Gombe Hosts 13th National Council on Housing: Paving the Way for Affordable, Climate-Resilient Urban Development
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development kicked off the 13th National Council on Lands, Housing, and Urban Development in Gombe on November 11, with discussions running through November 15. This year’s theme, “Housing the Future: Affordable Housing for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience, and Urban Development,” highlights the critical role of sustainable housing in Nigeria’s future.
Mohammed Bala Saulawa, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry, emphasised the significance of the Council as the top policy-making body for the land, housing, and urban development sectors. The gathering includes three major sessions, with a technical session focused on reviewing submissions from various stakeholders. Over 60 organisations have provided input on key housing issues, addressing concerns such as building safety, housing deficits, and climate resilience.
One of the foremost challenges under review is the issue of building collapses, which has been a recurring concern across the country. “Building collapses threaten lives and property, and addressing this must be a top priority,” Saulawa said. The Ministry has already formed a committee to investigate incidents in cities like Jos, Lagos, and Abuja, where poor building standards and substandard materials have contributed to these incidents.
To address this, the Minister of Housing has underscored the need for stricter adherence to building standards and accountability. Recently, a Housing Tribunal was inaugurated to facilitate sanctions on violators, and policies are expected to include enhanced regulations and enforcement measures.
Housing deficits are another critical topic, with the Ministry prioritising collaboration with the National Population Commission to gather accurate housing data. A newly established committee is working with ten agencies to quantify the housing deficit accurately, and a comprehensive housing survey is planned for early 2024.
Maijama’a Kallah, Gombe’s Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, expressed optimism about the Council’s impact on state housing initiatives. He noted that Gombe has partnered with Family Homes and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to construct 550 housing units, with the majority nearly complete. “Our projects adhere to strict standards, ensuring all construction aligns with quality specifications. Once finished, these units will be available to those who meet eligibility guidelines,” Kallah added.
With the Council’s focus on affordable, climate-resilient housing, the Ministry hopes to set a precedent that will shape Nigeria’s urban development and address longstanding housing challenges. As sessions continue, participants are expected to outline concrete steps toward creating safer, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions across the nation.
