By Esther Alexander
The Executive Director, Housing Development Advocacy Network HDAN, Festus Adebayo, has called on the government to address unemployment and other economic challenges through affordable housing.
Adebayo disclosed while speaking to newsmen in Abuja, he urged the new administration to provide housing for citizens instead of cash transfers.
According to Adebayo, Nigerian citizens need intervention and not 8,000 naira cash transfers per month. This is coming at a time when Nigerian citizens are faced with the effect of fuel subsidy removal by the new administration.
“There’s no doubt that it’s a new dawn in Nigeria, and Nigerians are experiencing a new era. But the question is how far they can adjust to the effect of fuel subsidy removal. I believe only time can tell.”
“I must say that the multiplier effect of fuel subsidy removal can be seen in all aspects of the economy, cause when fuel price increases everything increases, look at transportation, food, building materials, and so on.”
“I must use this opportunity to let you know that the palliative Nigerians need shouldn’t be in a cash transfer of 8,000 but an intervention that will empower them to become productive and ease the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
According to Adebayo, what is expected at this time is for the government to intervene through housing palliative so as to enable citizens to cope with the economic effect of fuel subsidy removal.
Especially now that affordable housing is almost like a mirage, he added.
“Even when there was no fuel subsidy removal, delivering affordable housing has been a herculean task for the government who even has quick access to land, more or less individuals and organizations.”
Adebayo also hinted that the 17th edition of the Africa International Housing Show set to hold July 24th-27th, 2023, will provide a platform where the Federal government will speak on how they intend to address the issue of affordable housing for Nigerians a reality.
“Citizens need housing to improve productivity, be in good health, and job creation amongst others. The government must announce its intervention plan for housing now before it’s too late.
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