The Senate President of Nigeria, Hon Ahmed Lawan has promised a number of housing policy reforms including the contentious lands use act.
The Senate President made this known on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 13th Abuja International Housing Show at International Conference Center, Abuja.
Amending the land use act which according to the current act enthrusts sole proprietorship of lands to State Governors has been mentioned by many stakeholders as one of the solutions for the Nigeria housing sector with a housing deficit in surplus of 17 million.
The Senate President who was represented by Senator Ashiru Oyinlola said: “We recognise the importance of housing, and even more so, the ability of forums like this to influence housing policies. There is a lot for everyone to take from a forum of this magnitude in order to contribute qualitatively to whatever our stakes are in the sub sector.
“There are critical areas that require legislative intervention like the lands use act, the NHF, housing regulation, and many more enabling policies. It is in the agenda of the 9th National Assembly, especially the Senate to see to it that all policies required to get us closer to our collective dreams are achieved.”
The Senate President also appreciated the organizers of the Abuja International Housing Show, saying that “it is indeed remarkable to have a platform like this for all major stakeholders in housing and construction to dialogue on developing issues and fashion out ways to work as a team of collaborators and proffer sustainable solutions that will improve the quantity and quality of housing delivery.
“There is no better time for us to move faster in our ambition to provide decent shelter for everyone. It is indeed a core mandate for us to deal with one of man’s greatest need with the urgency and competence that it requires.
“As this year’s theme titled, ‘driving sustainable housing finance models in the midst of global uncertainties,’ suggests, concerted efforts are now required to think of multiple ways of funding housing development in a way that it wouldn’t only lead to the provision of homes, but to the growth of the economy, GDP and job opportunities.
“I encourage everyone to put on their thinking caps, maximize the networking opportunities here and present to us the most innovative ideas and products that will increase value and competitiveness.”
By Ojonugwa Felix Ugboja
