Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, said Africa faces an estimated housing deficit of 50 million units and the housing finance gap is estimated at $1.4 trillion.
Alhaji Dangiwa, who gave the assurance at the 7th Africa Housing Awards, hosted by the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN) and held at the industry end-of-year dinner and awards ceremony in Abuja on Friday night, warned that the continent’s housing deficit could increase to about 130 million units by 2030 if solutions are not accelerated.
He noted that Nigeria’s housing deficit is conservatively estimated at more than 17 million units, but assured that the federal government is responding with scale and institutions.
“In Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed and in the renewal of the Council of Africa, we have embraced a clear philosophy that housing must be part of the national agenda. Housing must move from an isolated project to a structured national program, and from a policy statement to measurable realization.”
“The reality in our country is therefore grim. Nigeria’s housing deficit is conservatively estimated at more than 17 million homes, but we are responding with scale and systems. In the past two years, we have started construction of more than 10,000 homes across 14 states and the FCT, and through urban renewal and slum upgrading efforts, we have already provided critical infrastructure to more than 150 communities.”
“But no country can solve this challenge alone. We can’t do it alone, and no government can do it without a complete ecosystem. That’s why Africa’s housing agenda must be treated as a continental productivity agenda, centered on land governance reform, bankable housing finance, stronger local building materials value chains, and climate-smart construction and disciplined urban planning.”
In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Barrister Festus Adebayo, reiterated his commitment to working with the National Assembly, the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Ministry of Housing, the Lagos State Government and other regulatory bodies to ensure proper regulation in the housing sector in the country.
Declaring zero tolerance towards all forms of unethical conduct in the built environment, Barrister Adebayo said the housing and construction sector remained a key driver of growth, job creation and national development.
Acknowledging the contributions of all stakeholders towards building stronger communities and a more prosperous Africa, he said: “Tonight, we applaud the organizations and individuals who demonstrated extraordinary leadership, creativity and integrity throughout the year. Your efforts not only delivered high-quality projects, but also inspired higher standards across the industry.”
“But while we celebrate, we must remain vigilant and proactive. Our sector is evolving and new technologies, regulatory changes, global economic pressures and environmental issues continue to impact the way we work. It is important to recognize these changes early, monitor industry trends and be prepared to respond quickly and strategically.”
“We at HDAN are fully committed to the pursuit of excellence and have zero tolerance for any form of unethical behavior in this field and will continue to monitor the activities of all stakeholders to ensure professionalism in service delivery and to ensure that scammers and fraudsters who take advantage of the innocent public are removed from this field. Even if you are an award recipient, we will not hesitate to expose any wrongdoing that is notorious in this field.”
“We are working with the National Assembly, the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Ministry of Housing, the Lagos State Government and other regulators to ensure that appropriate regulations are in place, similar to what we have in Dubai.
“Let us continue to strengthen our partnerships, embrace innovation and maintain our professionalism. By staying informed and adapting, we can ensure sustainable growth and sustain Africa’s growing momentum in the housing and construction industry.”
Barrister Adebayo, who is also the CEO of Housing TV Show, while congratulating all nominees and winners, described the awards as “a culmination of hard work and a reminder that excellence never goes unnoticed”.
“For those of you who did not receive an award tonight, this is not to say that you did not do well, but rather to call on us to work harder in our activities and service delivery so that we can be eligible for recognition in the near future.”
In her remarks, Comrade Grace Ike, President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, called for enhanced cooperation between journalists and stakeholders in the housing sector to improve access to decent housing for media professionals.
Comrade Ike commended the organizer of the Africa Housing Awards and CEO of Housing TV, Barrister Festus Adebayo, for his consistent advocacy and support for journalism, saying the platform has amplified the public debate on affordable housing.
She particularly paid tribute to Barrister Adebayo, the host and chief executive officer of Housing TV, saying he was a tireless housing advocate whose unwavering support for journalism amplified our voices on important issues.
“Through platforms like the Housing TV program, the housing concerns of journalists and ordinary Nigerians have been made visible,” she stressed.
She also praised the Minister of Housing and Urban Development. ” The Minister’s excellence in the development of housing schemes has never gone unnoticed and we look forward to your continued leadership.
“And to the MD of the Federal Home Loan Bank, we see you not just as financiers, but as partners in development. Journalists shape public discourse and lend us your expertise to make homeownership a reality for media professionals who serve our country tirelessly.”
“As we meet tonight, I am pleased to announce that NUJ FCT is rebranding the project to make an even greater impact in housing advocacy and media empowerment. This strategic move will allow us to innovate and expand our efforts, and we look forward to working with our distinguished partners sitting here tonight. Join us on this new journey to expand our shared mission and foster new hope for the reborn NUJ FCT.”
“Mr. Minister of Housing, we come together tonight with renewed hope. You promised a Journalist Village, a beacon of dignity for journalists who expose the truth, from governance in the FCT to national development. That promise ignited a dream across newsrooms. Now, we passionately appeal to you not to abandon us. Our dream is to see your promise come true in 2026.”
“With the support of the Mortgage Bank, this village will grow, provide stable housing for journalists, and be able to focus on ethical reporting and peacebuilding.
Journalists, our pens build nations. Let’s unite with these leaders to turn promise into structure. ”
In his speech, James Sankwasa, Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, who received the 2025 Minister of Housing Award, asserted that Africa has reached a stage where its development efforts must be recognized and celebrated.
Dangiwa emerged as Africa’s most innovative housing and urban development minister in 2025, with reforms targeting affordability, locally sourced materials and private sector participation.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Aba Yusuf, was named the Housing and Infrastructure Friendly Governor of the Year for his policies supporting mass housing supply and urban renewal initiatives, while Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, received the 2025 Minister of Housing Award.
