Stakeholders across the real estate industry—including developers, policymakers, lawmakers, finance providers, building materials manufacturers, built environment professionals, and politicians—are set to chart a new course for affordable housing in Nigeria.

At the upcoming African International Housing Show (AIHS), leading experts will take center stage to dissect the barriers to home ownership, tackling issues such as planning and building approval bottlenecks, delays in land title issuance, skyrocketing building material costs, the infiltration of quacks in the construction sector, and Nigeria’s rapidly growing urban population.

The event, set to commence on July 27 in Abuja, will serve as a critical platform for practical, solution-driven discussions aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens and fostering inclusive urban development.

Nigeria’s Housing Deficit: A Growing Crisis

With a staggering 22 million housing deficit, Nigeria faces an urgent demand for new homes. Experts estimate that the country must build at least 550,000 housing units annually for the next decade just to close the gap. However, financing this endeavor would require a monumental N21 trillion, according to the Nigerian government.

As reported by the Nigerian Tribune, key contributors to this housing shortfall include rapid population growth, high construction and land costs, a lack of affordable mortgage options, high interest rates, corruption, and bureaucratic bottlenecks that stall real estate development.

To bridge this gap, industry professionals have advocated for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), digitized property registration, innovative financing models, and infrastructure improvements to streamline housing development across the nation.

AIHS 2025: A Turning Point for Housing Policy

Festus Adebayo, the Lead Promoter of AIHS, emphasized the pressing need for collective action. “Nigeria’s housing crisis, fueled by rising construction costs, inflation, and population growth, demands urgent intervention,” he stated.

“AIHS 2025 will provide an avenue for experts, policymakers, stakeholders, and young innovators to develop actionable strategies that can drive real change in the housing sector,” he added.

Adebayo cited recent rental price surges in Lagos, likening them to similar affordability concerns in Nairobi, Kenya. He pointed out that Accra, Ghana, and Johannesburg, South Africa are facing similar challenges, with skyrocketing rents making decent accommodation increasingly out of reach for the average citizen.

In Abuja, the situation is no different. Rental costs have spiraled upwards, with a one-bedroom apartment in Lugbe rising from N400,000 to N600,000, while studio apartments in Jahi now command as much as N1 million. These steep increases have pushed many residents into financial distress, as wages fail to keep pace with soaring housing costs.

Tackling the Crisis: What to Expect at AIHS 2025

According to Adebayo, the upcoming summit will go beyond just conversations—it will deliver concrete solutions. Key areas of focus will include:

• Policy Reforms: Experts will explore government interventions to regulate building material costs, streamline housing development, and implement nationwide affordable housing projects.
• Financial Solutions: Mortgage systems will be reformed to improve accessibility, while innovative financing models for rental housing will be explored.
• Youth Engagement: The summit will empower young professionals to participate in the housing sector, leveraging their creativity and tech-driven solutions to modernize real estate.
• Real Estate Best Practices: Ethical and sustainable housing policies will be promoted to stabilize rental markets and prevent exploitative pricing.
• Technology & AI in Housing: The event will showcase cutting-edge innovations, including AI-powered construction techniques and smart housing management systems.

Adebayo remains optimistic, stating that the AIHS platform will “move beyond merely discussing the problem” to implementing real, lasting solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria’s housing deficit stands at 22 million units, requiring 550,000 new homes per year for the next decade.
• The country needs an estimated N21 trillion to address its housing crisis.
• Major rental price surges are making housing unaffordable in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
• AIHS 2025 will focus on policy reforms, financing solutions, youth involvement, ethical real estate practices, and AI-driven housing innovations.
• The event will bring together top real estate stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that will reshape Nigeria’s housing sector.

Will AIHS 2025 be the game-changer Nigeria needs to solve its housing crisis? The stakes have never been higher.