EXPERT URGES PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO BRIDGE HOUSING GAP

A leading housing expert has called for stronger public-private partnerships (PPP) to address Nigeria’s massive housing deficit, estimated at over 18 million units.

Group Managing Director of Metro Group, Damola Akindolire, emphasised that neither the government nor private developers can tackle the challenge alone. “The housing gap is huge, and certainly no single developer can meet that demand,” he stated.

Akindolire highlighted the capital-intensive nature of real estate development and the need for deliberate government intervention in social housing for lower and middle-income segments. He described PPP as the most viable solution, urging collaboration to mobilise resources and scale delivery.

The expert also called on private-sector operators to engage actively in policy development. “The private sector must find ways to collaborate with the government because policies cannot be disconnected from industry players,” he added.

Stakeholders believe enhanced PPP frameworks, innovative financing, and policy incentives will be critical to reducing the deficit and stimulating economic growth through the housing sector.