The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to deliver accurate and reliable data on Nigeria’s housing deficit, urging better access to affordable housing across the country. The call came during Tuesday’s plenary, following the adoption of a motion titled “Provision of Affordable Housing in Nigeria,” sponsored by Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, the lawmaker representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State.

Ukpong-Udo stressed that reliable data is essential for the planning and successful execution of government initiatives. He pointed out that the lack of credible housing data is one of the key challenges hindering effective policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria’s housing sector.

“The housing sector in Nigeria, with its vast deficit, lacks reliable data for the planning and execution of housing policies and strategies,” Ukpong-Udo said. The lawmakers also raised concerns over the alarming statistic that over 24 million Nigerians are homeless and lack access to basic housing facilities, according to the World Population Review.

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With Nigeria ranking among the top 10 countries with the largest homeless populations, lawmakers emphasized the need for the country to move away from reliance on World Bank reports for housing data. They argued that for Nigeria to develop sustainably and ensure the well-being of its citizens, it must create its own comprehensive and scientific housing data.

In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas instructed the Committee on Housing and Habitat to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to tackle the shortage of reliable housing data. The goal is to improve access to affordable and decent housing for Nigerians.