source of embarrassment but also an obstacle to effective policymaking and strategic planning.
Arc. Dangiwa emphasized the need for accurate, credible, verifiable, and scientifically sound data on the housing deficit and the living conditions of homes across Nigeria. Such data, he said, is essential to develop effective strategies to tackle the housing shortage and ensure that every Nigerian has access to safe and affordable housing.
The collaboration with the National Population Commission, particularly in the context of the upcoming national census, represents a pivotal step in this effort. The census provides a unique opportunity to gather precise and comprehensive data on the housing needs of Nigeria's population.
The term "housing deficit" refers to the inadequacy in the supply of affordable and suitable housing units to meet the needs of the population, reflecting the gap between housing demand and available, safe, and affordable housing stock.
Minister Dangiwa emphasized that the initiative goes beyond mere numbers; it is about improving the quality of life for Nigerians. Adequate housing and proper living conditions are fundamental human rights that contribute to social stability and economic development.
The collaboration with the National Population Commission will involve the design and implementation of survey instruments tailored to address housing-related questions. By working together, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the NPC aim to establish accurate and credible data on the housing deficit, providing a solid foundation for housing policy design and planning.
The Minister extended his appreciation to Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra for his dedication to this cause and expressed anticipation for productive discussions and collaboration in the coming months.
