By Esther Alexander
In order to bridge the gap between identifying and implementing ideas, AIHS 2023 will address and reflect priorities in tackling challenges in the housing sector.
Convener of the Africa International Housing Show AIHS, Festus Adebayo disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja.
“One of the reasons why AIHS was established is to implement government policies, and as we speak a lot has been done to that effect through collaborations with other agencies of government, professional institutions, etc.”
“AIHS has impacted the Federal Republic of Nigeria and some other countries in Africa. Look at the area of land registration, and some amendments that have been made. Today we can boast of the Geographical Information System GIS where land is now digitalized.”
Adebayo added that the aforementioned were made possible during recommendations at the Africa International Housing Show several years ago which were duly considered.
“We also put forth during the show a need for the design and implementation of the NHF, ensuring it addressed the needs and aspirations of the population, which has been achieved.”
“AIHS also called for the establishment of housing ministry in some states, and as we speak many states in Nigeria now have a ministry of housing.”
One of the major results AIHS has achieved was the establishment of the National Housing Fund (NHF), a government initiative saddled with the responsibility of providing affordable mortgages and housing finance options to Nigerians.
“We have seen the establishment of Family Homes Fund which is today responsible for the building of affordable housing, the establishment of organizations to assist in access to Pension Funds to access home ownership. These and many more were part of our requests at previous AIHS which have been achieved.”
AIHS has also encouraged data establishment in the Real estate sector, which a good part of it has been successful through platforms like NMRC which has been partnering with AIHS since it was established, the Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria, and Model Mortgage platform. More consolidation will be made at AIHS 2023 come July 24th -27th, with other stakeholders in NPC, NBS, among others he added.
“AIHS has also impacted the lives of many Nigerians, as we speak over two hundred of billion worth of transactions take place on the platform. This is aside from the networking opportunity that the platform has created especially among professionals in the sector.
“AIHS over the years hasn’t lost any partner or sponsor in the last ten years, this alone shows that it is a platform of value, it is a ground for breakthroughs, and partnerships in the housing and construction industry have thrived through AIHS.
“Many companies and organizations have signed countless MOUs for partnerships, leading to the introduction of best practices and modern technology. These collaborations have helped propel the Nigerian construction industry forward.
AIHS is bringing about significant changes in the Nigerian housing sector. With new strategies and innovative ideas, it is a platform to interact, network, and meet industry professionals.
READ ALSO: AIHS 2023: A Call for Practical Solutions in the Housing Sector- Adebayo
