Solve societal problems with affordable housing, AIHS convener counsels

The organizer of the Abuja International Housing Show (AIHS), says the provision of affordable housing is key to solving most of the social problems in the country.

Mr Festus Adebayo, the CEO of AIHS, stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference to announce the commencement of the 15th edition of the show.

According to him, the theme for this year is “Sustainable and resilient housing solution for a post-pandemic world”.

He said if the country’s housing problem could be solved, most societal problems, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, would be easily resolved.

“As you all know, the global pandemic has impacted the global housing market as well as Nigeria.

“We have seen the resurgence and importance of housing not only as an investment but also as a necessary and critical social infrastructure to effectively tackle and tackle the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria and around the world.

“We hope to fully explore the different innovations and requirements that can effectively position housing as a tool in the fight against the epidemic on the sole premise of the importance of housing and the environment.

“Therefore, Nigeria and Africa cannot be left behind in an attempt to adequately prevent the kind of experiences being experienced in India, South Africa and other parts of the world in terms of concerns the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we begin the 15th edition of AIHS next week, the importance of housing cannot be overstated if we are to respect social distancing and promote personal hygiene in accordance with World Health Organization protocols. . “

He said this edition has safety protocols in place to facilitate a smooth conference with zero tolerance for risky behaviour “and we believe attendees will be duly guided.”

Adebayo said part of the issues to be discussed was the place of young people in the provision of affordable housing, adding that it was important to involve them in shaping the future of affordable housing through competitive housing design initiatives.

The expert said the show also addressed housing data for efficient planning and delivery.

To this end, he said the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, National Population Commission, CBN, among others, would be present to shed light on the matter for the public.

He said other key stakeholders would deliberate on Nigeria’s housing deficit and the way forward in terms of segmenting housing needs.

“For us in the housing and construction sector, particularly the Housing Development and Advocacy Network (HDAN), we continue to advocate tirelessly for the development and deployment of affordable housing by government and the private sector.

“At this year’s AIHS, we will be lobbying on different fronts to address the housing issues facing the country.

“For example, how to use the pension fund for affordable housing will be the focus of the show during the show.

“We will spare no effort in the search for affordable housing for Nigerians, and we will not leave the fair without ensuring that stakeholders understand why they must implement all resolutions.

“Providing houses is essential to solving most of the social problems we face today, insecurity among others, name them because in order to build only a one-bedroom apartment you have to hire the mason.

“The carpenter, the welder, the plumber, the electrician, etc, and now you can imagine the economic implication of that in the whole value chain,” he explained.

The Abuja International Housing Fair, which will be held July 26-29, is considered the largest housing fair in West Africa.

It brings together all stakeholders in the built sector, both inside and outside the country, to reflect on and propose viable and sustainable solutions to housing problems.